IS There A Supportive Breast Surgeon In Dallas Area

woodstock99

I was recently diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS in 2 areas on right breast and small stage 1A area and stage 0 DCIS area on left breast and BMX is in my near future along with a few SNB on each side after mammo, MRI & 4 biopsies last month. Estrogen receptive positive & Her2 negative. Word still out on any additional hormonal treatment.

I have seen 3 of the top breast surgeons in Dallas and am now starting to see plastic surgeons however the more I read and learn about reconstruction the more I am strongly contemplating not doing it but whenever I even bring it up to the oncological surgeons they look at me like I am nuts. I am a strong woman and would not make this decision lightly.

My husband and I have discussed it in great detail and been to a number of sites to read stories and look at pictures. There seems to be such a disconnect between what these doctors tell you and the realties and facts I have reads about different types of recon. I had one doctor yesterday look at my stomach and pat it to let me know what a good candidate I would be for flap surgery and why wouldn't I want to take advantage of the latest in modern medicine. That really irritated me.

I am almost 63, married, no children, no family in area, an executive with a demanding position that I love and plan on doing for as long as they will let me, and most of our friends are working professionals. I also remotely take care of my 86-year mom who lives in another state. I am not convinced the multiple surgeries and potential complications and issues are worth it for me. I read statistics that recon is far more prevalent in cities like Dallas, LA, etc and while we have great doctors here, I feel like that this is the traditional mind-set here and that even if I get someone who says ok that they think I will change my mind later.

I understand that you really need to know pre-surgery if you plan to do later or not at all as it affects the surgery, correct?

The way I have been feeling and am still feeling is that I just want to do my BMX, get through that recovery and get on with my life. I am a 38C and am 5'5" and about 170 pounds. I would plan on wearing prothesis vs going flat. I adore my husband as he does me.

I do have one friend who had BMX but needed chemo/rads so planned to do recon later but after almost 2 years has opted not too. She told me she has yet to find a compelling reason for her to do recon although she knows she could if she ever changed her mind although she says it is very doubtful unless something new is developed in our lifetimes and she has met with countless plastic surgeons.

Just wondering how to find someone supportive if I make this final decision in my medical community. I know my internist would be but it appears the rest of this city where I live is so pro-recon that I would face scorn or derision.

Would appreciate any guidance and thanks in advance.