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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

Just wondering how many of you changed your diet after your diagnosis? I'm veering more and more towards the Raw Diet. The more I read about it, the more I wonder if our diet is playing a major role in developing breast cancer. I've began juicing a lot and am looking at getting cleaner water into my house aswell. Any input would be great. Thanks Summer

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

I am starting on a treatment of interferon next week. Has anyone been on this and can give me some advice. The surgeon was happy that he removed all the tumour from my neck and the interferon is more of a precaution although it is a year long course of daily injections.

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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

I am looking for advice from people who have experience caring for a relative - about how feasible it is to start a full time course and look after my dad. My Dad has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in both lungs. We have no details of the treatment options for him yet, but I need to make a decision regarding my college degree course that I am due to start this week. I am a mature student going back to university full time this week as the start of a complete career change, and I do not know whether to defer for a year. If his cancer is terminal I want to be in a position to spend as much time with my dad as possible, and as he lives a 4 hour drive from my home in Dublin I don't see how I could do that with a full time college course. If his cancer is treatable he will be based in Dublin and it could be more do-able. I have experience of helping look after my sister when she had (and sadly, died from) cancer last year. At that time I was working full time, and while I found it difficult to come home to be supportive of her after a days work sometime, I think I will find it more difficult to be a student in this situation because it requires alot of mental focus and energy, and it is not confined to a 9 to 5 time frame. My sister is not working and is available to help caring for him, but it is just the two of us. Neither of us have children and our own families yet, and If I was to defer I would be able to support myself. How do other families manage? Please share your experiences with me! Thank you so much

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

My partner is just finished his second round of chemo and has gained 2 stone in a week from fluid. His body is swollen, feet, ankles face, and he is so uncomfortable but no hair loss, other side effects are lack of taste. How long before he loses this excess weight.?