didnt go as I planned

Anonymous

didnt go as I planned

Goincrzy8

Well today did not go as I had planned. Met with the surgeon and based on the density and the area of the lump I feel, he says a lumpectomy would just leave a huge hole in my breast. He suggest after examining me, to remove the left breast. I am devasted. I told him I was not looking forward to chemo, which if my lymph nodes are clear I could avoid that.

Totally upset tonite.He is looking for the week of December to do surgery. How do you ladies cope with this?

DeeDee45

It's so hard to hear the word cancer and then be told they want to take your breast, but for me the cancer scared me more than having to have a mastectomy. I faced it as something I had to do to get rid of the cancer and it was easier that way.  You know what people always say when someone is going through a hard time, take a deep breath, take it one day at a time - well take as many deep breaths as you need and take it one minute at a time.  Be kind to yourself in the coming months, cry when you need to, reach out to loved ones for support and keep us posted on BCO on how you are doing.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Doris

Lily55

I so remember the shock and devastation I felt so send you a big hug.......

Have you asked if he can offer you immediate reconstruction?  It is a lot less traumatic that way - I totally get how you feel, mine was 4.5 years ago and I still hate how I am as stuck in a system that sees reconstruction as a luxury. However the actual surgery is not that bad, the physical element, the emotional is a whole different thing of course. You have time to get another opinión and to find a surgeon who can do reconstruction if that is what you want

keepthefaith

I agree with Lily. if you are not comfortable with the MX, get another opinion and talk to a plastic surgeon as well. I had a LX and I do have a good-sized "dent"; I am fairly well-endowed, so really doesn't look different to anyone but me. My tumor was close to my chest wall. I had a great surgeon. She spoke with the "tumor board" to confirm it was the best for me. I hope you can get all of the information you need to feel comfortable with whatever you do. Are they recommending radiation? Does your surgeon specialize in breast surgery? Best wishes moving forward:)

Luckynumber47

How do we cope with this? Such a good question. Someone gives you this terrible diagnosis, you imagine all sorts of doom and gloom and it's hard not to fall apart. I know you expected a lumpectomy but MX isn't necessarily a bad thing. Most likely you will be able to avoid radiation and that's a huge plus. You won't have to worry about all those possible side effects. Surgery will take a little longer than lumpectomy and recovery takes a little longer but after that your active treatments are over. Yay!

How do you feel about reconstruction? I decided that after a lifetime of hauling my ginormous boobs around I was happy to go flat. So I got to skip the discomfort of the tissue expanders, the fills, and the second surgery to put in the permanent implants. I also reduced my odds of infection. That's why I asked how you feel about reconstruction. Is it something important to you or something you can skip. It's a lot to consider and you should be fully informed when you make your decisions.

Surgery might seem like a long way off but it gives you time to learn as much as you can. BCO and the folks here are excellent resources and I've always felt that knowledge was the best way for me to cope with this

Cowgirl13

Goincrzy, I have a large divot on my breast from my lumpectomy and I could care less. Do get a second opinion.

My thoughts are with you.