Hi, I was diagnosed in July 23 with invasive ductal cancer, ER+ PR+ HER2-, grade 2. In August I had lumpectomy and axilary lymph node clearance. 3 out of 14 were affected. My results from surgery came back that there were in fact two lumps 35mm and 10mm with no clear margins. I was offered another operation to try and get clear margins but told I had speckles of cancer and whilst I may get the clear margins the speckles may have skipped and still be there. I have therefore decided a mastectomy is the way to go. I am having a two week delay to consider my options.
I am now undecided which way to go with reconstruction and am after some advice.
I am considering a DIEP flat, although delayed as I wish to press on with Chemo and Radiotherapy as I am now already two weeks delayed. My daughter is getting married next August and I would like to be as fit and healthy at that time as I can be.
I do not want to go flat. I am considering an expander as I feel this would be beneficial when I have Radiotherapy and potentially retained until I make a final decision regarding DIEP or implant. Or do I have an immediate implant with concerns it may distort during Radiation. I am unsure if Radiotherapy will be on armpit and breast or just armpit. I believe my nipple and areola can not be saved, but also wonder which is the best option for skin sparing ?
Sorry for the long post, but it all gets more confusing the more I think about it!
