Hi I’m new here
im 36 and I’ve just finished chemotherapy 3 weeks ago.I was diagnosed with a 4cm lump in one breast in august 2023 and chemo started in September and I’ve just finished (jan 2024) I have surgery booked in two weeks time. I know I definitely want a double mastectomy as there were 8 non cancerous lumps in the other breast and I’m scared that I will get cancer in that breast,but I’ve been offered to have a lumpectomy first then after treatment (I have hormone injections in my stomach and thigh every 3/4weeks 6month left)I can then have a double mastectomy and reconstruction or I can have a single mastectomy now (can’t have double yet because they don’t want to delay any treatment if it’s needed)then I would be put on a waiting list for the other breast that currently doesn’t have cancer for a mastectomy and have reconstruction for both breasts at the same time but the wait can be anything from 12months 18months or even longer as I will no longer be a priority for surgery.
im not sure wether just to go for a single mastectomy now and just wait for the other mastectomy and reconstruction or just have a lumpectomy now and have double mastectomy and reconstruction sooner.(I was told if I have a lumpectomy now I won’t be put on a waiting list for double mastectomy/reconstruction as I be a priority and treatment not finished but if I have single mastectomy now I would no longer be a priority and I be put on nhs waiting list because technically treatment has ended)
has anyone had a lumpectomy and wished they just had a mastectomy first? Im scared that there could be active cells or another cancer hidden in the breast and having a lumpectomy they would miss it but if they did a mastectomy they would know.I’m scared that by the time I’m waiting for a mastectomy in 6months it could spread to the nodes.then I’m also worried that if I have a mastectomy now the wait for the other breast to be removed and to have a reconstruction could be years and I be worried getting cancer in other breast.not sure if this is making sense!
Anyone had a lumpectomy and they found another tumour or margins weren’t clear and you needed mor surgery?
(Hormone tablets will be given)
Hi A28 and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link > Breast cancer then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community ((hugs))
