DCIS Mastectomy options/choices

Hi Enstone

First of all, I'm so sorry you.find yoursel here, but I'm sure you'll get lots of support.

I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS in my left breast in February this year.  After lots of tests, scans and biopsies I was told that because the area was large, 6cm, the best option was a Mastectomy.

Like you I was offered reconstructive surgery at the same time.  However the waiting time for the surgery was going to be months, rather than a few weeks for the Mastectomy with no reconstruction.

Although I had considered reconstruction I really didnt want to wait, so went ahead without reconstructive surgery in April

I dont regret it.  The surgery was straightforward with no real issues, and 3 months on I'm fully recovered and feeling great.

I'm not going to lie, it took me a long time to look at the scar, and there were lots of dark days.  But in time i got used to it, I use bio oil and MooGoo daily, something i thought I'd never be able to do.  I'm feeling confident with my prosthesis and so, so grateful that the cancer is gone.  

I'm not sure if that helps, but I hope you can come to the right decision soon.

Joyce

Thank you so much Joyce for sharing your experience. That's great news that you "have come out the other side" recovered and well. Is your scar horizontal or in a curved shape?

Hi Enstone

My scar is horizontal, I had lymph nodes removed too so it goes right up under my arm.

The combination of Moo Goo in the morning and Bio Oil at night is definitely helping the appearance and the tightness.

I was probably more worried about how I would look dressed, but I really dont think any one would ever guess.  The prosthesis looks exactly like my other boob!

Love Joyce x

Hi Joyce

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I am waiting now for a reply from my consultant to some questions I have asked, but I'm probably going to go flat.

The Moo Goo and Bio Oil look to be a good combination. I'll definitely get some of that.

Very best wishes,

Sarah x

Hi Sarah 

Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you.

Joyce x

Thank you X

Hi Enstone, 

I had a mastectomy and silicone implant 5 days ago and am at home slowly recovering, with a drain in situ which is emptied  and measured every day.

I wanted to have an immediate implant as I didn't want a flat breast with a later implant. My breast has been reduced slightly in size and I also lost my nipple.

No radiotherapy at this stage is needed.

The plan is that is 3 or 4 months time my current breast will be reduced and lifted to match and a new nipple made.

So far so good, very little pain and discomfort. Scarring I'm sure will be ok.

I am still dealing with the shock of ot all, however the breast cancer nurses are amazing.

Hope all goes well for you.

Hi Jans

Thank you so much for replying and sharing your own experience.

I hope you are continuing to heal well and have come to terms with the implant. It can't be easy to know you will be having more surgery soon to your remaining breast, but time goes so quickly, it'll soon be done and healed.

I had decided, at the beginning of August, to have the Chest Wall Perforator Flap which was one of the three choices I was given by the Shrewsbury and Telford Health Trust. Then, last week I had an appointment with my surgeon who told me that a Manager at the Trust has decided that they will no longer fund the plastics surgeon that came in from "out of area" to assist in the surgery! I was sent away again to choose between the remaining two options that I had previously dismissed.

Flat, or a plastic implant. I am quite small breasted and the CWPF apparently would have been very suitable.

I have another appointment tomorrow with the surgeon to let her know which option I am going for. To be honest, I still don't know!!

With very best wishes

Sarah