Walking back to Happiness

Ooh and thanks Weeblemum for the Matthew Bourne Swan Lake tip off - its coming to my local theatre at the end of May next year, so will book tickets as soon as they come on sale (May 2019 seems a long way away) xxx

Thanks moomy. I guess there’s always decisions to make somewhere along the line although I know what I don’t want..flap surgery. I’m not keen on the idea of an implant though ( how are you liking yours?).  There’s not much left after that ... my goodness that’s a pun if ever there was one I know I’m going to have to talk through everything but I’m trying look at the positives of just getting dodgy breast removed first. 

Xx

Hi Flossie25

Seems you are taking a very sensible and positive view of things. I had a mastectomy without reconstruction in 2016 - I don't regret my decision! I have the option to have the other removed for symmetry and the option to choose some sort of reconstruction if I change my mind. For me, knowing I have those options is important. That way I am making a choice rather than having one forced on me and it makes a difference to how I feel.

It isn't an easy decision and I wish you a clear vision through it, but it doesn't have to be final.

R

Thanks Eddiboy I think going for DIEP is such a big decision just because of the surgery involved but it seems to give a more natural result and will change with weight gain/loss so you will definitely get the results you are looking for. I want to minimise surgery, have quick recovery so my gut feeling was no recon....flap surgery is definitely not for me. I’m not very keen on having an implant either just not sure what it would be like, feel like and am conscious of the fact that it will need replacing at some time ... that’ll take me well into my 70’s if I’m looking at max 15year life span of implant. If I go no recon I’m hoping I’ll adapt as well as I have following both recent surgeries where I have already lost nipple area and my small boob has become even smaller and an odd shape... still, the decision making process is giving me a headache and like you say I’ll have to talk it through I’ll write my list out of pros and cons but it’s all down to feelings and at the minute I’m going round in circles a bit... sorry for rambling on.

I hope you mind settled during the night, + your hot flashes cooled down a bit, enough for you to get a bit of sleep. Hope your pre op assessment goes ok. You’ll be away on your lovely holiday soon so you’ll probably do a lot of walking then. I’m intending to get out lots and get a bit fitter pre op... need to lose more weight and try and get rid of spare tyre.

xhugsx

Hi all

Very different vibe today as I got ejected from a bus which ended its route early and I've had to walk the rest of the way to work- traffic problems (sigh)

Have a good day everyone!

R

Hi all

Very different vibe today as I got ejected from a bus which ended its route early and I've had to walk the rest of the way to work- traffic problems (sigh)

Have a good day everyone!

R

Thanks ronstar....  I am trying to see the positives and keep that in mind but I’m still in wobble mode. As you and Eddiboy say I can reconsider recon at a later date if I don’t go with it now. I thought I would find the decision easier but I don’t know how I’ll feel post op without recon but that goes the same for having an implant too. Its a question of mindset and gut feelings I think.  It seems that surgeons and bcn’s go into having recon straightaway because it’s in Nice guidelines but they don’t give having no recon any emphasis initially. I think they want to reassure that if wanted recon is available if mx is indicated.

Hope you’re having a good day so far xx

I know where you work moomy - it seemed like a natural assumption! 

Hi Flossie, 

You've a really tough choice ahead, also think about the possibility of a temporary implant which can then help stretch the skin if you decide to go ahead later? 

Whatever your thoughts, pluses and minuses, you have to weigh them up and go with your gut feelings at the time.....and have no regrets either! 

Sending strength and wisdom as well as big hugs xxx

Hi Eddiboy, 

Was trying to post earlier but I got through all the motions except the actual post, then the site failed! Was hoping to advise you to ask the nurses to hold the blood pressure machine off till a little while after your walk uphill to the hospital, otherwise it might be a bit high! 

Mine always responds to the first sight of the wretched machine and shoots up! (Called white coat syndrome!) 

Hope your pre-op is all ok....

Hugs xxx