MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

Kay_G

I haven't heard the PS doing mastectomies. Interesting. I think I would go with that especially since it's a prophylactic mx. I've always thought PS doing something would give you the best cosmetic result. I could see going the other way too though since BS has all the experience doing mxs, but I'd go with the PS.

Sherryc

Barb PS thought a full B would be nice but said he would put in a TE that could go bigger just in case when we get to that point we change our mind. I know he will be honest with me about what he thinks.  I found him through a mutual friend so he does not want to dissapoint me. My friend called him at home one night and told him about me and his office called me the next morning and got me right in.

Kay thanks-My PS is in a group of 6 and have women from all over the US that come to them.  Since my cancer has already been removed he will do both if I want him to.  I think they get alot of delayed recon with MX on existing breast so that is why they are one of the few that will do MX.  If I still had cancer to be removed he would insist on a BS being there.  He did say he prefers to do both as he can control the outcome better.  So I am really interested in thoughts on this matter.

KittyGirl2011

Hi to everyone, yes, I am still here but like Hauntie been busy with real life.  I read all the posts when I can and feel either blessed or missing out that I have not had any problems since end on treatments.  It's confusing sometimes cause nothing hurts, no lymph problems, no SE's from arimidex, and no eventful trips to the doctors.  Just rather normal  for my age (59).  I know it sounds weird, but how is it that I got so lucky to be normal when so many of you are having one thing after another happen?  Don't get me wrong, I am happy that I'm not dealing with all the other "gifts" from BC, just wondering if I'm the exception or really the norm.  I do have my first mamo since surgery coming up on Feb 15.  I'm not sure what to expect, if anything.  I just keep in mind my motto since this all started, "just float and drift".  Kitty

elimar86861

KittyGirl,  float on!  Keep your head above water. I know what you mean about "lucky." 

I know mets are the hardest thing to deal with, but even if you had "Cancer Lite" it is way too often that women end up with LE or radiation pulmonitis (lung scarring) or weakened organs from chemo, etc., things that will stay with you for life.  Compared to those issues, sometimes having an ugly scar, crooked nipple,  or a flat chest really is the least of it.

marlegal

justmejanis, I can't tell from your posts whether you're seeing a specially trained LE therapist and not just the nurse in your dr's office. I've been dealing with LE for 3.5+ yrs now and one of the things I beg people to do if at all possible is to be evaluated and treated by trained LE therapists. It is a very different animal from anything else in life and attending a few seminars on the subject doesn't qualify as specializing. Please please please...no matter how  much you like your medical team, ask for a recommendation to a trained LE therapist. It could mean such a difference in your quality of life.

jumping off the soapbox now

to newbies, I too am sorry you needed to join us, but happy you found us. remember now and then to stop and breathe, and look at our "profile" info under our names. many of us have passed the 5-year mark which, while not guaranteeing a future without cancer, sure is nice to see anyway.

justmejanis

marlegal......no soapbox I was such a wreck the other day over sweet Dolly that I may not have made myself clear.  I am not seeing an LE specialist yet.  My MO wants to get this underlying skin issue cleared up first.  The antibiotics made no difference, so they decided it was not cellulitis.  Now they think I have some sort of vascular issue that is causing the redness and tenderness in my breast.  They started me on a vasco-dialator type drug which I have to take for awhile.  This should improve blood flow and hopefully take the surface pain and redness away.  I go back February 17th and if all is well then I will go see the LE specialist.  I hope that makes more sense.

Kitty glad that you do not have any major SE's..........that is the best news!

Eli...Can't seem to win or lose exactly with your bone scan.  I am happy for you it is not worse!

Thinking of all of you and wishing happy days ahead for all!

NativeMainer

Sherrryc--are you having one or both breasts removed?  If one, and your PS likes to do his own MX, I would go with that.  If two I would have a BS do the masts, as the BS can start the masts while the PS starts the recon work and you have less anesthesia time.  But that's what I would do. 

Kay_G

Janis, you had such a bad reaction after rads, some how I think it must be connected. Hope they have it figured out now and it clears up quickly.

justmejanis

Thanks Kay.  My MO's nurse did tell me I had the worst radiation burn she had ever seen.  My MO called it a bad skin reaction!  Either way I sure fried, and Esther does think all of this is related to that bad burning.  So we will treat now for the vascular issue then in a few weeks move on to LE therapy.

Sherryc

Nativemainer I am having a bilateral.  I had not even thought about anesthia time.  Yes something to thing about.

Paula66

I would stick with one person Sherry,  I understand the anesthia time, but I know going back n forth between doc visits after BMX is uncomfortable.  Atleast thats the way it was for me.  Plus he feels like he has more control with the outcome. 

Sherryc

Thanks paula

walker2222

Hey Sherry here is my two cents, if the BS and PS worked as a team before, I would use both; but if not, the PS if they have done MX before, since they are not removing cancer cell.  Sounds like you have a well traned PS who is specialized in this. Since your BS is cool with what ever you decide, do what is best for you.

Leave at 2:30 for my Zometa infusion.

Sherryc

Thanks cuz let me now how your zometa goes

justmejanis

Walker I hope the Zometa infusion helps a lot. 

Kitty glad to see you resurface, I know how busy you are Sweetie.  Glad you are doing okay.

Sherry...I hope when you finally get your surgery done things so smoothly and your issues will finally resolve themselves.  Gosh you sure need a break.

I saw my PCP today and he has cancelled any further PT for my back.  He wants me to get the breast issue resolved before they start abusing another part of my body!  He wants to to be very cazreful, no strenuous activity of any kind.  Just wait and see, but to call him of course right away if anything gets worse.  He just wants the breast mess cleared up.  Makes sense to me.

Paula66

 Janis I hope they get you squared away quickly.

dmlenn1

I so very much feel your pain. Last monday I had to have my 12 yr old Mastiff put down because she had... Cancer. I bawled all over that Vet. I refused to do to her what I am doing to myself, and I let her go out of this world quickly, easily and with no pain. But boy does it hurt me. I knew she was old... I knew she was sick... and I knew i could never explain to her why I was hurting her by giving her treatments. It's terrible to lose a pet, especially when you are going through so much yourself already.

marlegal

janis, thanks for the explanation, I'm sure I was probably the one who misunderstood! glad you do seem to have a team who cares about you and taking steps that make sense. all my best vibes to you for that issue to resolve as quickly as possible.

sherry, I hope you feel you have enough info to make your decision. I didn't have mx so no input that has experience behind it

see you all tomorrow night when it's ... oh yeah ... Friday

justmejanis

Marlegal....I don't even trust myself these days.  I feel so brain dead some days it makes me nuts.  Add to that I cannot type and sometimes everything comes out all messed up.  I HATE typing! 

I saw my PCP today and for now, we are suspending all PT on my back.  I am under strict orders to take it very easy.  He wants to see some resolution to the breast issue before we do anyting else.  I am on very limited restrictions due to the back herniation.  He feel that my onc's and BS should deal with the breast problems and then later we can  make a decision about my back.  I cannot even take walks at this point.  Rest, rest, and more rest.  Not my style at all, so will see how long this lasts.

walker2222

{{{{{{{Janis}}}}}}}

Well I feel ok this morning so far no SE from the Zometa infusion, took some XS Tylenol last night and this morning and it seems to help.  Gota still drink a lota water.

NativeMainer

Sherry--the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the choice you make.  Have you met the BS?  If you don't click with the BS, then using the PS for both makes sense.  And having a BS and a PS MAY decrease the anesthesia time--I had both and my recon took 19 hours.  While there are some concerns about extended anesthesia time, having a surgeon you trust out weighs that (usually quite small) risk.  But the bottom line remains that it must be what YOU feel most confident about and comfortable with.  And I will support whatever choice you make because it will be the best one for YOU. 

Kay_G

Wow, that is a long time Native Mariner.  What kind of recon did you do?  I had a single MX with flap reconstruction and ALND and it took less than 5 hours.  And my PS and BS did a bilateral DIEP in the morning before me or I think it might have actually been a little shorter.  I am sure there are all kinds of unexpected findings that can make the sx longer.  I'm lucky none of that happened with either me or the woman before me.  But if you count the time I was in the recovery room, that was another couple of hours.  Maybe you're counting that?

madpeacock

I'm still here! I've been crazy busy over the last couple of weeks. My daughter turned 13 yesterday and we had a great celebration. OMG - I have a teenager?? She's my one and only and she's a very special girl. We have kept her up to speed on everything through the BC rollercoaster and she is very supportive and very loving.   She asks good questions, makes jokes with me, and is just a joy. 

Anyhoo. Not much going on with me. I have my first post BC diagnostic mammo on 2/8, which is starting to gnaw at my brain a little. I've had all kinds of strange sensations on that side and I know I still have fluid in there after the Mammosite. I have a flat lump on my chest wall above the breast that I had not noticed before. I think it's a rib/sternum, but it's bigger than the other side, and a little tender - probably from me poking and pushing at it. The tamoxifen seems to be treating me kindly - NO hot flashes at all and really nothing else that I can directly blame on the T. Kind of makes me wonder if I am absorbing it - I have major digestive issues and known absorption issues, so it is a thought. I take a ton of supplements for various things - and I did research any conflicts with the T - so maybe I just have a good balance and the T doesn't bother me. 

Hope everyone has a great day!  

NativeMainer

I had a bilateral DIEP, had already had a mast on the left, had prophy mast on the right at the time of recon.  The 19 hours is time in the OR, I spent 36 hours in recovery.  The time was long because I am obese and it takes longer to work through all the abdominal fat.  The long time in reoovery was for monitoring the flap circulation.  I went to a regular room when the flap checks were down to every 2 hours. 

elimar86861

madpea,  Strange sensations are par for the course.  Do bring it all up with the doc, but it probably isn't anything to worry about.  Oh, so you have a teenager now?  Just remember you have 7 long years of it and may find other labels than "a joy' more fitting at times.  Good Luck!!!

Sherryc

walker so glad the zometa is treating you well.  My infusion nurse said most people don't have problems with it but if you do it is flu like achiness.  Drinking lot's of water is suppose to help.

Native mainer yes I have met my BS and he is really good and nice.  I feel completely comfortable with both, but I am leaning towards just having the PS do it so I only have to follow up with the PS.  Both are in the city and it is a hassle for Dr appts.

madpea a teenager.  I had two fun ones and one very moody one.  Luckily he has turned out to be a fun adult.  Lucky you have not had any SE's from the tamoxifen.  I envy you.

noodle6

When I started on Tamox in 2007 I felt that my SE were almost nonexistent. Just a few hot flashes now & then. Somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, a fence was built around me as other SE's snuck up on me. Well, I have been off T for 2 months now & it is like I found a gate in the fence & the sun has popped out & I am so excited to go out & play & to really live again!

( FYI, I was on the T from my 1st BC. I did not refill my Rx after my 2nd dx. )

marlegal

I missed getting in here early to start off a nice Friday party, but I'll be among the first to welcome Saturday with a drink and a snack   And in a moment of ... something ... I got a note from BCO last week letting me know that if you go to the home page of bco.org, you might see a familiar face among the "main pagers" there ... there are four rotating stories, and the face of someone you know is among them   On to the drinks and weekend snacks. Hugs all around.

ibcmets

Sherry,

I did not know that a PS would be able to do both surgeries.  I had the most recommended team from a hospital near me, BS & PS who work well together.  The BS did the BMX & the PS started reconstruction the same time (a few hours later)  I  followed up with only the PS since my continuing care would be with him.  I'm sure this is most likely possible with your surgeons as long as they work out the scheduling together.

Best Wishes on your surgery.

Terri

Eph3_12

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