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Hi lovely people, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer a couple of months ago in my left breast, after a routine mammogram. At the time it seemed straight forwards - a lumpectomy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen… but just before the surgery they decided to do an MRI to check all the veins and things for surgery and another tumour was found on the other breast. This didn’t show up on any scan except MRI. It turned out to be a small DCIS. A special core biopsy was ordered under another MRI - a sort of robot surgeon. It was all a bit sci-fi. Anyway, to my shock they found another tumour, called an LCIS or Lobular Carcinoma in Situ. It’s apparently a pre cancer and isn’t dangerous now but it could change. In fact that’s how they think the first cancer started out. So this week I had the tumours removed - wide excision breast surgery or something. Sort of partial mastectomies where they moulded the remaining tissues to form breasts. It’s bruised but doesn’t look too bad albeit really swollen. I’m finding out if it worked on 11th. My surgeon said the left side is looking good but he’s worried about the right and is concerned he still might need to do a mastectomy:( not what you want to hear. My surgery was very complicated and due to my asthma I now have a chest infection and suspected pneumonia. But I’m told there is time to recover before the next stage.

As for the rest of my life, I’m married, have 3 adult children of whom my son lives with us still. He’s autistic but very able. I’m his carer and I also work with autistic people when I’m not off work. I’ve been pretty positive and upbeat but the series of calamities are starting to get to me. And not being able to breathe doesn’t help. 

  • .mel28, This_is_40

    I was told that reconstruction isn't possible if I am needing radiotherapy, so that comes at the end after all the treatment is settled.

    At times you just don't know about anything. The trouble is the more info, the more worrying it gets and then the head spins!!

    Keep talking ladies, we will get through this eventually

    C x

  • Claud272.x

    Thank you for your message.

    The gap filler..lol...the breast care nurse assessed the one breast and gave me a silicone one correct size to match up missing one.  It actually had just disintegrated a few weeks before I was rediagnosed...and breast care nurse says she will remeasure for a replacement, silicone rubberized one is.nice and warm in winter as warms up with body temperature, also got a triangular stuffed falsie in soft material, you can adjust the stuffing.. Great job.

    I've a few hoops to jump through yet and the question is for me...once bitten twice shy with all clear, I just take one day at a time and don't look ahead, everyday is a good day.

    take care to you also Claud

    I'm not sure about sequence of treatment with c as so many diff types, hopefully The Team will discuss your case and make a collective decision, very skilled people trying to do the best for each and everyone of us.

    Katrina x

  • Initially they give you a sponge falsie called a Softie, but once your scar is healed you can get a prosthetic - that’s a fake breast you tuck into a cotton pocket in your bra. A relative has them - they are spookily real, with the weight, feel and wobble of a real breast. You can even have stick on ones although they’re expensive and fussy. You get a voucher for the NHS but people buy the really posh ones because you can get designer boobs LOL. Some women don’t bother - they can be hot in summer but you’d never know if all the women around you were wearing falsies. You can even get droopy ones for elderly women !

  • No holding back on the falsie description, made me laugh as I can only imagine it bouncing saggy or not...fake or real. You gotta laugh at these things not out of being insensitive. If not we will always be crying about everything, especially what we ladies have to go through right now! Oooh designer boob...never knew!

    What we women have to put up with! Never thought a fake boob can disintegrate!! I am learning so much here for sure.

    You're right take it a step at a time. You are strong and will come through this...we do this together Heart Hope your hoops aren't too huge.

    C x

  • My relative had to fix one of her prostheses with duct tape for about 6 weeks!

  • Technically I’ve now been diagnosed with a fourth type of cancer now - they found a load of multi focal invasive breast cancer in my right breast, during my lumpectomy operation. So now I need a mastectomy. It’s like every single meeting I’ve had has resulted in worse news

  • This is what I had in right, resulting in mastectomy and implant. Had same as you in left. Nipple removed on right, but still have left one. They look OK though, so don't worry.

  • Ohhhh....I wish I can give you the biggest hug. I feel you are so brave to face hurdle after hurdle....I so feel for you my dear...it is so hard!! Trying to think of this objectively, would you rather know or not know? At least they're honest (harsh I know!) Did that result not show up on ultra sound and mammogram? 

    Even with my diagnosis there is so many layers of info...I find it hard to take everything in!

    Remember to breathe and take it a step at a time! I have to have mastectomy anyways so i hadn't considered lumpectomy. I just want it gone but I am going chemo first.

    What is your plan now? Only if it helps you talking about it. Sending u healing vibes

    C x

  • @Anabrock

    Truly put a smile on my face that!! Why not hey..in our world nothing is bizarre anymore. Lol I hope your relative didn't have the duct tape on for long. Have to say I don't even know where to start shopping for these things ...BoobsRUs comes to mind. I need to get some front opening tops! 

    C x

  • I was recommended Nicola Jane. They are brilliant