Mastectomy 30/07

[itchyhand]

Wondered if I could find anyone else having a mastectomy this week?

I have invasive breast cancer affecting the whole right breast. Reconstruction with an implant at the same time.

I'm 41, DD is 7, DH will be here to look after me.

Or if you’ve had one previously - any recovery tips, things to buy, ideas about recovery time etc

@Puravida23 the end of the drain tube was poking me under the skin so I’m really glad to be rid of it. Thursday will come you’re so close. I think the US is just in case, but also the drain was still collecting 40mL a day so thats got to go somewhere now it’s out.

let us know how Thursday goes, and I’ll keep all my fingers crossed for next Tuesday for us both. Clear lymph nodes and no further treatment please.

Good luck today @Puravida23

Thanks @itchyhand Unfortunately it wasn’t the best . They took two lymph nodes out one was, one was clear but the other showed cancer cells so my cancer journey continues . I am now looking at Radiotherapy and some more drugs. Really sad about it as there is a chance my new boob won’t survive it if I get capsular contracture
Hopefully you will get better news and I can celebrate through you

Oh no @Puravida23. sorry it’s in your lymph nodes.

it’s in mine too. 1 of 3 sampled. Also sounds like I had a 14cm area of DCIS and more areas (I think she said 7) of IDC. I have an oncologist appointment on Thursday afternoon to find out what’s next. Breast consultant said chemo, radiotherapy, and endocrinology. Hopefully that’s just a menu which we pick from and not that I’ll need all three?

what a day.

Hello. Have been lurking here since my mastectomy and reconstruction mid July and recognise a couple of you from the other breast cancer thread.
@Puravida23sorry to hear the news wasn’t as positive as you’d hoped. I too didn’t have good news from the surgery pathology report (tumour larger and higher grade plus macromets in one sentinal node).
I am really struggling psychologically since the news and now waiting for body CT, radiology and oncology appointments.
Sorry to crash in with such a downer of a post.

@itchyhandsorry - just seen your news too. Sorry to hear this. Hopefully we can support each other through this next stage

welcome @Stumbleinewish we were making friends in happier circumstances, sounds like you’ve been through the mill of it too. never apologise for the downer posts. Do you know when your next appointments are? Feels like it snowballs.

I’m terrified, seeing an oncologist sounds really cancery. I’m too young (not very young really), my daughter is wayyyy too young to have a sick mum. I need to figure out what to tell her.

Thank you @itchyhand. I have an appointment with the radiologist on Thursday, scan on Monday and then I am hoping the oncologist will see me later that week with results and plan. How about you?
How old is your daughter? My youngest is 9 and knows about the cancer and very basic info.

@Stumbleine I think we all deserve a pity party after our individual bad news . I am not surprised you are struggling I am too . I was convinced after the positive feedback from my surgeon about the lymph node presentation after the operation I would be clear now . I was positively giddy this morning before the meeting imagining putting all this cancer behind me and just getting on with life . It’s a real blindside

@itchyhand I am so sorry to hear your news also Hopefully you will get a better idea on Thursday when they come up with the treatment plan .
I think mine is looking like 15 sessions of Radiotherapy. Then 3 years of Ribociclib and they mentioned another drug injection ever 6 months but I can’t remember the name, with my Anastrozole now extended to 7 years

I think the next few months are going to be tough but hopefully we can support each other through it

Good luck with you appointment today @itchyhand . I have my appointment with the oncologist tomorrow so let me know how you get on

Yes good luck @itchyhandand to you too with oncology tomorrow @Puravida23.
I have my initial radiology appointment this afternoon. Not really sure what to expect, but dreading it nonetheless.

Good luck today @Stumbleine . Let me know how it goes.
Between us we are definitely keeping the NHS busy

Thanks @Puravida23. I’m actually based in ROI so one less for the NHS to worry about!

Hiya @Puravida23 and @Stumbleinei need the full shebang. chemo first. 18 weeks of it starting September / October. Urghh.

Oh wow @itchyhand i am so sorry to hear that. You sound like you have already been through so much. It’s really tough
But on the plus side thank goodness they found it all and bringing in the big guns will hopefully ensure that this cancer will never rear its ugly head again . Which ultimately is all that matters
And don’t forget the mumsnet cancer support group will be here right beside you offering sympathy and advice if you need it

Sorry to hear that your treatment plan will be so lengthy @itchyhand. Hopefully you can find some comfort in knowing you will be actively entering the next phase of kissing cancer goodbye, hopefully for good! Ditto - we will be here for you.
I met the radiology doctors today who were absolutely lovely. They really took the time to explain the process and answer questions etc. They plan to offer 15 sessions following my (presumed) chemo. I felt a lot better after meeting them. Bit down this evening though as keep feeling every twinge everywhere as a sign of further spread. Am sure my pelvic lymph gland is up too 😕