More surgery following lumpectomy

I had right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction 4 weeks ago. Came home with a drain in for a week then went back for that to be taken out. Minimal pain. Lots of bruising. Still really tired but otherwise much better than I was expecting. Please fire away if you have any questions 

Hi Lorraine.I am so sorry that you have had this news. We all go into these post op meetings fearing the worst. Iknow you feel angry and that is understandable but many women have to have further surgery and I am sure some will respond to your message. It is good news  that you are ER positive and Her2 negative. That means the cancer is very treatable. No one wants to lose a breast and my heart goes out to you. Don’t apologise about the anger you feel, just let it out. You will get through this and we are all here to support you.

Evajean x

Oh Lorraine I am sorry that lumpectomy did not work out.  I  am also small breasted and was worried too as there are not many options for us.  Pretty much lumpectomy and if that doesn’t work mastectomy.  No oncoplastic techniques for the little ones.  I told the surgeon this too as this is one time I wish I had bigger breasts.  I was lucky the bilateral lumpectomies worked out but it was close.  I am sure you will get through this surgery but go ahead and be a crap patient for awhile and be pissed off.  It helps to get it out.  Just be easy on yourself and maybe you won’t need radiation.  I am also ER and PR positive.  Thinking of you. 
Barbara

Hi 2816 thanks for replying, did you have lymph node removal also? I hope following my surgery things go aswell for me as they did you...were you in hospital long? X

Yes I had sentinel node removal. Awaiting results still. I stayed in 2 nights but could have come home after 1. 

Hi evajean thanks for replying..im just feeling alot of feelings at the moment. Im just annoyed i have to go through it again but understand why and dor the first time since diagnosis i found myself asking why me??? When its nothing anyone has control over, so i quickly put that to bed.  im glad the other numbers are positive as i hope that will mean better or less treatment when the time comes..im glad you guys are hsre for support xx

Hi Lorraine,

So sorry to hear your news; same thing happened to me- had a lumpectomy in June but the margins were not clear enough so had to have the operation repeated and opted for a ‘wider’ excision just a few days after being given the awful news, so two lots of surgery within a month.

For me, it felt like being on a rollercoaster; one minute, you’re given the worse news you could imagine, then you’re handed a consent form to sign! No time to process any of it!

On the plus side, I knew what to expect , didn’t have to have the ‘wire’ inserted (which I found awful) the second time and didn’t have a drain following the op. Also, the shape of my breast looked a little better after the second op. I’d had problems with a seratoma after the first op and lots of bruising, so the breast was ‘washed out’ during the second surgery and the bruising was not so severe .

I had difficulties with healing, as the original wound had to be re- opened and had to have it glued then re- stitched as it kept seeping. Also, one breast is now much smaller than the other and the appearance / scars really disturb me. I just don’t know this body anymore, have lost all of my confidence and feel so unfeminine. 

I’ve completed radiotherapy now and, physically, I’m doing ok but, emotionally, I’m all over the place. People tell me I’m lucky that it was found and, rationally, I know that’s true, but I don’t feel anything like ‘lucky’, which, in turn, makes me feel so guilty, as I’ve had so much support from family and friends, and really swift treatment .

I wish you all the best - you’ll get through this. The online community are fabulous- it’s a place where you can honestly share your thoughts and fears with others who really understand what you’re going through. or just have a rant! Love and hugs x 

Roz55 thanks for your comments thats the good thing about this community is you get real experiences which i know are sometimes hard to read but its better to be prepared. It sounds like you have had a tough time of it, although im glad your doing ok. I understand what you mean about the rollercoaster and like you i have a great team of support in my husband and family. Can i ask if you had a mastectomy? Im not looking forward to be minus one boob but if it gets rid of the BC then thats enough for me..As you say this is another great source of both support and knowledge. Love and hugs back at youxx.

Hi Roz,  you really shared your feelings with all of us and I am welled up with tears right now,  I agree about being emotional with all this breast cancer treatments. I was so worried after having 2 lumpectomies by 2different surgeons one on each breast because I didn’t think I would be symmetrical.  Also had radiation which can cause changes too.  I had a plan that if I was not happy I was going to see a plastic surgeon about  lipofilling or fat transfer to get them both looking good.  Actually fat transfer is excellent for radiated breasts and increases blood supply etc.  so far I look good but if my breasts change because of radiation I am going to see what options are there for me. You have been through so much and if you need a touch up to make you feel better have at it.  I think the change in body image can be so difficult and of course we feel blessed that the cancer was removed etc but there is the emotional impact too.  Bugs hugs. 
Barbara

Hi Lorraine,

No, I didn’t have a mastectomy but a high proportion of my breast was removed. I hope all goes well for you. Keep strong. X