All so new and I have questions!

etnasgrl

Good Morning ladies!

I was just diagnosed last Thursday with IDC in my right breast. I was told by my surgical oncologist that I caught it very early, it is Stage 1/Grade 1 ER+/PR+ HER2 -

I had genetic testing done and am waiting on the results. If the results are positive, my surgical oncologist wants to do a double mastectomy, with reconstruction surgery.
If I need to go that route, I do want reconstruction surgery.....however, I feel SO overwhelmed with the different types of reconstruction surgery available and the recovery times for each.
I feel absolutely clueless!

I've been doing as much research as I can possibly can, but that tends to overwhelm me even more, LOL! I've also been reading Dr Love's Breast Book, which has been a godsend, so much valuable info!! But what I'm looking for is opinions and advice from you. I know the decision is mine alone and I need to do what is best for me.....but hearing from others who have gone through reconstruction surgery will help SO much!

etnasgrl

No replies?

I do understand that everyone is busy, but please if you do get a few minutes, would you be willing to offer up some advice or opinions?
I'm not looking to be told what to do, obviously that's my decision alone. I'm just looking for some help in the decision making process and the more info I have, the better!

Thanks so much!

Elizabethaw

I wasn't sure what sort of information you needed. Do you want responses saying what type of reconstruction the responder chose, the recovery time, etc.? You're trying to compare flap surgeries with implants, right?

Edited to add that I'm so sorry you're traveling this road!

BarredOwl

Hi etnasgirl:

I didn't have reconstruction, but I did consult with a plastic surgeon to find out what procedures I qualified for and to discuss what each procedure entailed, likely aesthetic results, the risks and complications of those procedures, including the possibility of subsequent procedures/adjustments. That is a good place to start. I also wanted to discuss with a professional how each procedure and its success or timing might be impacted or complicated by possible further treatments (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, because the surgical pathology and/or lymph node biopsy results might change the picture). Consulting with a plastic surgeon can help to streamline your research if you do not qualify for certain procedures or if you find you would not consider certain types of interventions (e.g., which impact a second site for example). Many consult with more than one plastic surgeon. Then, you can reach out in the threads for particular procedures.

BarredOwl

justmaximom15

I'm sorry you've had to join this club and I'm sure you'll get some more replies soon. You're very right, this is your choice and yours alone but hearing from others who have been there does help.

I think the best advice that I can give to you right now is going to sound cliche but take it one day at a time and only deal with what you need to deal with at this moment. It can get overwhelming and that's the best way that I've found to face this thing.

Do you have a plan of action right now, assuming you don't test positive for the gene? If so, that's what I would deal with. If and when that plan changes then face it at that time. Sure, take a look at your options so you know some of what's there but don't overwhelm yourself right now trying to make a decision that you may not even have to make.

Look under the Treatment and Side Effects tab here at BCO and I think that will give you a lot of information without being terribly overwhelming.

Best wishes to you for a great outcome!!

Elizabethaw

Good point, justmaximom! Would you choose a lumpectomy if you don't have a positive BRCA test? If so, don't get all worried about reconstruction!

I also think barredowl has a good point. I did not qualify for any type of flap surgery, so it was a choice between implants or no reconstruction.

etnasgrl

Yes, if I receive negative results on the BRCA test, than I will go with a lumpectomy followed by radiation.
You girls make such a valid point about not worrying about the reconstruction until I have to. (And trust me, I'm trying! LOL! I tend to get myself overwhelmed researching as many things as possible!)

Please know I am SO grateful for your replies, support, and care. It means more to me than I can say. This place has literally been my sanity saver since my world turned upside down. Thank you so very much!

Elizabethaw

etnasgrl, I'm an obsessive researcher too--so much so that my doctors got used to long, complex emails from me and even (gently) teased me about them!

If you don't have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, the BRCA test could very well be negative. I had LCIS in one breast and DCIS in the other and no risk factors (and I was 44) other than an aunt who died of BC. My breast surgeon thought surely it was genetics--it may well have been, but it wasn't the BRCA gene! When will you have results? Waiting is the very hardest thing.

If you'll choose lumpectomy and radiation, don't even bother to obsessively research reconstruction! I'm sure you can find plenty of obsess about with lumpectomy and radiation, right?

The hardest decision I had to make was lumpectomy/radiation vs BMX. You've already gotten that one done!

Hang in there--waiting really is the very hardest part!

caretothepeople

Hi etnasgrl - Just wanted to let you know there is a great resource on the site here about talking through reconstruction options with your doctor. It has specific questions to ask the doc that could be really helpful in guiding the conversation. Just put "Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Breast Reconstruction" and it should come up"

-Melody