June 2016 Surgeries!

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  • silviah
    silviah Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2016

    Saw the radiation oncologist yesterday. On the PET scan, there was a area on my vertebrae that is "inconclusive" - so he wants me to have a CT scan & biopsy before chemo. I have an appointment for Friday morning. I hate tests. I know stressing out about results won't change anything - it just stinks. I'm a huge bundle of nerves.

    I'll keep you guys posted.......

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    FUBC, Just make sure your PS is aware of the leaking. If it's clear, then it may be serous drainage. As long as it's not collecting, he may say let it drain. If you have swelling, warmth, foul odor, and or a fever it be an infection. Try to stay in front of it.

    Yep, 300 ml filled during surgery. The crazy thing is that I am still flat chested. I must have a very deep chest, or most of the volume is in my armpits. I thought 500ml TEs would be too big, but I am more than half way to 500, with little change in size. I may need to go to 600-650. My PS said they can be overfilled. I'm hoping this pair will be nicer than my original pair.

    4BoysMama, I agree about the anti anxiety meds. Sometimes, being physically strong just isn't enough and your emotional well being just can't hold up. No one will judge you, especially not here. This may be the most difficult thing you will ever have to get through in your life. Do whatever is necessary. When they say it takes about 6 weeks before you start feeling normal, that is an average. Some of the younger healthier ladies may take less time while the older ones like me may take a little longer. It's just a guide. Listen to your body.

    Silva, I'll be praying that your biopsy is benign. I hate getting scanned and biopsied too. Someone once told me :

    "Worry doesn't take away fears about tomorrow, but it does take away today's peace." Try to hold on to today's peace.

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  • Clauclau
    Clauclau Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2016

    Hi 4boysmama, welcome to the group, and as majority of people who meet me professionally say, I am sorry about the circumstances we have come across each other. I am also sorry to hear you are going through so much unpleasant feeling. I agree with the previous comments about temporary or permanent nerve damage, but only time will tell you. Have some therapy help if possible and Hang in there with positive thoughts. Try to imagibe yourself back to your normal and soon you will be there. 😉


    FUBC, I was told I left the hospital with 240cc after surgery. I had my first fill last week and he added 100cc. My PS said he will add 100cc on every visit from now on. I am still feeling the empty spots and I can touch the empty ballon when I kind of lay down... It's not even close to a considered good breast shape at this point, but it's getting heavy as it is...

    Maya15, I am happy for you! Can't wait to have a good feeling about this TE breast . I am going for my 2nd filling the day after tomorrow. I am 340cc now, but it's not cute with shirt. I might aim for at least 500cc, although My PS said a number might represent differently from a person to another because of the structure of the body type. Does it make any sense to you guys?


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  • Clauclau
    Clauclau Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2016

    Specter55, I like what someone once told you about fears. It's so true! Thanks for sharing with us. You have mentioned about age and recovery. If I may ask you and to the entire group, what's the average age of this June group? I am 45 y.o

    Silviah, good luck with your results. Cross your fingers and have good thoughts on your way. They will come! We will be here sending good wishes.

    FUBC, good luck with the leakage of fluids. I hope it's nothing worrisome, but please let your PS know about it. I am sending you tons of good vibes on your way! Everything will be fine. Keep us posted!


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  • FUBC
    FUBC Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2016

    Specter, the fluid is not completely clear, it's yellowish, unless that's what is considered clear in the medical field. I saw very little red within the fluid and that happened one time only. There is no smell or warmth, the breast itself is swollen, not the incision. I read the report of the sono I had last week, it says there is no seroma but there is minimal perimplant fluid on 9:00 axis, which corresponds with the edge of the incision that is leaking. I am keeping an eye on it constantly, if there is any changes I will call my PS, though I have an appointment tomorrow.

    Silviah, I hope it turns out to be nothing. I am praying for you.

    Clauclau & Specter, I am so confused with the TE cc's. I was a full A before and honestly I would love to be at least a full B or C cup now. I wonder what will 600-650 give you specter?

    Clauclau, how about the 500? Do you know what bra size will that be? I am 5'6 140 lbs now but I plan on losing 15-20 lbs as soon as I am done with surgeries. What size should I aim for? My TE's are 400 cc and PS said I can go to 500 cc if I wish to. I am confused..

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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    Silviah, ughhh...more tests! To me that's the most scary part of this whole process. I had several "non-specific" enlarged lymph nodes on the non-cancer side and a nodule in the lung that was described as "non-specific, non-avid". The nodes were biopsied and negative and my BS said the lung node wasn't related to cancer (I sure hope he's right). Hopefully you can take comfort from the fact the doctor reading the PET didn't think there was anything to worry about.

    4boysmama, welcome and sorry about your arm pain. It could be just being in pain for so long that's getting you down. I have nerve damage to the arm too, it was really excruciating to start with, and it didn't respond to narcotics. But I've been on Neurontin for a month now and I'm pain free. I started feeling a difference within a few days of taking it, and it has the advantage that it's not addictive and not a controlled substance, so I don't have to worry about taking it.

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    Clauclau, I am 56 years old. My doctors have been hovering over my breasts since I was 35. 20 years of mammograms, then on to MRIs, biopsies, and now surgery. My breasts were so worrisome. So glad to be rid of them.

    FUBC, I feel I must tell you that my suggestions and advice are only to help you to determine if you should be concerned or not, but is not a substitute for sound medical advice. Please notify your surgeon for any concerns no matter how minor they may seem. It is their responsibility to address your concerns.

    We cannot compare our reconstruction experience with our friends and relatives that have had breast augmentation for cosmetic purposes. Reconstruction volumes will be much higher because all breast tissue has been removed and the implants will replace the entire shape of the breast. Augmented breasts contain breast tissue so less volume is needed. I was a C cup before the surgery so 600ml isn't extreme for me. I will go by how satisfied I am with the appearance and size and not try to fit into any specific bra size. I threw away all of my bras anyway. I haven't gone this long without a bra since before puberty😂! I'm looking forward to shopping to get new bras after the exchange surgery. After this TE experience, I don't ever want to wear an underwire bra again!


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  • kellychameleon
    kellychameleon Member Posts: 100
    edited July 2016

    Hey everyone, I have been super busy and back at work and haven't had a chance to check in in awhile. I'm so sorry to those of you who are struggling and having difficult recoveries.

    My surgery was on 6/1, and as of last week I finally feel like I'm not in pain all the time. I went back to work the last week of June but took it very easy. Now I'm pretty much back in the swing of things. But I'm doing more chemo (Xeloda and Carboplatin), so I'm dealing with new issues.

    I'm getting my 2nd fill tomorrow. I think my last one was only like 75 CCs, but I could be wrong. They did not fill them at all when they put them in. I was like a F or G cup before surgery, so it's a pretty shocking change. I'm ready to be somewhere in between the extremes.

    Silvia, good luck with the tests. Waiting is the absolute worst.

    Clauclau, I'm 41. I feel like I made it through the first rounds of chemo (AC & T) so easily. After surgery and starting the new chemo, I feel waaaay older. I hope I can get back to feeling like my former self soon.

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  • 4BoysMama
    4BoysMama Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2016

    Hello Ladies! Specter55, Maya15, FUBC and ClauClau- THANK YOU so much! I took all your advice and notes with me to the PS and I had such a productive visit. She refilled the Norco and assured me the I'm fine to take the small amount I'm taking is totally fine for this point in my healing. She gave me a prescription for Ativan to help me get through this week and promised that she'd call and expedite a visit with the neurologist she recommends. I think most of all though- she saw that I really wasn't doing "okay" and she slowed down and listened to me. It made all the difference. I feel like she heard me and I feel like I'm making progress and that it's okay that it's not how I expected it to be (not even sure what I expected anymore). I can't thank you all enough! Today she removed my steri-strips and I got to see my incisions. We talked about silicone creams and the itching feeling where my drains were (I just got my last drain out on Monday for anyone who's still got those torture devices still hanging on). She assured me that the one TE that's waaaay up in my armpit will eventually settle downward like the other one, for now I just have to lean to the left and their even ;)

    I can't thank all of you enough for being here- I've been reading these boards nearly everyday since my annual mammo was abnormal back in March. These few months have been a whirlwind but what a difference a day makes. Thanks, thanks, thanks to everyone. Oh, and I think someone asked about ages, I am 36. (Interesting tidbit- all 8 women on my maternal family tree were diagnosed or dead by my age so 36 feels really old!) Hope everyone is having a wonderful day :)

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  • FUBC
    FUBC Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2016

    Specter, of course I understand that your advice is not substitute for medical advice. Both my parents were doctors (in Europe) so I learned a thing or two over the years. But the good thing about these boards is that everyone can give their opinion based on their own experiences or knowledge and it's always helpful to be aware and learn.

    I am still using surgical bras and sterile pads, until both my incisions are fully healed I intent to keep using them. I can't wait until I am at the point where I won't wear bras and my foobs will look fabs lol

    Hi Kelly, we are the same age :-) I know that soon this nightmare will be over for all of us and we will get back to our lives and old selves, plus some wrinkles from all the worrying we have gone through.

    4Boysmama, glad your visit went well today and take the ativan when you need it, don't let yourself suffer through all the pain and panic.

    You'll beat this thing soon and you'll set the new record in your family, just stay strong...hugs from NY :-)

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    4BoysMama, I am so happy for you. I'm so glad that your surgeon stopped and actually listened to you. Often the anxiety worsens when we feel like no one is listening. Sometimes anxiety can make you feel like you can't catch your breath. That was the sense that I was getting from you. I'm sure after a few days you will start to feel better. Sending you a big hug. It's unfortunate, but sometimes you have to be persistent when telling your doctor about your symptoms. #squeakywheel.

    FUBC, I just felt that I needed to put that disclaimer out there in case anyone else was reading our posts. I never meant to imply that you were using my information as medical advice. I do appreciate everyone sharing their experiences as well. Information from those who are further along in the reconstruction process have been helpful for me understanding what to expect.

    My second fill is next Week. I'm ready for these girls to start filling out and taking shape

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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    Just went swimming for the first time, it was so nice and really helped to loosen things up. In the communal changing room I had to be careful because it suddenly occurred to me that while a "grapefruit" with a large scar across it and no nipple now looks totally normal to me, it would probably horrify most other people. Amazing what you can get used to in such a short time.

    On the way home I saw an ad on the side of a bus: "Breast cancer: early detection is the best treatment". That may be true, but it made me angry. I'm 36 and women my age aren't allowed screening (no BC in my family), so there is no hope for "early detection" and I'm stuck with stage 3 and 15 months of poisonous "treatment".

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  • 4BoysMama
    4BoysMama Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2016

    Maya15- I totally understand that anger/frustration. I'm 36 too and the number one response from people I've gotten is "but you're too young for breast cancer!" I saw many doctors for years who ignored my family history (the earliest diagnosis in my fam his was 29 and the first death was 32) but it just took one doctor- I was seeing him for a dislocated rib of all things and he just happened to mention my family history. It snowballed from there and I ended up in a radiologists office a few weeks later hearing "we see two enhancements and several clusters of microcalcifications and want further imaging". In that exact meeting again the same refrain "we're not worried because you're too young". It's just crazy the misconceptions out there. I'm so thankful you stood up for yourself and even though you're going through hell- I'm so glad it's to save your life! Come to CA and you and I can stand together as the "young" face of early detection. (Then we can go sit at the beach, we've earned it ) Gentle Hugs

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  • FUBC
    FUBC Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2016

    Hey girls, I think Giovanna Rancic was fighting for the same thing, mammograms and other tests for women younger than 40. She was dx at 37 through a routine breast exam from her fertility doctor.

    It seems that June's surgeries had a lot of women between the ages of 30 and 50. Is this normal?

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  • ravzari
    ravzari Member Posts: 277
    edited July 2016

    I had my surgery (prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with free nipple grafting) June 30th; just since a few others have mentioned age in this thread, I'm 36.

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  • Clauclau
    Clauclau Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2016

    Hi girls, I am sorry I was completely out yesterday. I got my very first chemo cycle on MOnday, and I got nauseated the entire day. The Emend tripack wasn't enough to keep me functional from MOnday to Wednesday, so here I am today. Still tired ( I went to 2 doctors today) but with less nausea on Thursday FINALLY! . No worries about disclaimers with me. I am not seeking for medical consultation or medical advice. I got those already. I am just here to share experiences from people who actually understand what I am going through, and I absolutely appreciate having this group to help me to go through it .... and yes, I am still looking at the bright side of positiveness at the end of the tunnel :)

    Answering the previous questions...

    FUBC, I was 36C before BC but I wasn't full C cup. For the sake of breastfeeding or age, my breasts were more down and less round , but I was OK with them. Boob job wasn't in my bucket list, let's put this way! As per 500cc that I am aiming for, it's just a conceptual number for now because my PS said the number doesn't quite fit a person at the same way. You are taller than I am, but my body shape might be constituted differently ( pear shape, for me... too much butt! LOL) . So I am looking for something symmetrical overall whether it's going to be 500 or another number. I hope I was able to help you to visualise me and the numbers presented here.

    Maya15, swimming sounds so good right now! aweeeee... I wish I could say the same about me, but overly happy for you to be able to do that! way to go!!

    Specter55, I was told to go by my body frame and how satisfied I am with the filling. I guess we can both validate our PS comments - and not having to wear an underbra again sounds very appealing!! LOL

    4Boysmama, I am so happy for you. Way to go, girl! You got your doctor's attention and I can relate about that with you. I once had to fight for what I believed and I wasn't wrong. It was just a matter of " how to take care of" and different reality, I guess... ( BTW: Although I have been in the US over 15 years , I was born and raised in Brazil.)

    Kelly, I am happy that you got the chemo easily, and I wish I could say the same for me. It isn't easy for me, but I am sure the body will get used to it ( or it will get sick of it) and it will show me. My aunt got 1 year of chemo and suddenly she started to vomit blood. That's when one doctor decided to call it quits on chemo, and switch the treatment. It was 2014 when she was diagnosed of Pancreatic cancer. She went through chemo until 2105, and since then she is just monitoring things... by the way, she is alive and counting her blessings!

    So my point is, hang in there, sisters! There will be time and place for all kind of treatment: traditional, alternative, spiritual.... you just have to believe !

    love to all!


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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    4boysmama, I'm all for the beach (hoping to go on Sunday in fact)! For me too it just took one doctor (a dermatologist!) who was suspicious and did a biopsy because I had a flaky, crusting nipple. She saved my life. My first (and last) mammogram was AFTER I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I know mammograms aren't very sensitive for young women but ultrasound works and it's cheap. At my next ob gyn checkup we are going to have an interesting conversation because she never thought to get any testing for that nipple even though I complained about it, and if she had, it would have been caught several months earlier. Unfortunately it never occurred to me this could be a sign of cancer so I never thought to ask.

    Chemo was not easy for me. But Clauclau, haven't they given you a prescription for zofran or another anti nausea? I had Emend before chemo but my MO also had me taking zofran every 4 hours for the next 4 days and the nausea was out of this world if I missed a dose (no problems if I didn't though).

    For my fills, I got 50 at surgery, 120 at first fill, 70 at second fill, 60 at third fill, so that's 300.

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  • pab
    pab Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2016

    pab here, had TE exchange on July 6. New 800cc silicone high profile implants. Still waiting for things to settle down and swelling to subside. My right - radiated side- still has some swelling and feels a bit firm

    Hugs to all of you and hope you are doing the best you can!!

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    Pab, congrats on your exchange. I can't wait for mine. I've only had one fill, do it will take a few months before I can start eyeing that surgery. When was your mastectomy? Oh, never mind, I just scrolled up to see ) I didn't have radiation, but I'll bet it is related to your swelling on that side. I hope everything settles down too. I wonder what your MD says.

    Please tell us that the silicone is much mor comfortable than the TEs. Is the "iron bra" feeling gone? Do you need to wear a bra? 800cc? Probably, huh? I hope you're happy with your new set of girls.

    Congrats again

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  • FUBC
    FUBC Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2016

    Hey girls,

    I met with my MO and PS today. My oncotype came back and it's 14 so no chemo for me. I got my first injection of Lupron this afternoon and will start Arimidex tomorrow morning. My MO said I need to take them for 10 years straight, quite a commitment I must say. I might consider removing my ovaries in the near future, not sure yet. I decided against Tamoxifen as apparently one of the side effects is uterine cancer. I have had a few fibroids and pylops in my uterus so I got a bit scared.

    My PS checked the incision that was leaking, removed the old stitch, cleaned the site and stitched it back up again, so no fill for today either. He used local anesthesia and it's hurting a little right now. I started antibiotics this evening and I am hoping the incision will heal well this time. I am crossing my fingers.

    Clauclau, sorry to hear about your problems with the chemo. And thank you for the explanation on the cc's and size. I think I will keep going with my fills until I am visually satisfied.

    By the way, the nurse said to me today that I am considered a survivor from the moment I had my mastectomy done. I don't know if I feel like a survivor yet. When are we considered survivors really? Someone's signature in this board stated: "I will consider myself a survivor when I die from something else" and I might have to agree.

    Goodnight everyone

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    FUBC, I agree with your nurse, you are a survivor! I often feel guilty because my mastectomy was because of a precancerous condition. I truly admire the courage and bravery of all the ladies who are undergoing chemo and radiation In addrecovering from this surgery.

    I'm not a survivor because cancer never had a chance to develop. I'm not going through anything like what you are going through. I call myself a "Conqueror ".

    Glad to hear that your surgeon tidied up your incision. Don't be a hero. Take some pain meds and take it easy.

    I hope this ends your troubles with that incision and you are on the mend.


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  • pab
    pab Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2016

    Specter thank you! Yes I'm wearing a bra all the time. I was DDD prior to bmx so I was wearing some type of bra all the time anyway! They were just too big to let loose!! I hate to say that my TEs were not that bad. My very last full was the worst!! I've read so many posts about how awful everyone feels with these but I had them a year and the last month was the worst. Probs cuz they were so full on my lady fill. Oh well they're out! And yes it does feel better. It's so odd. I had boobs for over 30 yrs and went without for a year and forgot what they were like! I do feel them and they kind of get in the way when I reach across my body. Hopefully that will let up as it's been less than 3 weeks. My left is nice and soft and can tell it will be just fine. It was 50/50 with my right cuz if radiation but I didn't want to deal with 'major' surgery again doing the lat flap which is what my PS wanted to do. I chose both implants and it they don't work then we'll cross that bridge later.

    Oh my BS gave me Valium and it was the best thing!! Help with the muscle spasms after fills and helped my crazy mood swings too. Don't forget the reason for the TE is to stretch your pec muscle so that your implant will have somewhere to go;)

    Gotta go so sleep. Hugs to all!

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  • Clauclau
    Clauclau Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2016

    Pab, are you the only person with radiation done in the group so far?

    How about you girls? Any plans on having radiation in the future?

    I am asking that because I am debating on having radiation or not. The MO R said it's up to me because I am considered boarder line for radiation; however, I was told that my pathology results came back 5cm tumor ( which seems to be the boarder line for radiation). Then I was told the BS removed all areas with good margin and skin and nipples were cancer free, but 15 lymph nodules were tested and 1 came back with 0.002mm invasive cell. The MO R said if I had done this test about 10 years ago, it would have shown all 15 lymphs negative... Is it really a significant amount to do radiation? How about chemo? Isn't it also to take care of any cancer cells undetected or not removed? on top of that, he said being a triple negative aggressive type would put me on the " better have it" list for radiology.

    Any thoughts to help me to think through is very much welcome.

    Can't sleep.... Sorry!!!!

    Thanks girls 😩😩😩🙏💕


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  • pab
    pab Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2016

    I did not want radiation! If I had a choice I would have said no. Two of my kids, my daughters ages 17 & 19 studying and goi g to study oncology nursing, were very pissed I had radiation. I'm not sure about all my pathology reports, they were just a blur at the time, but I had at least 4 rumors in my right the largest a little over 5 cm and 3 positive nodes. My tunors were saucer like. Maybe with all that the rad onc and regular onc decided radiation was the way to go. Then they thru the percentages at me and I really found it hard to say no, I guess. I hated it more than chemo. I never got sick with chemo. My daughter jokes that she thinks it didn't 'work' cuz I was never sick! Tired as hell, but not sick!! So, with all that said, I still would have said no if I was given a choice.

    My rationale about chemo--My first day of chemo I was in the children's hospital with my youngest daughter who ended up having a ruptured appendix! Same night the school board voted to close her high school so she would have to finish her senior year at a new HS. Then my older daughter and so were leaving for college a couple days later! I was too busy, stressed about my kids, worried about my kids to let chemo get me! Also I HAD to work to pay college tuition!!

    I'm so ready for this hell to be over and try to be 'normal' again. Unfortunately I don't think 'normal' will happen! Yes I kicked BC in the ass and I came out standing!! I'm so proud of myself and all of you reading this should be too!! We are a very unique group. We don't hear that enough! Be proud be tough be strong!!

    Gotta go back to work now!

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  • FUBC
    FUBC Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2016

    Wow pab, what a story. Your words really touched me. Lots of love to you for your strength and the great attitude.

    Specter, I hear you about the guilty part. Though I was happy not to get chemo, I was debating if I should mention it in here as many others are going through chemo etc. I also admire women that are smart enough to get a prophylactic mastectomy and save themselves the pain of possible dx. That's because I always thought of getting a mastectomy and I didn't. Live & learn I guess.

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  • kellychameleon
    kellychameleon Member Posts: 100
    edited July 2016

    I'm on the fence with radiation. I'm currently doing more chemo post surgery (Xeloda and Carbo) after doing AC and Taxol before surgery. My MO thinks I'm borderline, my BS thinks I should absolutely do it. I'm wanting to throw everything I can at this cancer to lower the risk of reoccurrence, but it's just so much. Plus it will further delay my reconstruction surgeries. If I do radiation, then it will be March 2017 at the earliest before I can do my reconstruction.

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  • hanley50
    hanley50 Member Posts: 146
    edited July 2016

    kellychameloen - I'm in the same boat. I had neoadjuvant AC-T then mastectomy with tissue expander in June. Path report after surgery showed chemo really didn't do anything for me. Tumor was about same size as imaging showed in January (1.5cm) and 1 lymph node positive. I am being told that because of Triple Negative cancer I NEED radiation.

    I didn't plan on it and I don't want to do it for reasons you stated. This is just so much to take for way too long and radiation is just going to drag out the reconstruction process. I've cried about everyday. I have my simulation appointment for rads on 08/03/16. It feels like this is never going to end.

    Thanks for letting me rant.

    Hugs - Maryann

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  • Clauclau
    Clauclau Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2016

    Maya15, the doctor prescribed Emend and other anti nausea ( for use Every 6hrs or as needed.) I guess I misunderstood the frequency and by the time I was in need the nausea was already there... I will try to use on the clock next cycle. Thanks for the help.

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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    I'm with those of you who feel like it's never going to end. I will be in treatment until at least March 2017. I'm not big on the word "survivor", but I don't feel like I'll be in that category until I've finished treatment. At my first MO appointment after my surgery, my visit summary said patient presents with "survivorship" instead of the usual "breast cancer metastasized to axillary lymph nodes". I thought it was a mistake but then I realized I'm officially free of cancer. Felt weird though since I was headed straight down to the chemo suite.

    As for radiation, I was borderline but was allowed to opt out because I had a complete response to chemo and am getting 9 more months of Herceptin/Perjeta. I did learn a lot from my rad consult. She said they always recommend it for triple negative because there are no other options other than chemo. Chemo does kill cancer cells everywhere, but it doesn't work for everyone and currently they don't know who it's going to work for if you're ER negative. They told me that rads have most benefit for those with tumors 5cm or more and if there's any cancer in lymph nodes. Whatever your personal risk of recurrence is, rads reduces that by a further 50-60%. For me they gave me a recurrence risk in the low single digits, so it was not worth the side effects and long delay to reconstruction to do it.


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  • ScotBird
    ScotBird Member Posts: 650
    edited July 2016

    I'm starting rads next Tuesday and will go every day for 4 weeks, with weekends off. I'm happy about it. My tumour was TN and I want to do everything possible to stop Cancer coming back: even if the rads made only 1% difference to my chances of recurrence I would still want it. I can stand a lot of fatigue, pain, soreness or whatever if It means I can live a few years longer! I am 50, and always believed I'd live to be 100 until recently. Now I'm not so sure. Recovery from surgery is going very well. I was swimming in the sea today. It felt great. I don't have the TEs as I just had LX and a reduction and lift on both sides. I'm sorry for all of you who are having ongoing issues. Just keep going and it WILL get better. We are all cheering each other on, we'll all feel good again, whether it takes a few days, weeks or months. Just take it easy and let other people look after you. It's so hard to do that, but really important now to take time for yourself and to heal. Lots of love to everyone. XX

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