Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[grumpy2008]

I've been thinking the same thing, Trey. Just need to sleep on it for a few days.

[Trey]

Grumpy, so many of these women had not even had a diagnosis, it was just preventative.  Sounds awful, but, for me, worry is much worse.  I wonder if it would also change the after care as to radiation, chemo?   The fact that no nodes were involved might mean no further treatment.  I would hope they would do a biopsy while you were under to be sure all is well clear this time and certainly a mastectomy would go well beyond margins.

Life can be so darn tough and I hope it soon gets better for you. Pm anytime if you are so inclined.

[Limpy]

Grumpy - so sorry to hear your news.
Did your surgeon offer any opinions as to the best way forward?
Have you been given any specialist nurse contacts or support to chat things through with?
Hope your week improves.

[grumpy2008]

Thank you both.

The surgeon would prefer mastectomy (I asked outright which option he would choose to go with). I have so much going through my head right now... can't believe it has come to this...

I do have contact with the breast cancer nurse - she has told me to ring her anytime and can put me in contact with other ladies who have had the same procedure.



Forgot to say... mastectomy would lessen the chance of needing radiotherapy (1 in 10 still need it, apparently).

[lily]

Big decision to make grumpy, that'll be why they gave you a week to decide.  Only you can make that decision, do what feels right and have a 

[honeybun]

So sorry to hear this.

If it was me....and I know it easy to say...but I would go with what your consultant advises. He is dealing with this all the time and you have to have faith.

As I said my sis in law had this and four years on is great.

Sending you a gentle hug.....I am sure you will know the right thing to do.

Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

When I was called back to Hospital before the arranged appt. I had decided to have both breasts removed if there was any hint that the 'C' word would be mentioned.  However, my Consultant told me that 'not many ladies require mastectomy with your condition'.  That was before I had the lymph nodes removed which were clear.

However the lump removed had 'changes at the margins'.  So I had radiation treatment followed by Tamoxifen. During the next few months I had a different outlook to my breasts, something I hadn't really bothered with since teen years  - however, 10+ years down the line, should the condition recur, I would opt for bilateral mastetectomy and no reconstruction.  There are lovely bras that 'fill out' the chest and if one doesn't want to buy bras, then soft tops .........

Make sure you have a list of queries, i.e. if you wait 6 months without any treatment what will be the outcome?  What treatment will I require following mastectomy and why?  My Mum had mastectomy (L) aged 65 and didn't have any further treatment.  Different type of cancer probably.

Your mind will whizz so write it ALL down! 

[Firewalker50]

Hi Grumpy

I  am sorry to hear you are facing this decision. 

I wish I could contribute more and I am pleased to read the other helpful posts. I have no idea what I would do in your position.

I do think of you often and follow the postings. I wish you an easy decision and journey.

Hugs. Fx

[CLKD]

This is not an easy situation.  If it were a painful situation: i.e. toothache : I would be pronto to the dentist for treatment, I wouldn't like the treatment but it solves the pain.  However, when I had breast disease I had no physical pain: plenty of emotional pain and upheaval: but nothing physical.  So it would be harder for me to deal with a decision - to keep the breasts and wait or get rid of the breasts and know that the disease has hopefully, been taken away.  Initially I opted for bilateral mastectomy, as I then felt in control.  Since then, my body has healed itself following treatment so that I haven't had to make that decision.

[Katy]

Hi Grumpy

So sorry to hear your news - it's a difficult decision to have to make.  Can't offer any advice but want to send you a 

Katy x

[grumpy2008]

CLKD is spot on... I went into this feeling better than I had in a long time and it's the treatment that has made me feel so unwell, not to mention the emotional trauma. Sometimes it feels almost brutal, but I have to keep in mind that it's better than any alternative.

I spent this morning feeling sorry for myself again but managed to get dressed eventually and we've been in town for an hour, which has cheered me up  .

The knock on effects of what has happened are massive - but I know that whatever I decide or whatever happens, I have a lot of support and I'm grateful for that.

One thing I have decided is to ask more questions, be more prepared, and if necessary, demand more support (particularly in the days following surgery - I will still be a 'day case' and that puts a lot of pressure on family).

Thanks again, everyone 

[CLKD]

A day-case mastectomy - no Way ! you will need care and consideration for at least 5 days.  NO WAY would I consider being in less than 3/5 days for this type of MAJOR surgery ........... perhaps the Surgeon meant a day case for further lumptectomy?  Certainly I would need a lot more answers to questions    ......... I could not undertake surgical intervention until my mental health was sorted so put off the op from the Feb. until the June.  By then the ADs had kicked in and I was in a better frame of mind.

Who will be going with you to the app. and will you speak to your GP in the meantime?

At least if the breast is removed, hopefully the disease will go with it 

[grumpy2008]

Yes, it's definitely a day case surgery (single mastectomy with no reconstruction). It seems incredible to me too  . Which is why I would make sure there is adequate support should it be needed... or even if it wasn't needed, I would prefer to have a nurse call in etc.

I'm planning to visit my GP this week and will mention my apprehension to her, too.

[Trey]

Grumpy and CLKD, this is the same in US, without complications same day or one day.  Outrageous.

[ellie]

I agree FAR to soon to be sent home....Last year I had major surgery to my stomach and was sent home the next day at 7pm.... Of course it's all down to money sadly.