Breast Cancer Mastectomy

Hi 3883 LW

welcome!

I found out on Monday that my margins weren’t clear and my DCIS was bigger than they thought so I’m going in for re excision tomorrow. I’m not hopeful and was offered mastectomy with implant reconstruction as an option but thought I’d give excision one more go.

I did ask lots of questions about mastectomy at my appointment as I’m kind of expecting it so I thought I’d share those in case it helps.

my surgeon specialises in implant reconstruction but does give the option to his ladies of going elsewhere for the DIEP reconstruction which is considered the gold standard of reconstruction but it a big big operation and you will have other scars from the donor site. 
I was surprised and delighted to hear that it is sometimes possible to have a nipple sparing mastectomy with an implant. For me that would make me feel so much better. Don’t know if that’s just me?

Even if my margins are clear after this next op, I’m really not sure about having radiotherapy as I’ve been told it can limit my options for reconstruction in the future if I get a recurrence. It can also affect the cosmetic look of the breast and as my DCIS is left sided there can be implications for my heart. So basically I’m coming round to the idea that a mastectomy might be a better option.

Also it would mean no more mammograms, biopsies (which I hated), stress, waiting, worrying etc on that breast anyway.

There’s so much to think about isn’t there!

let us know how you get on

best wishes

Deb x

Hi Deb,

Good luck with the re excision.

I’m in similar situation, but leaning towards a mastectomy as having previously had left breast 2 excisions and radiotherapy plus boost in 2013. So far right breast no clear margins and found other foci. I’ve had one appointment with surgeon and plastic surgeon. Back on 26 April to discuss further. Also waiting for genetic test as bi lateral BC. 

I’ve been told that having had radiotherapy on left previously it will prevent some kinds of reconstruction and maybe not suitable to have any. So understand your comments about having radiotherapy. Also totally emphasise with your comments about mammograms, biopsies etc and all the waiting.

On a positive note, I like I’m sure many others are grateful for the fantastic care I’m getting.

Take care, and fingers crossed for clear margins! Karen    

Hi, thanks for your reply,  there is so much to think about, it seems that's all I'm thinking about now.  My surgeon did discuss the DIEP reconstruction, however, I'm quite slim and don't have much spare fat and don't like idea of more scars.  So I'm going to opt for implant, my surgeon did say it wasn't silicone.  I still can't believe that this is happening.  I am so pleased you replied it makes me feel lime I'm not alone in this.  I'm hopefully going to see the reconstruction nurse on Friday who will show me some photos of my surgeons work and discuss options.  I hope all goes well with you, let me know how you get on. Xx

3883

Hi 3883,

Just to say we all seem to be in a similar situation. I replied to Deb as hers was last post.
Also sending my best wishes to you for a good appointment, and I hope you get the information you are looking for. 
I don’t have a date yet for my mastectomy, but maybe we will all be around the same time. 

I just keep saying to myself “keep jumping forward” and smile.

Best wishes, Karen 

Hi Karen,

Thank you for your reply, yes we do seem to be in similar situations, in a horrible way, it makes me feel not so alone. 

My surgeon said my mastectomy will probably be in April, I think probably end of April to be realistic.  Still waiting for a date.   I hope it is, but I'm also dreading it at the same time. I hate all the waiting for the next appointment.  

I like your comment about jumping forward and smiling, i seem to be crying at lot, so I must keep your mantra in my mind, thank you.

Let me know when you get a date for your mastectomy and sending you best wishes xxx

3883 

Hi

If you read my profile you can read my story - but I had a mastectomy with immediate implant , which I had removed and a Diep flap 2 1/2 years later - don’t think that your initial decision has to be the final one. I didn’t want to go flat and the implant was perfectly fine at first , and I know many ladies who are perfectly happy many years later with their implants , but for me the implant became very cold and rippled. Having it changed at a later date to the Diep was the right decision for me , as was the initial implant , I had had enough of treatment and operations and just wanted something simple and quick , which is what it was. 

Discuss the options with your team and ask about further surgery down the line, you will not be committed but you will alllow yourself options? 

Just as an addition , the DIEP recovery was better than I expected.

Best wishes

Jo 

Thank you Jo, this is helpful, best wishes

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