Anyone from Montreal, Qc?

Newbie21

Hi,

My mom was dxed 3 yrs ago and am trying to connect with anyone in my area. Feeling very scared. Thanks,

Giulia

pinkmama

I am!!!

marie111

I'm also from Montreal. Just diagnosed on May 7th. Having surgery on Monday. I'm kind of nervous but also anxious to get this started. Where are you guys being treated ?

Stay stong !!

Marie

Cinderblock

I'm from Montreal, first diagnosed in 94 w/DCIS, have had other occurrences since then and I'm having recontruction this summer, have had 2 mastectomies.  My doctor is Dr. Dionisopoulos from the Jewish, great guy.

 How is your mom? 

Cindy

ChrisBern

Je suis également de Montréal. I'm a male of 31 years old diagnosed in November 2008. Finished chemo two months ago at St-Mary's hospital and since I'm BRCA2, had last wek a BM.My doctor is Dr. Keyserlingk from the Ville-Marie Breast Centre. He's wonderful.

 Chris

pinkmama

Hi Montreal Gang,

I heard the news today about faulty pathology reports concerning Her2+ and hormone receptor results.  I am about to start chemo in the next few weeks.  Anyone else concerned???? 

Chris:  I going for genetic testing to see if I am BRCA2 positive.  What criteria required you to have the genetic test?

Giulia:  How is your mom?  I have 2 daughters and one of them is 22 years old.   I am sure she is as worried about me as you are about your mother. 

Marie  I was also diagnosed in March and I've had my surgery.  How are you doing?  Hope the surgery went well.

 Cinder:  I am being seen at the Jewish also.  I am very satisfied with the care I have rec'd so far.  How about you?

marie111

Hi everyone !

I'm also being treated at the Ville-Marie Breast Clinic.My surgeon is Dr. Otaki. Had a lumpectomy and sentinol nodes done on Monday and I feel great. I hated coming out of the anathesia but other then that I have been great, did not even take tylenol yet. I see him agin on June 9th for the pathology report. If it's not good I will most likely need a mastectomy. I am more nervous about that then anything else so far.  I guess now it is starting to fell real. Had to tell my kids today (8 and 10 years old) that I have cancer , that was really tough for me but they seemed to take it OK, we'll see what the next few days bring.

Chris: Is Dr. Keyserlingk a surgeon or oncologist. I would like to see him, I hear great things about him (he treated my grandmother for BC 25 years ago). DSr. Otaki is only a surgeon so I guess he will refer me to an oncologist from Ville Marie next. Not sure how that works yet....

Marie

pinkmama

Marie:   Your surgery sounds just like mine.  I too felt fine and didn't have to take tylenol or anything.  I did have problems with cords in my arms though.  I hope all margins are clear. I have 2 girls my youngest is 9.  She is doing ok.  My friend was diagnosed last year so she already has seen someone go through it.    I know what you mean Marie about it not sinking in.  It all happens so fast that you don't have time to let it register.  I will be starting my Chemo soon and I'm feeling nervous....don't know what to expect.

Cinderblock

Hi Pink Mama,

I am very satisfied with the care I've received at the Jewish, my oncologist is Dr. Margolese, Dr. Dionisopoulos is my plastic surgeon.  I've never had chemo, have a friend who's going through it now, but everyone is different I guess, hope it's not too hard on you.  I wish you the best. 

marie111

Hey guys !

How about those pathology reports, very concerning.  In my case my tumor is being analyzed now since it was taken out on Monday.  I think I will call the doctor to make sure they analyze it at maybe two different labs. Do you know if that is possible ?

Pinkmama: Good luck with the chemo, stay stong and positive and you'll get thru it. It's just another hop we need to get thru to make it to the other side !!

Marie

ChrisBern

Hi everyone,

Pinkmama: See the link below for the eligibility criteria :

http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/training/perspectives/factshts/breastcancer.htm

In my case, my mom and grand mother died of BC at very young age.

marie111: Dr. Keyserlingk is a surgeon. My oncologist is Dr. Dalfen of the St.-Mary's hospital. He's OK.

Regarding the faulty pathology reports, you should be very concerned. In my case, I ordered the Oncotype DX test in the US to make sure chemo was the right treatment for me. Also, Oncotype gave me scores on HER2, estrogen and progesterone. My first test at the Jewish here in Montréal said that I was in the equivocal range (gray zone) regarding HER2 and that they don't know if Herceptin was good for me! It was another reason for me to order Oncotype DX test. According to the Oncotype results, my HER2 was definitely negative and based on that, my oncologist decided that Herceptin was not good for me.

Wish to all of you a nice weekend!

 Chris

Newbie21

Hi Pinkmama: I am 32 and my mom is now 69. She is 3.5 yrs out and doing ok.  I worry constantly that she will gets mets any day now. But she is a strong lady and I am sure your kids worry about you too, it is only normal. The key is not to get too worked up because that will help no one. Talk to your kids and hug them.  Together you will get thought this! Good luck with your upcoming chemo.  My mom did well through out it, but everyone is different. Her onc is from the Montreal General Hospital.

 To the Montreal Gang: Hang in there and Bless all of you!

Giulia

dmk123

I am a 6 year survivor of BC.  I had my surgery done by Dr. Fleiszer at the Royal Vic.  I go to the Cedar's Breast cancer clinic to have my mammo done.  What i like about that is that you get your results before you leave.  If any other testing needs to be done, it is done right away...no waiting.

 My oncologist is Dr. Cohen at the Jewish general Hospital.

I am wondering how you all might be feeling about the news of the faulty BC pathologies.  It is kind of scary

marie111

6 year survivor WOW, that gives me hope as a newly dx person.  I can't wait to say I survived breast cancer !!! How come you had surgery at the Vic and your oncologist is at the jewish ?  Is this commun to have doctors at different institutions. I'm asking because I am currently seeing a surgeon at the Ville Marie Clinic but am wondering what I should do for my oncologist. Should I stay at Ville Marie or switch to let say the Jewish. I am new at this, I was dx on May 7th and had a lumpectomy ans SNB done on the 25th and am unsure what my next step should be. I don't want to make any mistakes ... Also was anybody else really tired after their surgery. I feel good physically but 1 week out and I am really really  tired. Could it be stress, the surgery or something else? I went back to work on Monday (I am a preschool teacher- work only 4 hours a day) did anyone else go back to work 1 week after surgery ?

Good day to all !

Marie

dmk123

marie111

I understand how you feel about not making mistakes.  I felt the same way.  The surgeon I wanted at the Jewish was on vacation. After checking around, I was directed to Dr. Fleiszer who I think is fabulous.

However, I wanted to have my treatment at the Jewish and be followed there.  Why?  because  it has an excellent reputation and its proximity to my home.

 I am glad that you had a SNB  done.  It is quite a differnce from taking a grouping of lymph nodes.  I know , the difference in pain because, unfortunately ,I had both done.

I think it is normal to feel weak because of the stress, anxiety and the operation itself.  What kind or treatment will you have?

pinkmama

DMK123:  So nice of you to share,  this gives us all hope!!!!    As far as the recent news about the pathology reports, I still have not started Chemo, so I will have time to ask my Oncologist about it before my treatment begins, but I feel so bad for those who have already had their treatment and must be feeling so worried and frightened.  I hope this gets sorted out really soon and that such a situation never happens again. 

 Marie:  After my surgery I didn't work for 2 weeks and I was wiped out.  It's from the affects of the Anesthesia.  You will start to feel better and less tired as time goes on.  You maybe could have used another week, especially working with little ones.  I was exhausted after surgery so I took it slow.

 Newbie:  So happy it's all behind you now and that your mom is doing well.   Thanks for updating us.

Mamita49

Salut,

I am from the West-Island. I get treated at the Lakeshore Hospital, and I must say the Onc, and nurses are super great.

 Best wishes

Carol 

Mamita49

dmk123,

My surgeron is Dr. Megeditchen at the Royal Vic. My Onc and treatment is at Lakeshore. 

marie111

I am also from the West Island !! My surgeon is Dr. Otaki from Ville Marie and I have not yet seen an oncologist. I had surgery on May 25th and see the surgeon agin on tuesday. When do you see the oncologist, when does that come into play?  Will I be refered by my surgeon and I guess I shop around for an oncologist. Still new at this, not sure what to expect. I guess I'll find out more on tuesday.

Have a great weekend !

Marie

Mamita49

You will have to wait for the path report. I was told first only 1cm, turned out 3 cm. I was told no nodes, turned out 2 nodes. You see, it depends on the path report.

You will be referred to an onc., BUT if you dont like him/her, go and seek 2 opinion.

PM me if you have questions.

Carol 

Mamita49

By the way, Marie, 

I have my own Preschool in Pointe Claire. ( 22 KIds, 4 hours Mon-Thursday.) 

I hope I can start back again in Sept. since I had to hire 2 replacement teachers.

Funny, you are a Preschool teacher as well.

Have a great week-end 

my560sel

Hi everyone, I'm from just outside Montreal - St Lazare. I was diagnosed in Jan/09. I had a lumpectomy in Feb and then a revision for margins in Apr. I was due to have radiation but decided that I was going to have Bi-lat MX with immediate recon instead. I'm a worrier and just couldn't stand not knowing when the other shoe was going to drop. I'm almost done with my expansion process and hopefully will have my implants by Xmas. My hospital is the Jewish General Segal Cancer Center. I love the Dr's and nurses there and feel blessed to be under their care.

Terri

YoYo44

Hello Terri,

I was just diagnosed mid July and also go to the Jewish.  I have not had any surgery yet but am on week 9 of weekly Taxol so far.  I live in Blainville so it is a bit of a trek to go to the Jewish but I am also very happy with the docs and nurses.  I am thinking of a bilat MMX also, hopefully with immediate reconstruction but am not sure of what is next and when and what the doc thinks.  I am also ILC so he has said he thinks it will be a MMX instead of lumpectomy, I am still debating dble vs single-don't want to do this again!  I am wondering who was your surgeon and plastic surgeon.  You can PM me if you prefer.

Great hearing from you. Thanks for your input. Have a great day!

Yo

olivieri

Hello Terri,

Hope you are doing well.   

 I was just diagnosed at the end of September and I just had a lumpectomy and am still waiting for the final pathology report.  I am also very anxious and worried and am considering a BMX as one of my options.  This is my 2nd bout with cancer and because of my previous history with Hodgkins disease in 1997 I may not be able to have radiation again .  One of the long term risks of radiation to the chest is breast cancer so here I go again. I am also being treated at the Jewish and have not yet seen an oncologist or PS and am very curious to know the details of your mastectomy and who your PS and oncologist are  at the Jewish. 

I appreciate your input and would love to hear from you.

Sylvia

my560sel

Yo: I'm so sorry in getting back to you late. I haven't checked this forum in a couple of months and that's why I just saw your post. I guess you've progressed since your last post? Have you had your Bi lat MX yet? My  breast surgeon was Dr Sigman and my Oncologist is Dr Panasci. Dr Dionisopoulos is my Plastic Surgeon. I initially had a lumpectomy in late Feb and then a revision for margins early April. In between, I had gone for an MRI of both breasts and the MRI came back with "something" in my other breast. The confusion of whether or not there really was something in my other non- cancer breast was enough to make me decide to have the MX. My breast surgeon thought that the  lumpectomy and rads would be enough but was willing to do the MX if that's what I wanted. I just wasn't willing to go through this again and besides, I'm a worry wart and would be worrying about a recurrence daily. The B MX was the only option I could see for myself. It's a tough decision to make but I'm very happy that I did it and it's over and done with. BTW, the pathology on the B MX came back with no other cancer in either breast. Some would say that maybe I removed a healthy breast for nothing and even my cancer side, after the lumpectomy had no evidence of cancer  but the peace of mind is worth everything to me. Please let me know what you've decided and where you are in your treatment. Maybe we could meet at the hospital one day?

Sylvia: I'm very sorry to hear about your second bout with this terrible disease! Do I understand correctly that you had a lumpectomy and they may not be able to do radiation on you because you were previously radiated? Was your recurrence in the same breast? If you have the BMX  you will be doing exactly what I did, first a lumpectomy and then a BMX.... In my case, they were starting to make the arrangements for radiation and that's what pushed me over the edge with my decision. I just didn't want the radiation and all the possible side effects from it. I have asthma and as it is my lungs are compromised because of it. Having radiation just scared me and actually it scared me more than the BMX and recon.. The BMX was fairly easy for me. I didn't have alot of pain and I guess the worst part was the drains they put in to drain out the  fluid that accumulates after surgery. I had to have them in for 2 weeks.Once they were pulled out it was much easier and then all I had to deal with were the fills every 2 weeks. I had my last fill in Sept and am now waiting for an exchange surgery date. I'm told it will only be in January. At first I was upset because I had to wait so long, but the very helpful ladies on the Exchange City forum convinced me that the longer you wait, the better the outcome. I'm not sure if you're considering reconstruction or not, but for me, it made having my breasts removed much easier to accept. I don't think I could have gone through life with no breasts, but that's just me and certainly, everyone is different and every decision is personal. I hope you keep in touch and let us know how things are going and what you've decided.

Warm regards,

Terri

olivieri

Hello Terri,

Thank you so much for your reply.  My BC is not a recurrance of BC .  BC for me may have been caused from the radiation I received 13 years ago to the chest to cure my Hodgkins disease which is a cancer of the lymphatic system.  Although Hodgkins is a very curable cancer the radiation to cure it has long term side effects and BC is very common . So my BC may be caused from radiation but no one really knows for sure .  I am in this mess because of radiation so getting more radiation makes me very nervous , even though my BS Dr.Fenster does not seem to think it may be a problem. I am also a worry wart and don't think I will be able to take the constant worry.   I am still waiting for my pathology report from my lumpectomy on Nov. 9th and this waiting is driving me crazy.  I find it takes way too long.  I read your profile and it seems that your waiting period was also long. How did you cope?  I am walking around with this feeling of doom since I found out my mamogram was abnormal on Sept. 8th. and thank God for my husband and 3 children I am kept very busy.  My children are all adults in university and everyone lives at home and I have a full time job so my schedule is pretty hectic. I go on day by  day numb and the thought of getting through the holidays is very overwhelming.  Only my husband, children and 3 co workers know what I am going through right now.  I did not share this with any of my close friends or my parents and other family members.   I just can't handle speaking to anyone right now.  I have been getting  my encouragement from reading these posts and have been lurking around till I finally decided to join recently and I thank everyone for sharing their stories as this gives me lots of hope. 

I am happy to hear that your BMX  went well.  I am also going to the Jewish and was wondering if you are satisfied with Dr. Dionisopoulos ?   I know deep down in my heart that I will probably be going the BMX  route as well with immediate reconstruction.  I have absolutely no information regarding this surgery at all and I really appreciate all your input.  How long was your surgery and how many days were you in the hospital?  Did you freak out once the bandages were removed and you saw your chest?  Does it look horrible? How do you function with drains ? ARe you able to get dressed and go out and is it obvious that you do not have breasts?  Please forgive my ignorance but this seems so sureal for me right now . I am petrified of being put to sleep and surgery. I just had my first major surgery last June 17th ... I had to have a complete hysterectomy ... this was  another horror story , but luckily everything was benign and I recovered very well .  I was just getting over the trauma from this  surgery and last August since I was still off work I decided to go for my mamo early.  I was only due to go next Jan.  I was not expecting this outcome right now again ....   I turned 50 in October 08 and everthing has been going down hill since then... .  Being put to sleep has always scrared me to death and with my luck I have had 2 surgeries in 5 months and more to come..........The irony of it all is that I am doing better with being put to sleep and was not as petrified for my lumpectomy..... and hopefully it will be even better the 3rd and so on.....

What area of Montreal do you live in ... I live in Kirkland in the West Island

One more question did you get your H1N1 vaccination ?

Thanks so much for all your information and I apolgoize for rambling on and on....

 look forward to hearing from you again.

I will keep you posted.

Take care!

Sylvia

my560sel

Sylvia, I'll get rid of the easy questions you had first if that's ok ... I live in St Lazare so we're not too far from each other. As for the vaccine, I went with my husband yesterday and chickened out at the last minute. I only got a flu vaccine once a few years back and honestly, it wiped me out for about 2 months. I felt awful and haven't gotten one since. I know H1Ni is different but I feel that with a bit of care I can get through this without the vaccine.

I can understand your hesitating to get radiation again. I would be scared as well. The next step would be for you to get your pathology report and then take it from there. It's not an easy decision to make  and you have to be sure of yourself. Well, as sure as you can be with all this uncertainty. For me, I knew almost from the start that I wanted a BMX and I guess I hesitated because of my family really. I think I had the lumpectomy and revision more for my husband than for myself. In the beginning, because the Dr's were saying that a lumpectomy would be enough, he thought I was over reacting. So, I went through the steps and in the end, I did what I wanted to do all along. I don't regret my decision even though at this point I'm getting fed up of the tissue expander's. They're hard and uncomfortable at times and I just want to have this last surgery so I can get on with my life. The B MX was not a hard surgery for me. The total surgery lasted about 3 hours. I too am afraid of going under but I have to admit, after having a lumpectomy, revision for margin and then a BMX I am no longer afraid! I was supposed to stay in the hospital just one night but ended staying in two nights. The nurse talked me into staying the extra night.....lol. She said I would rest better in the hospital bed because I could recline it to a comfortable position unlike a regular bed. That's great in theory, but they kept waking me up every 2 hours for one thing or another! I had 4 drains and the worst part of the drains is finding a top to wear that you can hid them under. It was summertime and so I found this tank top that was baggy and had elastic at the waist. So it ballooned out in the right spot and the drains were hidden. You shouldn't have a problem in the winter...a baggy sweater will do and you just pin the drains to your waistband. Dr Dionisopoulos added a bit of fill during the surgery so when I woke up, I wasn't completely flat. I think that by that point, I was just so happy to wake up and have my "cancerous" breast off me that the fact that I was virtually flat didn't bother me. Actually, being flat made me feel skinnier strangely enough...lol . It was obvious that I wasn't "well endowed" but no less than say someone who has very small breasts, maybe an "A" cup. You need to get access to the picture forum and then you can see my pics from the day I came home from the hospital to now, with 425cc's of fill in my expanders. The pics are pretty graphic but it's best you know what you're getting into before you decide. You just have to PM TIMTAM and she will give you access. AS for DR D., he's a sweetheart. I really like him alot, he's very pleasant to deal with and always has a smile. I've seen his work on another lady that I met at the hospital and she looks really good. I've heard nothing but good things about him. If you can, try to get Dr Sigman as your breast surgeon. He's a wonderful surgeon, very caring and easy to talk to. He will work with Dr D. in the operating room. Dr Sigman will perform the BMX and then Dr D. puts in the expanders (if you're going to have reconstruction).

I guess that's about it....if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. I'd like to help any way I can. I really think the picture forum will help you understand what's involved and what your outcome could be so it would be wise to get access to it.

Regards,

Terri

Edited to add: To contact Timtam:

http://community.breastcancer.org/member/11047/profile

Then just click on send member a private message

olivieri

Terri,

Thanks for all your information.  I guess I will take one step at a time and just wait for my pathology results for now and worry about everything else later.  

You have been very helpful and I will let you know as soon as I have more information about my specific case.

Thanks again

Sylvia

my560sel

Sylvia,

I wish you all the best and hope everything works out for you. Take one day at a time and think positive thoughts. You can beat this thing and live a long, healthy and happy life. I know it's hard to keep your spirits up but you'll see,  it will get easier with time and when things aren't so uncertain for you. The more you read up on how to help yourself get through this (through diet, exercise, supplements etc.) the more you empower yourself. Take care and keep in touch. If you need, I'm here for you....

Terri

olivieri

Terri,

Thanks so much for you kind words and you are helping me stay positive.  Patience is not one of my qualities and I have always suffered from anxiety and worry  so I am actually very surprised at how well I'm coping day by day.  I guess we can handle more than we think we can when faced with challenging situations. 

Take care and have a nice weekend!  

Sylvia

YoYo44

Hi Terri and Olivieri,

Too tired to read or write much right now but just wanted to check in and let you know how I was doing and thank you all for your words of support.

Terri I had Dr. S and Dr. D too.  Such great doctors, I am very fortunate.

I just got home from the BMX and TE placement operation yesterday afternoon.  It was Tuesday and I was only supposed to be overnight but had some complications.  I ended up with a hematoma that needed to be opened up again and fixed so it delayed things.  Then my hemoglobin was so low they wouldn't release me until I was transfused with 2 units of red cells.  But I am happy to be home, got some sleep finally and don't feel too bad relatively speaking.  The pain is manageable with the medication and I just need to keep stretching.  No shower until after the 4 drains are removed Tuesday though.  Ugh!!

I know this sounds ugly but really it is not bad.  I actually feel less tearful and stressed than before.  I am happy with my decisions.  The doctors were great and supportive and I got all good reports after surgery,  The waiting until Dec 17 for path results will be hard.  I am in some pain, but really more sore and irritated by the 4 drains. I find the drains irritiating but not painful or anything, just sticking out etc.  I am actually shocked at how manageable it all is.  If it wasn't for the hematoma I would probabaly have been up and at 'em way earlier.  Getting out of the hospital was good.  The nurses were great but it is not a good place to rest so last night I finally slept.

Off to wash my hair.  Eeek!!  I was happy to have kept it through chemo but I knew there were some advantages to being bald...

I will write better next week.  Would love to meet up at the hospital some time.  I will be there Nov 24 to see about removoing the drains and then Dec 17 for doc appts and who knows when in between.

Hang in there Olivieri.  You have been through a lot already so I know you are menatally in a different place.  Small steps.  You need to have a vision of the whole thing but only work from step to step.  You can only live in today anyway and once you make your decisions just going from step to step is doable.  It was hard for me to decide about the BMX and I questioned for a long time but I am really at peace with it.  I was thinking I would be horrified by how it looks and it is not so bad.  I wll not see it until next week without bandages but I think the bulk of the stress and fear was tied to the decision.

Hugs!  Yo