August 2013 Surgeries

laura11103

Thought I'd start this thread since I have finally been scheduled for my BMX (left prophylactic) with immediate reconstruction (TEs)...  I am scheduled for surgery August 7th!  Very glad its scheduled, I was diagnosed on June 21st but glad I've had time to get ready and enjoy part of the summer with my 15 month old... gonna be tough not being able to pick him up for a long time...  anyone else?  It's gonna be a journey that's for sure!

Moderators

Hi Laura, thanks for starting this thread --

While it may be a little too early to get this thread really moving, we're stopping in to supply some good information for you and future posters to help prepare for your surgeries:

Check out some good info from the main Breastcancer.org site on Surgery, including:

• What to Expect with Any Surgery
• Lumpectomy: what to expect, side effects, and questions to ask
• Mastectomy: what to expect, side effects, and questions to ask
• Lymph Node Removal: what to expect, side effects, and questions to ask
• Reconstruction: all types of reconstrucion, what to expect, side effects, and questions to ask

Also, you may find it helpful to chat with ladies from past months' surgery threads, to get first-hand stories of their experience; see theJune 2013 and July 2013 surgery threads.

Hope this helps and good luck with all of your surgeries!

--Your Mods

KimH

Hi Laura,

I have been reading a lot of the community boards but I haven't posted anything until now. I was diagnosed on June 8th. I knew with my family history, I would hear the words "you have breast cancer," one day but I was shocked to hear those words at the age of 37. (My mom and grandmother both had breast cancer.) It took me a little time to decide which direction to go....lumpectomy or mastectomy. They found a second spot and I decided that I didn't want to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. On August 8th, I am having a double mastectomy with TE put in. For the most part, I have been pretty positive. My husband has got on to me about my sense of humor but that is how I deal.

Have you found yourself "nesting"? I have been cleaning my house nonstop.

Kim

babs6287

I had a  left UMX with lymph node dissection last August and am having a PMX on my right side with TE's on August 29th!  I guess August has become my month!  Laura, where are you having your surgery?

DeliriumPie

Hi ladies. I have my last "planned" chemo treatment tomorrow and surgery will be scheduled for mid August. I am having so much anxiety about the pending surgery and all that will follow. I'm also disappointed that all if the opinions I've received on reconstruction are for it to be delayed 6 months to a year after radiation us complete. Chemo is seeming like a cake walk compared to everything ahead. I wish you both luck with your surgery!

laura11103

Hi Kim!  So our paths are very close...  3 weeks (but who's counting lol)... I also have tried to be humorous about this when I can... haven't gotten the cleaning bug much but I am making lists and trying to get all the stuff I'm gonna need... have a trip to the mall with my BFF next week for button down tops, pajamas with pockets, front zip sports bras... holding off on the wig til I know what post treatment will be...  also trying to figure out food..  thinking I'll freeze a bunch of things a few days before surgery... I have like 5 days off so should have time... I just want to be PREPARED!

Hey Babs!  My surgery will be at Beth Israel.  My BS is Christopher Mills and Mark Smith is my PS... they are both AMAZING and I fully trust them... 

Delirium... thank you and good luck to you too...  sorry you have to wait for recon... we just gotta keep looking at the big picture... days are slow but the years are fast... stay strong!

gavinsgrandma

Hi Ladies I am glad you found your way here, it is a great site with tons of great women and information😄I am actually from the July surgery thread, on my way to see PS today so he can mark where he wants BS to cut tomorrow and one thing I

wanted to share with you is if you have a Mastectomy store or a Medical Supply Company that carries Post mastectomy apparel there is a really soft cute post surgical Cami with drain pockets you might want to look into and your insurance may pay for them. Mine paid for two, you can see them on tlcdirect.org if you want to see what they look like😄



Shary🌻

foreverchanged

Hello everyone!  I will be having hopefully my last surgery 8/2/13 for nipple and areola reconstruction and to remove some excess skin on the sides to hopefully give my reconstructed breast better shape.  Good luck on your upcoming surgeries!

KimH

Hi Babs - August is your month!  8 apparently is my number!  Diagnosed on the 8th, meet with the PS on the 18th and surgery on the 8th.  And I just realized August is the 8th month and my 38th birthday.  Weird!!!

Hi DeliriumPie - I noticed you are from Texas.  I lived in Houston until 2 years ago.  Some advise, I read past month's surgery boards to see how others did with their surgeries.  It made me feel a little more at ease.

Hi Lifechangingyear - It sounds like you are coming to an end of all of this craziness!!!

Hi Laura - We are mirroring each other! I haven't bought bras yet... I am hoping they will go over a lot of that with me tomorrow because I don't know what size to buy.  I did go to Old Navy and bought bottom down shirts.  I really don't own any bottom down shirts.

Good Luck tomorrow Shary!!!  I will be thinking about you!!!

I am meeting my PS tomorrow for the first time.  He came so highly recommended from other BC survivors and my other doctors that I already have him scheduled to use on August the 8th.  Hope I like him!  LOL                             

Rose63

Hi ladies. Guess I should pipe in here too, as I am scheduled for my Exchange surgery August 2. I've been in these coconut-shell TEs since April 19, and I am very ready to move on to my final (hopefully) squishy foobs. Tomorrow is my preop appt with my PS, so I'm all ready with my list of questions. I'm anxious to hear his thoughts on which implants I may get, and also how long my recovery might be. Cross your fingers!

DeliriumPie

Kim and Laura: thanks for the advice. All if the docs keep telling me to suppress my 'what I want now' feelings and focus on where I want to be two years from now. It's just hard. I also keep vacillating between reading every bit if info and story I can vs thinking I am reading too much and psyching myself out. Such is the new normalcy of our lives! Completed my ( hoping hoping hoping) last chemo tx today. The nurses made a big deal and all signed a t shirt for me which was nice. Trying not too be too excited though because I am so paranoid and don't like to count my eggs before they are hatched. But step one down no matter what!

babs6287

Hi Delirium-when I finished my chemo I actually got a graduation certificate- So funny!!!  The same happened when I finished my radiation.  It's just a great boost to signify the end of a tough road.

Today I met with my PS again-LOVE him!  He spends so much time answering all of my questions!  Having worked for a PS for the last 3 years, I know a lot which is both good and bad!  But, he is patient and thorough.  He even gave me his cell number in case I come up with any additional questions after today's meeting!  

Laura, my PMX and recon is scheduled at Lenox Hill with Stephanie Bernik (BS) and Adam Schaffner (PS).  After today, I feel more confident than ever with my choice!  I'm just anxious to get this over with!  Will keep myself busy til then!  Wishing you a VERY easy time!

Babs

myers421

Hi Ladies!

I am from the July 2013 thread, I had a bmx July 11th and I was blessed to be choosen to be the 4h recepient of the  "Pink Traveling Sisterhood Shirt" It is a Pink smock with pockets for your drains after surgery.  I will be having mine drains removed by the end of next week and would like to pass it along to one of you.  Please PM me if you are interested. 

Much Love,

Amy 

Jtrosesav

Hi Amy,

Anything you pass on to me that symbolizes that with your strength, you got through it, would be very meaningful. I am scheduled for surgery on August 19th for a mastectomy of my left breast. After meeting with oncologist Thursday and getting genetic testing later that day (I am an Ashkenazi Jew), I am now considering a bilateral mastectomy. Hard decision. Will know more after I get results of genetic testing. I was told that even if the genetic testing comes back negative, based on the LCIS in my left breast, my chances of getting cancer in my right breast are 10-12% higher than average.

myers421

Hi Jacquie,

I know it is a big decision I had to make a bmx decision as well as DCIS was shown only in my right breast.  I got my pathology report back yesterday and the best decision I made in my LIFE was to get a BMX, the pathology came back with IDC grade 1 in my left breast tissue.  I never would have known if I didn't choose the bmx.  You will make the right decision, and fyi my genetic testing came back negative.

Much Love,

Amy

Jtrosesav

Wow, Amy, thank you SO much for sharing that. I hope more of you share how you came to your decisions on BOTH sides of the coin.

pamalot

I am scheduled for a single nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on the 29th of July. I am hoping for a double because I have a strong family history of cancer. My sister died of BC 12 years ago and my father died of pAncreatic cancer when he was 68. I am having trouble getting the right authorization from the the doctors. When I told the receptionist in the surgeon's office that this was what I wanted, she told me I would have go ask the plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon told me it was up to the surgeon. NOW THE SURGEON says I will have to ask the oncologist. For this I must wait for an authorization before I can even make an appointment! I am stressed out and running out of time.

Jtrosesav

Pamalot, that sounds very stressful. Sorry. Where do you live? I'm so lucky to live 2 blocks from top-notch cancer center!

pamalot

I live in Orange County, CA

grammaB

Hi Ladies, 

I'm scheduled for BMX on August 13.  My mom died of breast cancer, my father of prostate cancer, his mom from pancreatic cancer and his dad from stomach cancer. When I got my dx on July 8, I thought about a lumpectomy for about 1 day.  I met with the BS a day later and was already on to MX.  The more reading I have done, and with my family history by the end of the first week, I was fine with BMX. I do not plan on doing any reconstruction.  My pre-op appointment is this coming Thursday, the 25th.  

My BRACA results aren't back yet (not sure if ins is going to cover it), but my MO said with the types of cancer on my dad's side, the gene could be from him.  I'm 64, and have had the possibility of this dx hanging in the back of my mind ever since my mom's death in '88. My MO said because the cancer was tiny and early he didn't forsee any chemo for me.  

One issue that could come up is I had a hysterectomy back in '95 and the surgeon left a portion of my left ovary, so no hormones.  But now, if I do have the BRACA gene my MO said they would have to go in and find it and remove it. (  But I'll worry about that another day!

Anonymous

Hi,

I am scheduled for my formal meeting with my surgeon on Wednesday.  For me this is the 2nd time around.  I was previously dx with DCIS which after a lumpectomy the path report found had spread out and was actually stage 2a. I had chemo and radiation and began hormonal therapy and on a regular check up a lump was found on my other side.  Incredible I thought. So for the last two weeks I've been tested and tested and tested and the pet scan found it isn't in any other organ but there are other spots in/near the breast/axilla so I know that Wednesday we will be setting the date for my bmx.  I am unlikely to get reconstruction. I'm not clear that I want it and a ps I consulted said that it isn't possible to achieve given my size (large breast or large person - I'm not sure which he meant but his attitude sucked so I don't care to be treated by him anyway.)  I will consult with another ps, though before the first consult I wasn't leaning toward reconstruction.  I am pretty sure that I am headed for not just bmx but also more chemo (AC this time rather than TC) and possibly more radiation.  I am brca negative though my mom and aunt have had bc.

Any way, I'll be having the bmx very soon.  I am being treated at Columbia in NYC.  Anyone know anyone else being seen there?

V

KimH

Hi August Ladies!

Once I made up my mind to have a BMX, I felt really good about my decision. Now that I am 2 weeks from my surgery, I am second guessing my decision. Anybody else feeling this way?

Very anxious today!

Kim

aviva5675

Hello ladies...just new to all this, DCIS grade 3, right breast, scheduled for lumpectomy Aug 13- removal of the that and tissue removal from another area same side for suspicious looking tissue. Immediate oncoplasty both side at the same time. I guess radiation to follow!

You guys all sound so strong- going thru alot more than I think I will be, hopefully, you never know...Nervous about the surgery, but it shoudl be ok.

jbdayton

I will be joining this group.  Do not have surgery scheduled but have my first BS consultation on August 2.  I did neo-adjuctive chemo (last treatment June 23) and yes I got to ring the bell.  Had new mammo and ultrasound last Thursday and very pleased with the results; no tumor visible. 

Undecided on LX or UMX or BMX.  Mammo from January pre-treatment showed several groups of microcalcs in the good breast.  MO wants surgery completed within the month.  Original tumor was against the chest wall so probably will need rads so no reconstruction until later. 

Good luck to everyone scheduled for surgery in the next week or two. 

Pamelot good luck with getting all the approvals necessary.  It can be such a run around getting everything lined up in the correct order.  I ran into this with who was going to cover my chemo drugs.  Had to submitt prescription to my drug company and wait for denial, then with Aetna drug and wait for denial, then Aetna medical picked up all the injectible drugs.  We should not have to go through all this when we pay our premiums timely for good coverage.  I was real frustrated at the process.  I understand what you are going through.  Stay persistent and you will get the ok's you need and want.

Prayers to all. 

  

mmadrigal05

Hello ladies! My August surgery is the 2nd. I'm having BLD flap surgery and after reading some of the other threads I'm kind of stressing out, but I HAVE to do something about not having boobs anymore. I had a double MX in March 2012 with immediate TE placement. We weren't sure if I was going to have to do radiation at that time and I didn't want to wake up flat chested so we started the recon process. Well, radiation was recommended and it fried my tissues. I had to have the TE removed at the end of January (2 days before my 38th birthday) bc I was in so much pain. I'm glad I had them removed and allowed my body a chance to heal, but now I'm having to start all over and rearrange muscles so I can look somewhat normal again. I was 38DD/40D before my dx and am going with 38C eventually. Delirium-you're totally right...chemo was a cake walk compared to everything I've been dealing with as far as reconstruction goes. BC not only took my boobs pyhsically but it took my womanhood emotionally. This whole experience has been very trying...mostly me trying to get through it. I'm doing my best but sometimes it just doesn't seem like that enough. I'm probably a little more sensitive since I'm about a week away from another major surgery and the chemo has messed with my hormones (I'm now peri menopausal which means I'm almost menopausal but I could possibly bounce back but it's too early to tell. Either way I'm an emotional wreck.). Friends and family are doing their best to be supportive but most days I just want to take my two boys and run away. They just don't understand what it's like to look in the mirror and feel the way I do. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer:(.



With all that being said I am glad I opted for a double MX bc I at least know I don't have to go through all this again for the other side later on. In my early 20's I had a lump in my right breast that was benign, but with my dx on the left I didn't want to give the right a chance to change its mind. This is the hardest thing any woman could ever go through but I know that we are a special group of women and with each others help we can get through it. Thanks for starting this thread Laura and thank u ladies for allowing me to add my experience. There's good days and there's bad days and all the days in between. Some enjoy them all as they come, one right after the other. Good luck to everyone!!! Much love:)

pamalot

Just a few days left before my mastectomy. I was not able to see the oncologist for at least a month. I've decided to go ahead with the single. Perhaps I can have the 2nd one done when they take out the ad pacer and put in the implant.

I will be very fortunate to get this cancer out of me! I need to count my blessings instead of complaining about insurance authorizations.

I'm very nervous about this whole thing. Tomorrow will be my last day at work before surrender my breast to surgery. I don't mean to be a drama queen.

beccc81

I am having a lumpectomy on the 2nd August. It was scheduled to be an open duct excision due to bleeding from a single duct on my right breast. A lump has since been found with what may be a second lump next to it so I am now having the lumpectomy... approximately an old film cannister size was to be removed, so now its that plus a lump or two. Though I am no stranger to surgery, this will be my first breast procedure.... It is starting to get scary!

myers421

Kim, I had a bmx July 11th, the initial diagnosis was DCIS in the left breast.  The pathology report after surgery read that there was IDC in the right breast.  With that said... I think a bmx is much wiser for anyone who has a choice.

Much Love,

Amy

Butterflylady2012

Hi Laura,

We share the same surgery date....mine is August 7th too at 9:30 AM.   Over 16 months, I have had 2 surgeries for mastectomies, five weeks radiation, now my implants will be placed on both sides on that date.  You are in the early stages.  Those are the most difficult days, the early days of diagnosis.  Yes, it is a journey, a long journey, but after 16 months I can definitely say that I am much better emotionally.  I have my moments, but it's not incapacitating like before. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.  We are surgery sisters.  What time is your surgery?  How are you feeling today?  This site is a wonderful resource as I'm sure you have found.  Hugs and best thoughts your way. 

Hugs,

Sharon

lahela

I've finally got a surgery date - BMX on August 8th, with immediate DIEP reconstruction.

Things are getting terrifyingly real!

grammaB

myers421, Amy,

That is exactly the approach I am taking.  My cancer is very small and early with the tiniest bit of invasion I am told.  My mom passed from bc my dad prostate cancer. His parents of pancreatic and stomach cancer.  All related to the BRACA gene.  My BRACA test has been sent in, but waiting for ins approval which may not come because of my age, 64.  That said once I got my dx, in 3 days I went from lumpectomy to MX to BMX and never looked back.  Have already gotten approval from ins for the BMX. I plan no recon.

I am at peace with my decision, but the waiting for surgery, Aug 13 is making me crazy!! I hate waiting!! I have everything prepared and even meals in the freezer.  Can't think of much else to keep myself busy.  Moving furniture around today making room for my new recliner.... that will lead to house cleaning in general I guess.....

Barbara