Hello!

FormerMember over 3 years ago

5 replies
475 subscribers
518 views

Hi,

I'm new to this group although already a fair way through treatment. I was diagnosed just before Christmas with invasive lobular breast cancer, oestrogen and progesterone receptive. I had a mastectomy in February and have my last radiotherapy tomorrow. Next week I will start Zoladex and Zolodronic Acid.

I'm 46, I work in mental health for the NHS and for fun I run and also perform and direct local theatre. I was in a play the week before my mastectomy which ironically was a bedroom farce so I was swanning around in a negligee for most of it - I liked to think of it as a final fling for my left boob I also have a 5 year old who is wonderful but also exhausting and all consuming at times. Surgery and readiotherapy coincided with his half term/Easter holiday and it was hard going to say the least.

I am struggling a bit as I don't really want to wear the prosthetic and right now I don't think I want a reconstruction - I would rather wait until the skin has settled and get a fabulous tattoo. I am finding that although the support I have received is amazing, it does all seem to come from the angle of assuming I must want a reconstruction or to hide the fact that I am flat on one side and not particularly supporting me to feel ok with going about a bit lop sided.

Any chance anyone else feels the same? I do still need support to come to terms with things and navigate this bewildering new world but equally I don't feel like I want to try and get my body back to how it looked before - more find a way to embrace the way it is now and I am feeling really alone in this.

Thanks

Grogg over 3 years ago

Hello and welcome. I didn't have mastectomy so can't relate to your issue regarding reconstruction. One of my friends did go down that route 6 years after diagnosis. She was mid 50s going for it and pleased with the results but just says she wasn't ready to do it before. Do what you feel is right for you. It's still very early days xx

HappyFeet1 over 3 years ago

Hi and another warm welcome to the forum. I can’t speak from experience as I had a lumpectomy but have you seen the group Flat Friends UK? I’m sure I’ve heard them on the radio before. I’ll post a screen shot. Also I had ear acupuncture for hot flushes (due to hormone zappers) with a woman who showed us her beautiful tattoo of a bird on her flat side - just lovely! Love and hugs, HFxx

HappyFeet1 xx

Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to HappyFeet1

Thank you - I hadn't heard of Flat Friends - I will look them up. Crying is definitely happening too!!

FE1 over 3 years ago

Hello. And hope you are doing ok today.

I too was diagnosed with BC lobular in left breast. Mastectomy end of January and now on chemotherapy. I've only used the initial soft prosthetic they give you after the mastectomy. I've not been for my proper one yet. Like you I'm not sure I'll want a construction and at the moment am just getting my head around it all. I have spoken to a few ladies who waited a few years before making a decision. I feel like I just need to get through the next 5 or 6 months before I settle my brain on what makes me feel best.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Stephanie over 3 years ago

Hello Fi, I am also new to this group, welcome! I was also diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer grade 2, just had a double mastectomy with implants end of March. Sadly, I will be going for chemotherapy soon as they found cancer cells in my lymph nodes. Completely gutted and so upset as a result. I am so scared of the future. It is never ending this cancer! So there is no surprise we are so lost.
with regards to reconstruction, I was not sure either and I ended up with implants. I am 44 and I was so indecisive, too many decisions to take in a short time. Flat or implants? I had the op 18 days ago and while I have some shape looking like a breast, I lost my nipples and I did not dare looking too much last week when they cleaned up and replaced the bandages, for sure, it is not the same anymore. Take your time in your decision and see what makes you feel good. In some ways, I went for implants as I love dressing well and I am a medium size with some shape and for that reason, it was probably why I chose to look sexy. This is for me though and I may change in the future. For now, I am focusing on staying alive. Good luck my lovely and do not rush. You will find your answers. I found a few ladies very supportive on instagram and this may help you.

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