DCIS recurrence after 4 years

Morning, I’m sorry to hear about your journey so far. I wanted to thank you for posting this, it has helped me and I’m sure others. I have an invasive tumour and also two areas of different grade DCIS. Mammoplasty was offered as an option, after two wide exisions were ruled out, but I was told I’d have practically no breast left to reshape and when I discussed further with a different surgeon he told me that my breast was unstable and I was at high risk of cancer coming back. I have opted for masectomy and diep flap, but seem stuck in a system that has grinded to a holt. Can I ask please how long post your second diagnosis before you got your masectomy and reconstruction please?  Also when you talk about going up a bra size after reconstruction, can I be thick and ask, as a 36C, would I go further 38C front fastening non wired in padded and soft bras please? Also did you buy control pants for after diep and if so what type please?  How long were you in hospital abs abs other tips gratefully received. 

I hope your second bout of chemo doesn’t have too many side effects for you. Many thanks again Mickey 

Ah thanks for clarifying. I’m sorry I can’t help on your chemo change as I’m on 3 weekly cycles but any advice you can offer of views on your diep reconstruction would be appreciated as that’s my next step x

Hi Anna12345

It is a major operation but not brutal as has been recently described by a celebrity on social media. The results which are excellent outweigh the initial discomfort. There is minimal breast pain with the most discomfort in the lower and upper abdomen. You are constantly monitored and checked by the nurses and doctors so have loads of opportunity to ask questions and ask for pain relief. The nurses will get you up the next day and showered the day after. Then on day 3 you have to shower independently. It’s not easy at first but the more walking around you do on the ward the easier it gets. You will have a catheter and drains in when you wake up from the op but they take them out quite quickly if they can and you don’t really notice them much at first as the anaesthesia takes a while to wear off fully. I went home after 4 nights including the day of the surgery and managed fine at home although I did think it was a bit too quick.  Dressings are waterproof so you can shower easily. You will need plenty of rest afterwards but generally after 2 weeks can start doing short walks and small things at home like making drinks and snacks but will be too tired to do much else. You will not be able to lift your arm or anything much more than a light kettle until your Physio advises. After 6 weeks you will be able to drive and do most things apart from heavy lifting which you can’t do until after 12 weeks.

I strongly recommend taking a small portable fan to hospital as you will be kept very warm initially and they may not have one available. 

The breast care nurses will tell you what bras and pants to buy but if you need to know anything feel free to ask me. You will defiantly need front opening bras and nightdresses/pajamas  for hospital and a few weeks after at home while you can’t lift your arm. You will also need front fastening clothing for the same reason.

I wish you a good luck for your surgery and hope all goes well for your recovery x

Hi MikeyM

I thought I replied to you earlier but looks like Idid not send it.

I had my diagnosis on 13th May and operation finally on 28th August and the wait was worrying and frustrating.  If you can,  try to speak to your consultants PA as they know a lot about planned dates and if you are lucky like me, they will keep in touch with you to let you know what’s happening. I hope you hear soon.

The breast care nurses advise going up a size as you state above. It’s just for the swelling after surgery.  You will need non wired bras after about 4 weeks but these will be your usual size. I got nice lightly padded soft ones from M&S. The nurses recommended control pants from Primark. Again they say next size up from your norm. They are not expensive. You will need at least 6 pairs to take to hospital and to wear for a couple of weeks when you go home.

I was in hospital for 4 nights including day of op. I thought this was too early although I managed fine at home. They like you out ASAP due to COVID concerns where I went.

I recommend you take a small portable fan to hospital as they keep you very warm at first and no guarantees the ward will have one. You will also need front fastening nightie or pajamas as nurses and doctors come round and check you a lot.

Please let me know if you have any other questions and I wish you good luck with your surgery and recovery x

Thank you, that’s really useful - I’m really glad that you are recovering well. Can I be a pain and ask how many larger bras you think for the beginning when swollen? I’ve seen some in M&S front opening with a gripper and zip ! X

Thank you very much, really appreciate that full answer. Yes recent celebrities have l had me spitting feathers too x

Hi MickeyM

You are not a pain. I managed with 2 of the bras whichI got from M&S.  I got them online as my size was not in stock and only the bigger stores stock the mastectomy range anyway. The good thing is that they are VAT exempt. They dry quickly and you will only need them for about 4 weeks. However the breast care. Nurses specifically said hooks not zips.

Thank you so much, the only hook post surgery one I’ve seen front fastening was a bit saggy in the cup area. Wasn’t sure if that would mean I wouldn’t get enough support? Thanks so much, Mickey x 

I think mine did sag a bit but was overall supportive enough. The nurses recommended Asda online to me but they were sold out in my size. They were a lot cheaper than M&S x

Good to know, thanks - how did you manage to do the hooks? I might get lymph nodes done at same time, so worried I won’t have arm strength to do it ? X