Its a long fight against breast cancer
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this community and happy to be part of this wonderful resource. I am 36 when i was diagnosed with grade II invasive carcinoma (ER+/PR+/Her2-) of my right breast in August 2024. Back then i really wonder why life is so unfair and kept throwing lemons at me. I was always healthy with no underlying medical conditions and I exercised regularly.
Because my mass was rather large, more than 5cm, I was offered neoadjuvant therapy. I was started on AC-T chemotherapy for about 4 months which resulted in my complete loss of hair amongst all the side effects. Not gonna lie, that affected me the most mentally and I would not leave home without a wig despite sweating underneath.
I have family history of breast cancers so i opt to do a genetic testing which thankfully came back negative. After my chemo, my mass was reduced to about 3cm and I struggled with the decision to do a mastectomy or a lumpectomy. Eventually after much discussions given my age and the lymph node involvement, I opt for a mastectomy with reconstruction via LD flap and immediate fat transfer. I'm currently 3 weeks post-op and slowly recovering from the soreness and numbness. I can't really feel my reconstructed breast and back but was told that this is normal due to the extensive nerve damage.
Finally, when I thought I was done and cancer free. My oncologist told me I will be on tamoxifen everyday for the next 5 years and I won't be able to get pregnant when im on the drug. I already gave up my fertility when I was put on chemo which stopped my menses. Now, my doctors all recommend that I continue with radiotherapy as it will improve my odds of survival and cancer recurrence. It sounded like regardless of my choice of mastectomy or lumpectomy, I will need to go through radiation and burn my newly reconstructed breast.
Anyone has similar experiences here to share?
Comments
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Hi everyone! We're bumping for @skye22's question on radiation after reconstruction. Can anyone share their experience or advice? 💕 Thank you!
@skye22, you may also be interested in joining other discussions or topics like Bottle O Tamoxifene, or our Young With Breast Cancer topic, where you can connect with other members diagnosed under 40.
We hope this will help you connect to the community! Please let us know how your recovery is going. We're looking forward to hearing more from you soon.
The Mods
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Hi. Curious how you’re feeling now? I was diagnosed in 2019. Had lumpectomy on the right breast and did radiation and chemo. I tried tamoxifen for 3 months and stopped. Couldn’t handle the side effects. My body ached and hurt so bad. I would come home from work every night and cry. I had no quality of life.
I just did genetics testing in January and was told that I’m positive for PALB2 with a 40 to 60% chance of cancer returning and was strongly advised to have double mastectomy. I had to have my breast implants removed 2 years ago. The scar tissue was causing a lot of hardness and pain. PS did an amazing job. My only option is an LD flap as I had lipo done many years ago so they can’t use my stomach as an option.I have read so many bad reviews of LD flap surgery and not sure if I should have it done or just go flat. Would like to know what you think?
Shawn0 -
@chicoismy5thdog - Hi, and welcome to the community. Thanks for sharing your story. We're sorry for the reason that brings you here, but glad you've found us.
The member you’re trying to reach hasn’t been active in the forums for a while, so you might not get a reply directly from her. You can try sending her a private message.
Feel free to start a new thread or keep posting here. Many members have experience with latissimus dorsi flap surgery or choosing to go flat and will be glad to share their thoughts and support. Check out our topic.
Hugs. We're here for you!
The Mods
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