Recently diagnosed

Hi Karen, you have every right to feel sorry for yourself, it is very very scary. I was called back for another mammogram 3 weeks ago and had a biopsy and a scan the same day. I was told then they were 99% positive, it is one hell of a shock, it’s devastating, like you there is no cancer if any kind in my family. I’m 54 I still can’t  believe this is happening, I feel like I’m being carried along and my future has now changed completely.

I have a date for surgery, it’s in 2 weeks and then 8 weeks after that I’ll have radiotherapy. The surgeon gave me the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy, I asked which would she choose, she said lumpectomy it’s only 12mm and grade 1, so they caught it early.

With regards to your liver function test, I have regular tests as I take medication, my ALT level was raised in Feb 2020 but I had another blood test the month later and it was normal. I asked my gastroenterologist about it and he said your ALT level goes up and down all the time, so hopefully it will be normal with your next test.

There are lots of inspiring posts on here and I’ve found it very helpful to read them, it’s made me feel calmer knowing that I’m not alone and that it’s completely normal to feel this way.

Big hugs

Diane xx

Hi Karen. My cancer was 1cm, hormone positive and I chose lumpectomy and bilateral mammoplasty. I too could only think I want this out of me but I was also aware that I’d find adjusting to mastectomy very difficult. I’m sure I made the right decision (for me) and wish you all the very best which ever decision you make.

Hi Diane

Thank you for your response and reassurances, that’s really helpful and appreciated.

I am sorry to hear about your own journey but good to hear you are being positive and that your cancer is an early stage. 

I didn’t know ALT levels can go up and down so that’s particularly helpful, thank you.

The very best for your surgery and treatment plan, do let me know how you progress.

Best wishes

Karen xxx

Hello

Thank you got your response and sharing your story. Can I ask, what is a bilateral mammoplasty? 
Best wishes

Karen xx

Hi Karen. I was given 3 options : lumpectomy (leave a dent where lump was), lumpectomy and reconstruction to remove dent where lump was or lumpectomy and bilateral mammoplasty - surgery also on other breast so they look the same. I wanted to look as normal as poss so went for that. If you google it says for women with “ponderous breasts” but mine were certainly not that! I was a 34 C. Scarring has pretty much faded (op in Jan) and really pleased with the result. Yes, it’s additional surgery but I felt the long term gain was worth it x

Hello

Thank you, that's really useful to know, I wasn’t aware of the options so gaining an understanding is really helpful.

All the best x