Canadians in British Columbia

Boobiesister60

Hi, I am new to this site and live in Pitt Meadows. I still have to get my profile going, but would like to know if someone can recommend a good plastic surgeon as I desperately want a second opinion. Am having a hard time with capsular contracture after double mastectomy with immediate implants, followed by radiation treatments. I am one of the unfortunate ones who went from Stage 0 DCIS (not picked up by mammogram) to Stage IV Bone Mets in less than two years - despite having a double mastectomy, compact dose chemo and radiation treatments and no affected lymph nodes! I have learned not to ask "Why" as I dont think we will ever understand this disease!

Allyp71

Hi Boobiesister,

I just sent you a PM and I'm sorry you are dealing with bone mets. Your situation sounds identical to mine except I am still DCIS and had no after treatment after my DM surgery. The BCCA decided that I did not need radiation or chemo so I just need to watch for any symptoms. I had 'isolated tumor cells' but not enough to have been considered lymph node involvement. Your stage IV mets is something that is always on the back of my mind because you just never know. I wish all the best to you and hope you get some of your questions answered. I have learned that the only advocate is you because sometimes the doctors just don't know.

Piscean

Hey Sister,

Firstly, I'm so sorry to hear about your mets.

I too am new to this site. I live on the Sunshine Coast and take the ferry into Vancouver for treatment. I have a great PS that I really like. Her name is Dr. Sheina Macadam and she is located in downtown Vancouver. She does a lot of reconstruction and may be able to help you. She's pretty easy to Google.

Best of luck to you!

Snowgirl63

Anyone in this group from the Fraser valley near Hope that wants to be together to form a support group to do activities with? Please send me a message

Than k you , Teresa

Snowgirl63

Hi , I had it done only had to ask and she said I qualified based on the pathology results. I'm at the Abbotsford cancer agency.

Boobiesister60

Hi Piscean - sorry I never saw your message. Thanks for sharing your info. I managed to find someone in Port Moody and have an appointment booked for the first week in June! Quite a bit of travelling you have to do. Hope everything is going okay for you!

MarieK

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I haven't checked in here for a while- been busy with family and "other stuff".

Marian - I'm glad you asked about continuing with AI treatment beyond 5 years. I've been wondering about that myself...

I did 3 years with Tamoxifen then switched (after met/recurrence/whatever?) to Anastrozole for 8 months and then switched (after the India controversy) to Arimidex (AstraZeneca brand) and have been on that for just over 1 year.

The MO only said I'd be on it for a while or until it stopped working...I've gotten through most of the initial side effects but I'm surprised that even after 1 year new side effects have developed!

I can't remember the last time I posted but I had a PET scan in January (all clear), saw my MO in late January and my blood work is all good (including low TM numbers - tested Jan & May).

I have graduated to 6 month follow ups but the MO wants me to do my blood work every 3 months. So I won't see him again until July.

I see my PS on Monday for a follow up (continuing to follow up post fat grafting#2 & tummy tuck surgery Feb 2014). He mentioned doing more fat grafting at my last follow up but I'm getting tired (of surgeries) and I'm not sure how much better he can make my recon breast look.

Don't get me wrong I'm happy with all he has done for me. The fat grafting has helped soften my recon breast and thicken the skin and tissue around the implant (my skin was so stretched thin post exchange that I could see the alloderm under). Also to help fill in the divots - still have one at the end of my MAST scar.

But in my case it's still the MAST scar itself that is not "stretching" and holding everything back. Even with fat grafting I'm not getting that fluffy/full "natural" look and I'm not sure I ever will. It sometimes looks like a string tied around a pillow...

I'll see what he has to say when I see him tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers of human and animal babies!

Marie

marianelizabeth

MarieK, you have lots of positive news! What is the Indian controversy around Anastrozole? Big discussion going on right now with my FB group that started on BCO when we did chemo at the same time.

Nice to see so many new women posting and hope that things are going OK with you all~~re appts, surgeons and anything else related to our BC.

My biggest issue is cording which got worse when I was away but my physio is working hard on it and crossing fingers. Costs a lot but in the long run I know it is going to be worth it!

Snowgirl63

Hi everyone here, I'm really having a hard time and missing my son that died five years ago and going through this with not very many friends as well as having huge amounts of anxiety and feeling like I need some kind of encouragement. It seems I can give it to others but everyone sees me as the strong one ... When deep down inside I'm broken. Losing my son definitely the hardest thing in my life and all that entails is making this journey with breast cancer tougher cause he was such an upbeat encouraging protective son.i guess that's what is making this right up there as being the hardest time in my life because with him around I know I would have been so encouraged...and it's just beyond 💔 and bring back the loss of him all the more. I'm seeing the counsellor at the agency and treasure her encouragement but that's the thing while I'm there talking with her I feel great and hopeful. It's all the time in between the appointments that are my struggle. If there is anyone out there who can relate please message me I'd love to have a texting BC buddy. To hopefully encourage each other. I haven't connected with anyone here yet an feel so utterly alone and spent an hour in my DRs office just crying. I have a ton of pain and apparently lost all ability to cope. He's increased my pain medication. But that won't do anything about how alone I feel. My youngest son who is developmentally challenged an as well as other health problems is such a thoughtful sweat heart I just can't tell him about this and expect him to understand as well as it being inappropriate to even place that onhim. Just happy to have him around and his hugs...just needing a friend who understands.

Hopefully anticipating a new friendship, Teresa

Snowgirl63

Hi everyone here, I'm really having a hard time and missing my son that died five years ago and going through this with not very many friends as well as having huge amounts of anxiety and feeling like I need some kind of encouragement. It seems I can give it to others but everyone sees me as the strong one ... When deep down inside I'm broken. Losing my son definitely the hardest thing in my life and all that entails is making this journey with breast cancer tougher cause he was such an upbeat encouraging protective son.i guess that's what is making this right up there as being the hardest time in my life because with him around I know I would have been so encouraged...and it's just beyond 💔 and bring back the loss of him all the more. I'm seeing the counsellor at the agency and treasure her encouragement but that's the thing while I'm there talking with her I feel great and hopeful. It's all the time in between the appointments that are my struggle. If there is anyone out there who can relate please message me I'd love to have a texting BC buddy. Too hopefully encourage each other. I haven't connected with anyone here yet an feel so utterly alone and spent an hour in my DRs office just crying. I have a ton of pain and apparently lost all ability to cope. He's increased my pain medication. But that won't do anything about how alone I feel. My son who is developmentally challenged an as well as other health problems is such a thoughtful sweat heart I just can't tell him about this and expect him to understand as well as it being inappropriate to even place that in him. Just happy to have him around and his hugs...just needing a friend who understands.

Hopefully anticipating a new friendship, Teresa

Allyp71

Teresa, I sent you a PM

Snowgirl63

Hi allyp, thank you for the private message, it sure nice to talk to someone. I don't feel so all alone anymore, thank you so much for being willing to e that person to connect with me.

bee15

Hi All: Have not been on in a really, really long time, but I have some information to share regarding DEIP construction in the Vancouver Area. Dr Sheina MacAdam is still accepting delayed Deip reconstruction patients. The wait list is 6 - 9 months. I had mine done last week and am currently in "recovery" mode. She really is the best there is. Dr Lennox is no longer doing Deip from what I understand. He is now heading up the Plastic Surgery/Breast Recon dept at UBC hospital. If you are interested in Deip, get a referral to Dr. MacAdam.

Ossa

MarieK Yay on your all clear, great news. I have graduated to seeing Onc once a year. Still have to see my GP every six months for exam. We (onc and myself) decided to continue Tamoxifen for the full five years then decide either another five or switch to aromatase.. Had a lot of pain in my spine and hip that I was worried about, but found out it is "only" arthritis.

Life is good. Our oldest son is getting married this summer and I again have my brothers coming from Norway.. Sending along a picture of our gorgeous grandkids. How our lives have changed these past 4 years.. Three babies and no sign of cancer.. love life

 

Carrie61

Hi BC girls...

Marie...that's great news about your PET scan and TMs...my PET is booked for July so getting a bit nervous.

Teresa, welcome to this group...you'll find lots of support here☺️

ossa, love that picture of you and your grandchildren...glad to hear it's been 3 years clear for you.

I'm still on my cross country RV holiday, we'ren the Maritimes right now, and expect to be home (Langley) in July to face my scans and bloodwork. I have had nothing done since Dec. so hoping for the best.

Bee: I was referred to S. Macadam in January, and received an apt. for Sept. 2016, so not sure about a 6 to 9 month wait. mine is more like 20 month wait😁

best to you all...Carrie

bee15

Hi Carrie: my original referral was March of 2013. It took me until July 2014 to get the appointment, but after the original appointment, it is a 6 - 9 month wait. I know they are working on trying to shorten that time up.

It is a long wait, but I'm glad I did it. My results are far more than I could ever have hoped for. She really is worth the wait.

Kimmer33

Hi Ladies!

I am fairly new on here, and havent been diagnosed yet. My biopsy is next Friday, Jul 24 and results the week after. Just scanning this B.C. Forum and it would be nice to connect with others in my area (Abbotsford), as I begin this journey. I have a lot of questions and sure there will be many more once I get the official results.

A little about me, I am 46 years old, married with 3 beautiful grown daughters. Had a routine mammogram at the end of May (every 2 years) and this year they saw something, called me back for a diagnostic mammo, then an ultrasound. There is a 1cm lesion in the upper outer quadrant of my left breast. They will also check the node that is near this lesion. I have taken this very hard, and waiting for the biopsy is killing me, but thankfully my family doctor has already prepared me that it is cancer, so have basicaly spent the past 2 weeks grieving the life I thought I would have, and accepting the new one, which still hasnt happened 100%.

Would love to connect with any of you!

Kim

Gardengirl66

Hi Kimmie33 , welcome to this group you never wanted to join, there are some fabulous women on here with lots of info ,advice and friendship. I found the early stage of it all, during biopsies, and telling family the hardest. I found once I was in the system I had excellent care . I loved my surgeon, he was great and I healed well from the surgery.

I know this is very hard, the waiting , not knowing ,biopsy , then waiting , then results.iif you can try and walk , exercise of your choice to try and relax, clear your head....it does help. One thing my surgeon advised me ....do not Google breast cancer.....he told me if he was to do that , he would have breast cancer by the end of it. This website and the Canadian cancer agency he told me to stick with....at least to you know what is going on.

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me ....or just reply back here. I had taken a break from this site and just pop back in now and again.....still figuring out my new normal....but life is good.

Hugs to you and thinking of you !

marianelizabeth

Kimmer33, Garedengirl is right, there is a lot of support here. I am also in Vancouver but hopefully some of those out your way will see your post. The "waiting game" is so hard but hang in there and try to do fun things to keep your mind off the wait.

Ossa

Kimmer33 So sorry you have to be here, Glad you found this group. So much knowledge and support.. No one will judge you here, we have all been there, done that I am in Chilliwack had my treatment in Abby.. Great drs. at the cancer centre PM me if you have any questions

sophiachander

hello everyone,

I cannot possibly tell you how comforting it is reading your stories here and feeling that everything will turn alright in the end. My mom just got diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma BC last week. Firstly when i heard it, I thought it was a joke, and then I went into a shock, then anger where I yelled at everyone... right now it seems like I am floating in and out of shock and breaking down. Every morning ever since that day I’ve woken up thinking that it was a bad dream and that any moment my mom will get ready for work. Every night I have cried myself to sleep thinking another day is over and no news.

Our family doctor hasn’t been helpful at all in this process. I wanted to know what are the steps that are supposed to be followed having being diagnosed. She has been referred to a general surgeon appointment in 3 days.

Any information would be helpful.

Thank you.

marianelizabeth

sophia, take a deep breath and have your mom do the same. It is good that she has an appt. with the general surgeon soon. Where are you located? For many of us once diagnosed, the next step was indeed seeing a general (all are general but many do just breast) surgeon so see what is recommended. Depending on the initial pathology she/he will make recommendations. It is step by step at this point. Let us know what happens and we will try to support you and your mom as best we can. Today is 3 years exactly since diagnosis and a lot has happened but much is good.

Kimmer33

diagnosed today IDC, also found cancer cells in one lymph node that was biopsied. I plan to start a new thread in the "recently diagnosed" thread. hope to keep in touch with you B.C. Buddies

marianelizabeth

Kimmer 33, please do keep us posted. Thinking of you as you start the next leg of this journey.

Kimmer33

thanks mariane!

I have a surgical consult on Tuesday, and hopefully Surgery within 2-3 weeks. Relieved to have some answers...

Kim

Kimmer33

Hi Ladies,

Looking ahead to chemo and hair loss, and wondering if any of you that live in the lower mainland of British Columbia know a shop to get wigs? I am considering wigs, but would like to see and hold it in person before I decide. Also found some places online that have some nice wigs. Any help would be awesome. Thank you!

marianelizabeth

Kimmer, there is a volunteer group that works through our cancer agencies called feel good, feel better. They do sessions on makeup and hair (lack of that is). It is really good and highly recommended. There we also tried on wigs and got an idea of what might work. I will look tonight for the name of the place I bought mine from in N. Van~~several others I know did the same. However, I have to say that i only wore mine 5 times so $100 each time. I much preferred scarves and hats~~maybe because I was still pretty active throughout at yoga and walking etc. and just felt more myself in scarves especially. I found Buffs great too--you can google them.

I think buying wigs should be done in person.

NATSGSG

If anyone is considering wigs, this youtube video may interest you. The young lady, who herself is a cancer patient, shares her experience on weeks. She's simply great!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3-YB-pyuiI

And sending good wishes to everyone here

Sneakychiquita

Kimmer and Marianne - It was West Coast Wigs we bought ours at. I didn't think I'd wear my wig much, but I actually pretty much lived in it outside of my house unless I was working out. I even wore it under my helmet when I was riding to the cancer agency for appointments! I bought another one online…it looked so ridiculous on me that I only wore it as a joke for an 80's themed party, lol.

Welcome to the newbies. Like Marianne, I'm also at the 3 year mark. For the first time since diagnosis, cancer is no longer the predominant thing in my life. Groundschool for my pilot license is almost done…flight training begins later this month!

Ossa

Kimmer Try Maxine's in Abbotsford. Mother daughter team Very compassionate

32772 Boult Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3H7
(604) 852-9382

As Marian said Try the look good feel good program. If you go to the counselling area at the cancer center( 3rd floor at Hospital) they have all the info regarding when the program starts.. Who is your oncologist?? I have dr Gurjal When she is away I see Dr Uhlman Both female and both wonderful. Dr Uhlman even called me at home after my last mammogram to tell me it was all good