Beverley - Interview 15
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Beverley said that, because she was approaching the menopause and had always had very lumpy breasts, when she noticed changes in her breast she ignored them. In time, the changes looked more obvious and, at the age of fifty, she was invited for her first routine mammogram. She was recalled and further tests showed that she had high grade widespread DCIS.
Beverley had never heard of DCIS before her own diagnosis and looked for more information on the internet. She would have liked more information about it and different types of breast reconstruction. She would also have liked to talk face-to-face with other women who had had a DIEP flap reconstruction.
Beverley was interviewed for the Healthtalkonline website in 2008.
Beverley has set up a support group for women going through breast reconstruction.
Beverley has set up a support group for women going through breast reconstruction.
Beverley says that, although women often worry when they're diagnosed with DCIS, it has a good prognosis. Many women live more enriched lives after DCIS.
Beverley says that, although women often worry when they're diagnosed with DCIS, it has a good prognosis. Many women live more enriched lives after DCIS.
Beverley feared the worst because the doctor found a lump when she was recalled after a routine mammogram. She was relieved to hear that, unusually for a lump, it was non-invasive.
Beverley feared the worst because the doctor found a lump when she was recalled after a routine mammogram. She was relieved to hear that, unusually for a lump, it was non-invasive.
Beverley ignored changes in her breast for eight months because she'd had a cyst in the past, but felt something could be wrong.
Beverley ignored changes in her breast for eight months because she'd had a cyst in the past, but felt something could be wrong.
Beverley felt depressed after surgery, when she had time to think about everything she'd been through. Going back to work helped.
Beverley felt depressed after surgery, when she had time to think about everything she'd been through. Going back to work helped.
Beverley was petrified the night before surgery and hardly slept. After surgery, she found the first three days uncomfortable and didn't get much rest, but said it was all worth it.
Beverley was petrified the night before surgery and hardly slept. After surgery, she found the first three days uncomfortable and didn't get much rest, but said it was all worth it.
Beverley said she would recommend a DIEP flap reconstruction to other women. She is happy with her new breast and said an added benefit of the surgery was a tummy tuck.
Beverley said she would recommend a DIEP flap reconstruction to other women. She is happy with her new breast and said an added benefit of the surgery was a tummy tuck.
Both Beverley and her husband were pleased with her breast reconstruction. She can wear low cut tops and will have another nipple reconstruction soon.
Both Beverley and her husband were pleased with her breast reconstruction. She can wear low cut tops and will have another nipple reconstruction soon.
Beverley felt she wasn’t given enough information. She wanted small amounts of information at different stages and wished she’d known about Breast Cancer Care when she was diagnosed.
Beverley felt she wasn’t given enough information. She wanted small amounts of information at different stages and wished she’d known about Breast Cancer Care when she was diagnosed.
Beverley feels that information about DCIS before going for breast screening could be frightening. People only want to know about cancer when they are diagnosed with it.
Beverley feels that information about DCIS before going for breast screening could be frightening. People only want to know about cancer when they are diagnosed with it.