Its Back !!!

[lozzap50]

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer back in Feb 2015 , I had chemo ,lumpectomy and radiotherapy .Although I had awful side effects I was happy to have made it through it all and hoped that as it . Sadly 4 years to the day I was rediagnosed again . This hit me like a ton of bricks and the past few weeks have been a whirlwind . This time I am booked in for a mastectomy on the 9th April and to say I am terrified is an understatement . I'm being brave and jovial in front of my partner and family and friends but inside is tearing me apart .Hoping for some encouraging comfort from others who have went through the same .

[Shhilo]

Hi lozzap,

I truly feel for you and I am so sorry you must go through this again. If I tell you a short version of my story I hope it helps.

I did the same as you over 10 yrs ago, went in for a stage 2 Lumpecromy and had Chemo & Radio therapies. But was told I was very lucky to have found mine, as it doesn't usually show so early. This thought stuck with me so I had a bilateral mastectomy with DEIP Flap reconstruction. 10 yrs later I've never looked back. This is obviously the very short of it, because I had so many issues inbetween the diagnosis and the decision. And it was my decision too.

I know it's not the same at all. But for me the experience of the mastectomy was/is such a relief. I think acceptance is a big issue. But once you get past that, the physical part of mastectomy, again for me, was fine.

It's such a scarry thought to face. I hope you have someone you can share your fears with. It takes some pressure off. You are welcome to pm me if you want.

I pray you to mend physically and mentally and come out of this part of your life healthy 🙏 ❤️

[lozzap50 in reply to Shhilo]

Thank you for your reply . It is a scary thought and I know its for the best but still takes some getting used to the fact . Then as its only the 1 I worry that I'll end up with cancer again and need to have the other removed too .

[Shhilo in reply to lozzap50]

Absolutely, it takes some getting used to. You must be so overloaded with anxious thoughts.

Have they given you options of reconstruction at the same time of mastectomy?

For me it made the procedure more acceptable.

I am thinking of you.

❤️🙏🙏❤️❤️🙏

[Hidden]

Hi lozzap

Dear Lady, 💐 l’m so sorry this has come back again. You must be totally overwhelmed & l think having been there, done it before it’s a little more real this time.

Is it the same breast, is it a recurrence or a new cancer?

I’m sure you’ve been busy with hospital appointments the last few weeks, once you get on that conveyor of BC Clinics.

I found my lump July 2015 & was scheduled for a Lumpectomy & Radiotherapy however, several Calcium Deposits were identified & they were biopsied separately (a steriotatic biopsy) but they were found to be DCIS of the same type of Cancer so it was now TBNC multifocal cancer so l was rescheduled for a Mastectomy.

Please keep in touch & let us know how you are doing. People will expect you to

Be brave because you were last time but this is another ball game all together.

Good Luck 🍀

MrsN

[lozzap50 in reply to Hidden]

Hi thanks for reply.

Its same breast and calcium deposits found too .They were going to gie me chemo again but I had such a bad time of it last time and left with neuropathy in hands and feet that they dont want to make that any worse so decided mastectomy then possibly chemo after that .

[Hidden in reply to lozzap50]

That seems a very sensible plan, was it Taxol or one of its cousins that caused the neuropathy? It did with me, my feet are affected but they stopped it after the first one as l don’t think l’d have got through it again.

There are other options available, so take one step at a time.

Keep in touch, even if just for a quick chat.

Take Care 💐

MrsN x

[Debs1962]

I am sorry to hear your news, I was diagnosed in April 2015 had mastectomy then.

My cousins wife the same year as me, she sadly like you had it back 3 years later to the day, had more surgery and because of health conditions had to have a different type of chemo, that was over a year ago now, and she is doing ok.

Take care, you will make it Deb xx

[lozzap50 in reply to Debs1962]

Thank you for your reply .

[PerformancePoet]

I hear you ❤️ I have exactly your experience except that I’m now on round 3 as it came back again last year, despite mastectomy in 2012. I did all the chemo radio and hormone therapy back in 2004, and 2012 and have just finished chemo again.

I have done lots of research and follow a very healthy diet, take umpteen supplements and have sorted out my mental state. My biggest concern is that I am doing this alone again, as I am , and each time have been, single.

For me the most powerful stuff I’ve done is the mind work and I now run a workshop for a cancer support charity to help others. Despite diagnosis #3 I am in the best mental shape of my life.

Please get in touch personally if you want to, by PM, especially if you are struggling, and let’s have a chat.

With much love Fxx

[Hidden]

I’m so sorry to hear it’s back, but just to reassure you, I was diagnosed in Oct15, and I opted to have a mastectomy ( they wanted to do a lumpectomy at first, but I wasn’t happy, wanted it all gone as I was scared it would come back) and a recustruction, using an implant,and had a reduction on the other side to even me up, never looked back,just be aware of your drains when it’s done.

Good luck and take care of yourself, try to reach out to a friend or family member, as it’s good to talk.xx 🤞🙏💕💗❤️

[pegomh]

This is definitely tough and disappointing. Stay strong and positive and ask for help. I will keep you in my prayers.

[Moirs1964]

I'm so sorry to hear your news and completely understand your fear. I had a mastectomy after my chemo and to me it was a great relief. I'm only sorry I didn't have a bilateral mastectomy to stop me worrying about the other breast. I wish you a speedy recovery and I hope you're getting great support from your family. Personally I would recommend counselling - it helped me hugely. Take your time to consider reconstruction (if at all) and research your options thoroughly.

[carolinenailsea]

I am so sad to hear your news. Its the news we all dread. Getting your head around it is half the battle. I wish you lots of luck with your second batch of treatment. I am not sure that knowing what the side effects are like is a help or hindrance. I was lucky to only have a lumpectomy and I can understand how major surgery is very different and so much harder. As the ladies say, do get help and support - Macmillan can be very good - they will just listen if that's what you need but they also have lots of information to help. Hugs Caroline xxx I wish you all the luck in the world.

[lozzap50 in reply to carolinenailsea]

Thank you for your reply x

[Taffia]

Hello. I had the same thing happen to me with 15 years apart. I was really scared but found it a lot easier than I thought!! I was only in over night and recovered very quickly. It’s not nearly as bad as you think it’ll be. Xx

[lozzap50 in reply to Taffia]

Thanks , they said I'll be in from the Tues to the Friday

[CancerkickerKathy]

So sorry to hear the cancer is back. I had mastectomy on both breasts. Pain meds are wonderful. I suggest arranging stuff at home so you can reach. I was told I could bend elbows but not to lift my arms. Shirts that open or zip are a good idea. Either a bra with pockets for drains or a small apron(home Depot) does a good job. I think I found the drains to be the worst part of it all. I was always sore where the drain site was. You can do this!