Recent diagnosis

[Ricycle]

Hi, in February I had a pain in my breast after exercising, on self examination i found a large lump. I thought maybe it was inflamation , after a week there was no improvement and at this point i put it down to a previous cyst re-filling.

When I finally got through to the doctors, I was fast to the breast care unit. I found that I had an Estrogen positive IDC of around 3cm, After an agonising 2 week wait the HER2 result came back negative.

The doctors and nurses have tried to convince me that it is slow growing but its hard to believe as my June 21 mammogram came back clear!

I met my surgeon last week and she is going to proform a WLE, sentenial lymph node biopsy and a pedicled perforator flap partial reconstruction. The way she described the taking of tissue from underarm/back area it sounds like a Licap.

At the same appointment I voiced concerns that I could feel a further lump, that turned out to be 2 cysts that were asperated.

I am so worried, the tumour is really close to the areola. The doctor thinks there is enough to take a margin leaving it intact. She did say however that if the margins are not clear I will have to go back for a mastectomy.

I have tried to search for 'real' post-surgery images so I can start to process how I will look afterwards but unfortunately I've drawn a blank.

Post surgery bras are also difficult to find, I am fairly slim but with a fuller bust and my surgeon has said nothing too constricting like sports bras.

My surgery is booked for the 20th May. If any of you lovely people can give me any pointers on what to really expect, point me towards any photos that I can look at or suggest places to try for bras (uk) I would be very grateful. x

[4EverMe]

Hello Ricycle,Sorry to hear you've joined this club, but it's good that you found the lump and are now on the path to getting rid of the cancer.

I had a lumpectomy and then a mastectomy on my left boob only a month later last year.

Primark and M&S do after surgery bras. I'd recommend front fastening if you can, it'll be easier to put on. I'd also get front fastening tops , pj's just so you're not putting your arms over your head. Before surgery I'd do all the house work, get a food shop in. Get friends and family members on board to help you with things. Buy pain relief, i got bunged up after surgery so needed med's to help me go. The only picture i saw was of mastectomy my BCN showed some to me before my surgery. I wish you well for your surgery and take care of yourself.

😊xx

[Ricycle in reply to 4EverMe]

Thank you 4EverMe for your reply and good wishes.

Im sorry to hear you had to go back in for a mastectomy, that must have been an awful shock. How are you doing now?

I will go and check out the places you've suggested for bras. Just wondering, should I buy my usual size or go up a size, from what I've read there will be some swelling but I'm not sure how much.

I plan to get ahead with housework etc before I go in. My hubby won't know what's hit him, he's doesn't usually do anything around the house.

My BCN suggested that I get plenty of pain relief in, she said that they are not always given to take home when you are a day case. I personally find that shocking.

I found a short video of a licap operation today, it was interesting to watch and has made me feel a more at ease now I know what it entails.

My op is happening the day before my birthday so I've booked a relaxing spa day next week before it all begins.

Take care 🙂 xx

[4EverMe in reply to Ricycle]

Morning Ricycle,I'm ok, I'm on Anastrozole and will be for 5 years and i do get bone pains, but keep going. It might be an idea to try the bras on, you just don't want them to be tight.

Aww I'm sure your hubby will come up trumps! Oh another thing pack an overnight bag for Hospital just in case they need to keep you in, mine was a day case and i had to stay over, the anaesthetic didn't agree with me. I have not heard of Licap, i am glad you found a video and feel better about the Operation. Great idea and enjoy your Spa day and happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 for next week.

Best wishes 😊xx