Could use some advice

MandaC

Hi everyone. I have IDC in my left breast and will be having a left side mastectomy in a little over two weeks. I really did not want to have a mastectomy. I had surgery in late January that included three lumpectomies (two locations on the left and one location on the right) as well as removal of 8 lymph nodes on the left (3 had active cancer). But unfortunately, one of my margins on the left was positive. I am struggling with accepting the loss of my left breast. I will eventually want a flap procedure, but it is not an option for me right now due to Covid. The reconstruction will most likely be 6-9 months away since I will be having radiation therapy. I plan on wearing a prosthetic once I heal from the mastectomy. And I am grateful that there are products available, but it is really the emotional side with which I am grappling. I would like to ask what helped you cope with the loss of your breast(s)?

I also was wondering for those who have had a mastectomy on one side. Did you have any unexpected experiences? Or is there anything you would recommend I do post surgery for the best outcome?

Thanks in advance for any advice, suggestions, and support.

Phoebesnow

Choices

My case is similar to yours multi focal.  A week before the lumpectomy I found another small nodule on the other breast.  When I went for the ultrasound the technician said you have very busy breasts.  I decided on a double mastectomy with instant reconstruction.  When I woke up in recovery and looked down at the top of my new breasts I was very happy.  Instant reconstruction has the greatest chance for sucess.  There are things that you can do to mitigate radiation damage.  there is a lot of information on the Net...do your research.  Good luck!