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Looking for some info from those of you who’ve had reconstruction with expanders/implant. I had a mastectomy (right) in Sep 08 with delayed reconstruction. I was in such shock to have been diagnosed with BC that I just wanted it out, do whatever post op treatment was necessary and then consider reconstruction. So in Mar09, I had the tissue expander inserted and exchanged in Sep 09. All of this was done in the US. But now I’m back in Ireland and have to get the rest of the reconstruction done here. I’ve had one appt with the surgeon already and he’s going to replace the implant. I have a round one (the norm in the US) whereas he will replace I with a tear drop shape one which is more anatomically similar. There are a couple of reasons for replacing, one being that there is some internal scar tissue causing a double bubble effect. Another appt tomorrow and surgery scheduled for Nov I’m not sure what to expect as I’ve never been in hospital here so would appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through this. Also, did you go ahead and get the nipple and tattoo? Thanks in advance

Hello ladies. Just a quick note to say i had my first counselling session yesterday and I'm a new woman. I would recommend it for any of us. The counsellor was a nurse who had worked in a breast clinic and then she left and trained as a psychotherapist so I really trusted her and found everything she said to be of great help. I will be going for one more session after my radiotherapy which should be starting in a week or two. All the best and blessings to everyone. Elizabeth

Hi I had a LC flap reconstruction done in April 2009 . I have had major problems since with the donor site with pain/ discomfort . Has anyone else had problems like this or is it just me ????? P

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[url:3jv9vtsz]http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/in-detail/in-detail-breast-and-nipple-reconstruction/[/url:3jv9vtsz] Check out the video from Ch4 Embarrassing Bodies. I'll be going through this soon and found it helpful thogh glad I'll e under anesthetic

Hi All, Hope you are doing well and that the seminar in Dublin was informative. Would have loved to go but was fortunate to get picked for casting for recovery weekend in Antrim (fly fishing retreat for breast cancer survivors) Recommend to you all to apply for a place sometime. Google casting for recovery and you will see info and application form. We had great fun and laughed so much. Brill to talk to other women with the same problems and we all caught fish inspite of our rubbish techiques. Anyhow back to my question. I have not been on here for ages as been feeling rough with severe back pain. Eventually after a year of complaining of this pain (negative MRI) I asked for Dexa scan and it shows advanced osteoporosis in my spine. My Gp who I only go to when desparate is unsympathetic to various symptom issues since diagnosis and told me I was lucky I had breast cancer and not another cancer which is less treatable. I'm not feeling very lucky and would like to change to a Gp who is more understanding. Does anyone have any recommendations for a Gp central Dublin who is knowledgeable, proactive and caring? Many Thanks A

Hi I am new to this and trying to do a little research for friend needing a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. It is helpful to read about the various options and opinions on different reconstruction types. The consultant mentioned a proceedure involving a product called strattice. It allows the surgeon to create a type of internal bra without having to under go an autologous proceedure. It means she only needs one reconstruction op and does not have to sacrifice another part of her body. Recovery time is less and she gets to leave the hospital with a fully reconstructed breast. It has been used in the states for a number of years. He said it has been used in Ireland now for the past year with great results. I have dug up a lot of info (see link below) and everything seems really positive. I was just wondering if anyone in Ireland has heard of it or could recommend the proceedure? http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/foru ... 27482.html http://www.breastreconstructionmatters. ... sue-matrix (Alloderm is the American version. Same company does Strattice) Thnak you

hi heading towards my 3rd of 6 f.e.c chemo. managing ok. usual side effects no hair, wierd head and funny tummy. my daughter due date falls on the day of my 5th chemo. she lives 4 hours away and both of us are anxious that i be there if i can. dont think that i would be able to drive myself but will get there some how if only to hold her hand.b she knows no one where she lives in the countyrside. i have asked several people.... do the side effects get worse as the chemo goes on? most say yes especially the tiredness. my nurse also implied this. i know everyones different but whats your experrience? i dont want to make false promises and will need to arrange for some one else to be there. getting excited about being 1st time granny. thanks L

Hi everyone . . . I am finally back. I was hit hard with depression when I finished my chemo so have been quiet on site. i still thought about you all and any new people in our "exclusive club". I am now 14 mths since mastectomy and 7 months finished chemo. I found I really needed the counselling to lift my mood. I had to start by admitting I had cancer, I used talk about it in the third person. The hair is fully back as thick as ever lol but more curly and I want it straight. The hot flushes have calmed down too or maybe it's the weather. Have not managed to loose any of the weight I gained but I live in hope. Love to you all Evelyn Oh forget to tell ye have moved house in the middle of all this

Hi. I have just under gone 2 surgery for breast cancer. I keep telling everyone about the lady who was on T.V3 morning programme before the sschool broke up for summer. She was talking about an event that she was organising to raise money. She described how she had found out how she had breast cancer. I was trying to get the children breakfast and myself out to work (mad house!!!!!) but what she said stuck in my head. Oh thankfully it did because Aug bank holiday I discovered a lump. I want to thank this lady for her courage to go on t.v and only for her I may not have listened to what my body was telling me. so if any of ye out there know her pass on the message that I and my familly want to say a huge THANK YOU eunice