Looking for reassurance before surgery

NotVeryBrave

I've posted elsewhere about lots of stuff on this site. I've been in a "holding pattern" with my surgery decision - truly immobilized to make up my mind. I still feel like I could convince myself to do lumpectomy, but I'm now scheduled for BMX. There are pros and cons to both as far as I'm concerned.

What I'm wanting now is some positive input on BMX. I know it's a pretty big surgery. I know there are possible complications. I'd love to hear from others who've had BMX with implants. Any advice?

Please don't respond with efforts to change my mind or with horror stories. Right now I really need lots of positive ammunition for my emotions going into this. I keep telling myself that perhaps I'd feel differently with different stats, but I'm 50 with a fast growing cancer (2.8 cm lump felt 3 months after normal mammo) that's HER2 positive and other "stuff" in the other breast that they want yet another 6 month MRI on.

Herculesmulligan

notverybrave: I faced a similar decision 4 months ago. I chose BMX with immediate/ delayed reconstruction and I'm happy with my choice. It hasn't always been an easy road but I've never wished I wasn't on it. For me, the risk of further cancers, both local and metastases, along with the need for heightened vigilance outweighed the more complicated surgical course. I just wasn't convinced that imaging would catch future cancers in time, or that I wanted to commit myself to such vigorous vigilance with its time commitment, its disruptions to my life, and it's never ending anxiety.

That was my choice, and I'm happy with it. But this is yours. Think through your options, make your choice, and be comfortable with it.

farmerlucy

For me the thought of surgery was much worse than the actuality of it. I followed my PS orders to the letter and was fortunate to have no issues with healing. My first thought when I saw myself for the first time was, "Looks pretty good." It was a good thing I had the BMX because a hidden IDC was found. I'm five years out now. It still looks pretty good, though if I ever need to have them replace I may just remove them. I had 200 cc put in at surgery, one more fill at 150, and the final implants were 421 cc -about the size I was before surgery. The expanders were not fun, but as my PS said, it's six mos out of your life. Best of luck for an event free surgery and boring recovery!

Trishyla

Notverybrave,

I had to quite literally talk my breast surgeon into a BMX. Even though I had a tumor in each breast, she still wanted to do a lumpectomy. Then we found a third tumor, right under my left nipple. She was finally convinced that a BMX was the right way to go. It was a good thing we did, because they found five foci of tumor in my left breast. Lumpectomy wouldn't have caught that!

I had the BMX on 4/4 with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. My recovery has been pretty smooth (except for a collapsed lung in the hospital - but that's a different story) I saw my PS yesterday, and he told me I dont need to come back for a month.

I don't for one second regret my decision to have the BMX. I trusted my gut, which said to be aggressive, and get all the cancer out. I'm glad I was able to get the immediate reconstruction, though. It made me feel less "mutilated". I felt like me, but with lots of stitches. I would imagine it would be the same with implants.

My only advice would be to trust your gut. It's your body and your life that's on the line. I wish you the best with whatever you decide.

Trish

SpecialK

My pathology is very much similar - 2.6cm triple positive tumor, positive nodes, 54 at diagnosis, tumor not seen on mammo. I had a BMX, bi-lat SNB, and a later ALND, with implant reconstruction even though I was technically a lumpectomy candidate. ADH and ALH were found in the "prophy" breast, and my positive nodes were undetected by both palpation and MRI. Even though I have experienced some reconstruction challenges, I wouldn't change my decision. Wishing you the best, it was a hard choice to make, but once I decided I never looked back.

LisaAlissa

Hi NotVeryBrave,

Whatever you decide will be the right decision for you (really!), however it doesn't sound like you've really finalized your decision.

Here's a link to Beesie's discussion of "MX vs. BMX" (and for some people, LX), as quoted by RuthBru. Take a look at it. You'll note that she doesn't advocate for any particular decision, but simply lists the various things people might want to consider as they make the decision that will be right for them. Some things on the list will resonate with you as "important." Others won't.

That's why you need to make the decision that's right for you.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Rrobin0200

tomorrow will be 6 weeks since my double mastectomy with reconstruction (silicone implants.) my recovery was easy peasy, but pls know that everyone is different. By week 2, I had my drains removed and was back to normal. The only thing bothering me now is the cording from the node removal. My right arm, which was my "good" side, has 2 cords running through them, beginning in my armpit. I still have range of motion, but, ouch, it hurts. I begin pt next week for it. Other than that, I have absolutely no regrets. Follow your dr's orders, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and allow yourself time to heal. You've got this!

Icantri

You can do this NotVeryBrave! Look at what you have already been through. You are braver than you give yourself credit for. Big e-hugsand best wishes to you!!