I’ve just been diagnosed with this too. Totally overwhelmed with the mastectomy vs lumpectomy decision. And then if a mastectomy which one of those to have. There are so many types. Also very upset to hear about the hormone blocker tablets afterwards and the side effects. Can anyone help me with the above?
its hard are not going to lie. It takes time to come to terms with. I was a mess when I found out still am but trying to be nice to myself as the stress hasn’t helped. It is a big decision ive decided on a simple mastectomy with no reconstruction for now. Good luck
When is your op? I had mastectomy and if I can come off it OK, so can you. You will feel all sorts but the best you can do is to stay calm as poss, keep nutrition up, keep supple with exercises and listen to the medical advice from surgical team. They do this as routine procedure even though in our world it can seem so big and out of our depth. Sleep is something I could not get in early stages still can't figure this one out yet.
Get some practical tips, buy a bra ...tu sainsbury does one for £9 comfy tried and tested. I got ready some bio oil and moisturisers to put on 3 wks after. Get bag packed for hospital. And you will be given a softie to fill the gap and some paracetamol/codeine. I didn't take any of the codeine and only on paracetomol for 2 days. It was an overnight op for me.
If you want to know how it goes during the day, do say....Good luck...you will be fine.
I had DCIS grade 3 in July, I had 3 lumpectomy to try and get a clear margin but ended up with a single mastectomy no radiotherapy or meds required it hadn't spread to the lymph nodes, results no further action and back at work 4 weeks later x
Hi. I had an encapsulated papillary carcinoma roughly 4cm in size removed last week.
I decided on a round block mastopexy which is removal of the lump via an incision around your nipple and then what I think of as a bit of re-arranging of the remaining breast tissue to give a rounded shape. I also had 2 sentinel nodes removed.
I'm a 38 c/d, I didnt fancy an implant or flap and as my surgeon thought the mastopexy a good option for me, I went with that.
From my pre surgery biopsy Ive been told that my cancer is slow growing and ER 8 - very estrogen driven. I get my post op histology results next week.
If the margins aren't clear I will need more surgery. The surgeon said that there is enough tissue for an additional shave but there is a risk that I may need a mastectomy if clear margins can't be made.
I'm 63 and wanted to try to retain my breast. Clear margins followed by radiotherapy and hormone suppressant have a similar outcome to a mastectomy with same.
I'm really pleased with the result so far. Fingers crossed that I dont need more surgery. If I do, I'll take whatever comes next.
Regarding hormone blockers, I'm worried too but having asked questions on the forum it looks like there is such a range of experience.that I'll only know once I start the treatment.
Safe to say there is lots of good advice here so no doubt I'll be back in the werks to come.
Thank you. Yes it’s for the 4th January and I’ve been okay passed week but today’s been difficult I also have rheumatoid arthritis and reflux oesophagitis and it’s all getting on top of me. I’ll let you know how it goes
I have been the same as you. I did breathing exercises to calm myself along with qigong or walks. Then each time I felt dark thoughts looming I hopped on my exercise bike and wrote in my journal, or speak or emailed a friend. For sleeplessness, I used my sleep button app, and listen to relaxing soothing water noises n various podcasts. Just few suggestions.
Many calming n distraction methods, find one to suit you. Bc can be so all consuming!
