Hi new here
im Clare, 34 (35 this month) and I’m 12 days post mastectomy
may 8th I found a lump in left breast, went to doctors following day and was referred to breast clinic at Macclesfield hospital. Had my appointment there on may 26th, where I had nurses feel around and an ultrasound guided biopsy. 3 weeks later I was diagnosed with DCIS and sent for a mammogram. Another 3 week wait I was told I’ll be going down the surgery route but they needed more info as such. By this time I found out I was pregnant and had a decision to make, but nature made that decision for me a few weeks later. I had to go back 3 days after mammogram results for a X-ray guided biopsy mammogram and a 3D mammogram on right breast followed by another ultrasound this time on right something showed up on first mammogram for this, but turned out to be nothing. 2 weeks later I went for TOP to find out baby died 3-4 previously, local anaesthetic later everything was removed. Another appointment at breast clinic that week was told they’re performing a single, skin sparing, nipple sacrificing mastectomy as a preventative treatment as they had all they needed with sentinel node removal and expander reconstruction. breast surgeon said if lumpectomy was performed I’d have a massive dint in breast and she didn’t want to risk leaving even 1 cell behind, lump grew to 8cm by 6cm. Fast forward to this august 21st and I have my surgery. Everything went well. Saw breast surgeon following day to find out I had a reaction to the radioactive dye and she had never seen this before.
I am now waiting for results of removed tissue etc. if it’s cancer I’ll be waiting another 6 weeks to see if it’s genetic. All this while waiting to see a plastic surgeon for DIEP reconstruction.
what can I say about the expander? So far all I can say is that it’s so uncomfortable but Im glad it’s not forever.
Wow what a lot you have gone through. I’ve also been diagnosed with DCIS about the same size so my mastectomy is next week. To lose your baby too must have been so traumatic I’m sorry for your loss. I lost one in between baby 1 and 2 but at least it was before the whole DCIS. Like you say we have to think nature is somehow playing a part and you’ll get your rainbow baby I hope like I did in the end. Sending you love and hope the recovery goes well xx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007