I dont know where my other post is but ill start again..

Hi Ruth,

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through, especially as your mum is not around.

I'm Sue, also 52. I have high grade non invasive DCIS 62mm and will need a masectomy.

It's been 4 weeks since I was diagnosed, and they've only just told me that they will not reconstruct unless I quit smoking. I haven't got a date for my op - but they said roughly 5 weeks. 

I've been on an emotional roller coaster.... and I don't know what to do for the best. If I wait, it could spread and become invasive, but if I let them amputate a part of me... I don't know how that will affect my self esteem.

I'm worried too about being put out... scared that I'll die on the operating table.

It's nice to chat to someone - I don't know what to do! 

Hello Pepsiepixieand 

Welcome to the site that no one wants to join ! You will get a lot of support here and we understand your concerns as we have all gone through these feelings.

Ruth - I know that’s it’s easy to say but don’t worry about surgery. I too was worried as having an anaesthetic a while ago wasn’t a pleasant experience whereas today it’s so easy. The staff will reassure you and keep you calm and you will be asleep before you can blink. It’s very straightforward. You will be fine.

Sue - it’s a personal decision and everyone has a different outlook but I know I would want the breast off and so the cancer will be gone. Saying that some people struggle. I myself have had a single mastectomy and chose no reconstruction mainly because I wanted to lessen the amount of surgery. It’s not the nicest thing to happen to you but it’s a small price to pay for a life. I had mine just before Covid hit but after me many many people did not have the chance of reconstruction due to the virus and even though they really wanted a reconstruction it wasn’t possible due to the situation in the NHS. Now I believe they have to wait for a long time to be offered it and know some have accepted the way they are. I know it’s hard. 
Best wishes

Jojodot X

Hey Scatty69. I would let them take my boob off..If it means its saving my life.

Its hard to quit smoking, but im glad i did it 15 years ago.. The few people that i know that have had therir boobs off have had a tattoo in their place.. as theyve not been able to have reconstruction with the covid being around..

I hope you find the answers to your questions.. If you need to chat ive added you as a friend... xx

The operation is the easiest part. It's over before you know it. The hardest part is waiting to see if they have got rid of everything. The surgeon told me after the operation that she was certain that they had but the results of biopsy took 3 weeks.

I opted for lumpectomy instead of mastectomy when given the choice and think it was the best choice for me. I didn't want further surgery so am a little lop-sided but who cares. "IT" has gone!

Stay positive, surgery is easiest part! This forum is best place to go if you need to know anything as everyone has been there and done it. x

Hi. Welcome. I was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive ductal cell carcinoma at 48 and had my 49th birthday 4 days after my surgery - lumpectomy and sentinel node removal of 3 out of 4. You are not alone in your fears. I too getvery anxious about anaesthetic and not waking up despite this being my 3rd surgery (2 are not connected to this). The anaesthetist this time was lovely and young but she did give me a sedative! There always a risk but it much less than it used to be and they are very skilled at what they do. I had to keep repeating that I needed to do this on order to get rid of lump. Do feel free to ask questions no matter how daft you think they  are- there are no daft questions as this is all new to a lot of us. Good luck x

Hi I'm 51 and dont like being knocked out either. I was diagnosed mid April had lumpectomy end april but no clear margins.  I now need a mastectomy which I'm having on Thursday..... scared as I'm a single mum .... just want the operation over with.... too soon after the last one:-( 

Hi Ruth

Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and that you lost your mother to the disease.

Wishing you the best of luck with your operation when you have it.

Best wishes

Daisy53 xx

Hi Merlin1664

Sorry to hear that you need further surgery after your lumpectomy.

Best of luck with you operation on Thursday.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you xx 

Thank you :)