Surgery

Flnative

Surgery is scheduled for Friday, 3/2. This process has been odd thus far and it is likely me. When the diagnosis came, it was a factual acceptance. It was weird saying I have breast cancer but again, it was as if I was saying the forecast is for rain this afternoon. Then the surgeon consult appointment, and now things seem real, and scary. I opted for a partial mastectomy and am wondering if that was the right decision. The surgeon talked about how that will look but I was so focused on breast conservation, I am wondering how disfigured will this be?

I feel ridiculous thinking like this as so many are dealing with far more serious cases, I am so fortunate

Georgia1

Hi there Finative, and I know exactly how you feel. By partial masectomy your surgeon meant a lumpectomy, and the cosmetic outcome is usually quite good. Did she tell you how large the area of DCIS is? I had two different tumors (.7 cm and .4 cm) near each other removed and honestly you would never know. My surgeon was great technically and also answered all of my questions.

As for surgery day, you will be surprised at how long and sometimes boring it is. So do pack a favorite shawl, book, iPod, etc. to keep yourself distracted. And also please let us know how we can help.

Fembot

Finative

I'm sorry you find yourself in this situation, truly. I can relate to acceptance of the diagnosis when I first heard it, to panic as it sunk in later. Here's some information that helped me.

mas vs. lump

Also as you're asking about cosmetic or esthetic factors, you can find images of women who've had lumpectomies and mastectomy before and after reconstruction here.

Note: Some images are a bit jarring, so don't open the link until you're ready. I found that seeing pictures slowly desensitised me and made it easier when I saw myself for the 1st time after surgery.

Best wishes as you make informed choices.