Surgery-trying to decide

tonidine

Thank you so much. That's encouraging. My sister had a bilateral mastectomy (Kaiser California) when her cancer was discovered and they advised against keeping her nipples because of the BRCA. (I think that's what she said). And she's got two big gashes across her chest and something that doesn't really look like nipples. Maybe sort of silly - but I'm glad the surgeon my oncologist has referred me to is a woman. Maybe she'll be more sensitive to the esthetics. I'm meeting w/her tomorrow and I'll definitely ask about the dIEP and about possibly keeping my nipples. Now I'm concerned about the radiation. Sounds awful. But, again, thank you. (and for the welcome.) ...

Anonymous

I had a nipple sparing bilateral mastectomy. I have been told that if you didn't know I had it done, you wouldn't know I had it done. My scars are under the breasts and not even visible unless you lift up my breasts. The oncology nurse navigator at the cancer center told me in 28 years mine was the most beautiful reconstruction she had ever seen. She said she tells women about me all the time, without name of course, and refers them to my plastic surgeon.

chocomousse

I wanted a lumpectomy but begrudgingly chose a mastectomy after which my surgeon told me it was a good thing I did since the path. report found widespread IDC, HER2+ tumors. I know that having a mx doesn't prevent recurrence but it was psychologically consoling to have all of that tumor riddled tissue gone, especially since it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes. The surgery went fine outside of severe arm pain a couple of months later which I was able to control with meds. I didn't do reconstruction as I'd read too many horror stories and didn't want to subject my body to the trauma of more surgery. All of our reasons for choosing the treatment paths we did are based on what we think we can and can't live with from recurrence risk and pain to disfigurement.

NotVeryBrave

Colleen - What were the MRI results? How are you doing? Any clarity?

ColleenS80

NotVeryBrave-

My surgeon read the MRI report and there was nothing mentioned anymore about anything else being noticed besides primary tumor, she felt very good about recommending a lumpectomy and said it’s what she’d do if it was her. So, I had lumpectomy Thursday. I’m such an anxious person I think I’m just overthinking everything, But, I do have written down all the wording from my original MRI and PET/CT and plan on asking my surgeon, onc, and RO all one more time just to make sure I feel good about radiation being able to take care of any other possible issues.

Thanks for checking on me!!

NotVeryBrave

I'm so glad the results looked good! I know that helps with making the decision. And the surgical pathology should be good as well.

Just keep moving forward and reminding yourself of all of the pro's of your choice.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment!

ColleenS80

Thank you so much!!