Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

Everyone, thank you for your input.  I have been able to see a bc surgeon and oncologist at Overlake and a team at SCCA already.  They concluded that I have approx. 1 cm malignant lump on the right side and all have been consistent in recommending a total/simple mastectomy because a lumpectomy/radiation would leave me with limited options for reconstruction since I don't have much real estate to start with. 

They are also not recommending a skin-sparing because the cancer is in the duct and it is invasive, and plus because I don't have a lot of real estate there, sparing the skin will not provide as much flexibility for reconstruction.  One of my surgeons said that if his wife had IDC, he would not recommend skin-sparing because it's not worth the risk.  Another friend said that her PS said the same thing.  I'm scheduled for another opinion at Swedish and then with Dr. Isik and Dr. Beschlian to determine best course of action.   

However, I noticed that a number of the gals on this board have had skin-sparing even though they have IDC.  I'd appreciate it if you gals would share your thought process as you weigh the risks.  Please advise.  Thanks.

Swimfan, no dry cough to report from my CMF txts.  My mouth would become as dry as the desert during the night, even with the consumption of mass water, but I don't recall a cough to go along with it.   From what I've seen on the boards, there has been a variety of se's with CMF, just like the other regimes.  Sounds like you will have your bases covered with your upcoming doc appts.  Positive thoughts being sent your way !

Susan, arrived in Portland this afternoon ... probably about 10 warmer than Seattle and blue skies ... gotta love it !!!!

Tracy, sounds like you have some sprucing up of the "gals" here in a couple of weeks.  Here's to allowing this whole experience to make you feel just a bit better in the long run!  Aaahhh, and a de"port"ation as well, high five gal !!!!!

Collette,

you're doing the right thing!  Dr. Lee is great, I didn't opt for treatment at Swedish Med. Center as I live closer to Everett and got some good folks over there.  I did compare Providence to Swedish and the treatment regiments are very close.  You can always mention my co-worker Amy Stansfield who has been with Dr. Lee for some time that is how I originally got her name.  As for insurance they will pay for a bilateral mast as well as the reconstruction and any thing else that is related to your dx.  I did not have cancer in my right breast only my left, but I'm not going through this again years down the road.  I have a 10 and 7 year old and like you I need the time.  Getting the mast was the easy part for me I had more trouble with the reconstructive part whether I wanted it at all, then I started thinking about having to get fitted every couple of years for prostetics and that just seemed like a hassel.  Talk to your PS, about saline vs. silicone.  I did and he really explained that the silicone is not what all the hype was about.  I also just found out that there will be some new silicone implants available soon as soon as approved by FDA called "gummy bears"  which if cut or broken do not leak.  I have to ask my PS about those but will when the time comes.  I have heard that the saline one's can be a bit more fragile and may break more easily then you're looking at more surgery.  Once a woman is diagnosed with BC any treatment relating to it is covered by insurance.  It is a numbers game.  While my right breast did not have cancer it did have quite a few cysts and the chances of a reoccurance in that breast go up.  So why mess around?  I am sorry your guy in olympia did not do what should have been done.  So weird that your port was placed where your cancer is and no node biopsy!  They should have looked at your nodes on the MRI.  In the end you need to go with what makes you feel comfortable and it sounds like you are on your way with finding good docs.  My doc blew me off twice when I showed her the distinct change in my breast.  She just put it down to my being in my late 40's and breast changes.  Well when your nipple falls in and your breast basicilly seperates in half there is a problem.  But we trust our doctors so I let it go until this year and thank heavens the change was caught on my mammo.  If not that voice in my head was getting louder to go find someone else.  So yes all and all a million dollar day for you.  Now you have more info to make your decisions.  Do you have a history of BC in your family, I did so it was all the more bizzare that my doc didn't seem concerned.  You might ask about BRCA testing to see if you carry the gene.  Insurance paid for mine and you fit the profile under 50 etc.  I did it so I would know if I was passing it on to my daughter.  I came out negative, so who can say, some other DNA mishap or what ever, all a mystery this thing!

You have a happy mother's day.  I have found going through this that cancer can lay you low some days but it is also very empowering in other ways so the days that I just want to be low, I think it's only temporary, I still choose, in the end I STILL CHOOSE!

To all the other mommy's here, Have a Happy Happy Mommy's Day!

T

Happy late Mothers Day ladies.

I hope everyone enjoyed their special day....it was a long weekend for me....we got up early and met with my daughter and her family for Mothers Day breakfast on Saturday morning, then came home did yard work and planted garden as our weather was absolutely beautiful this weekend...

Yesterday slept in for a bit, then son came, we had brunch, then my sweetie and I went to the Snake River for the afternoon evening....needless to say, my legs hadnt seen sunshine since last summer so am a lobster today....cooler today and needed to wear jeans for work so will be a little uncomfy, but burns generally only last a day or two for me at the begining of the season.

Again, hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Jule

Which station...what time?

Jean - that is so sweet and kind of breaks my heart (Too bad they haven't done the race yet).

I am on the fence about doing the Race for the Cure.  I really think I could, and have done 8 of them in the past in Oregon (lot of good it has done for ME lol).

Anyone interested besides Jean and myself????!!!!

S

Gina - I agree - this year, it would be a walk for me.  Tracy - that is very exciting - I would also love to tune in.....that event is when I am having radiation, so don't think I will be up for the 3 day this year...

S

Well, I'm not even getting chemo and know I  wouldn't be able to run it so walking works for me!

Gina - I have 6 more - tomorrow is my next one.  I am very, very ready to be finished!!!

Yes, Town and Country has Race for the Cure registrations.  I may have a schedule conflict - my family really wants me to go to the Bay Area that weekend for my nephews 8th grade graduation..  I will decide tomorrow and let y'all know.  I really do want to do the race too - never thought I'd be wearing the pink shirt....Gina, your pink wig will be a hit!  Are you feeling okay with the CMF now?????  I am feeling the fatigue at this point, and do have a metallic taste going on, but other than that, not too bad.

Susan

Susan--have a wonderful time with your family; I'm sure it will be good to see them. There will many races to come to do together!!

 Tracy--thank you, thank you, thank you for doing so much for the 3 day race. It benefits all of us and those of us yet to join "the club".

Gina and everybody--I can register a team today online or we can register as individuals and meet up there?? What do folks think?

 I finally got my Oncotype score yesterday and it is a beautiful, lucky 13!!! So no Chemo, just tamoxifen or an AI. A big hug and thank you for all the support!!!

Jean

Gina - I am sorry your WBC was too low.  Mine has been hovering just over the line so I have not had to skip chemo.  That steroid was interesting - certainly had me busy - even wrote an email to the school board!

I would love to do a team next year for the Race for the Cure or the 3 day.

I have just learned of two more Bainbridge women diagnosed - one has already had surgery and one just found out.  It seems like an epidemic.....

Have a good weekend everyone, and get out in the sun!

Tina --

As to your post re: panic -- listen girlfriend, we have those days and it's completely normal.    Yesterday I went to the dr. and started crying in the waiting room with my poor husband comforting me and laughing (him) half the time, and I cried through the whole appointment.  I had my head shaved the day before.  I thought I used to be a pretty cute 52-year-old, but I 've changed my mind as I really look awful without hair!  But don't worry, I have days where I am trying not to go into a full on panic.  Hang in there!  We are all with you in spirit!  Your feelings are completely normal!  You will get through it.

I see a few others are w/ Dr. Rinn at Swedish, me too.  Love her!  She did give me a CT scan.  It was very easy.

Peggy

good evening everyone,

I've been away from BCO for awhile, and just stumbled upon this thread a few days ago.  I live in Kingston and work in downtown Seattle.  I spent some time trying to read back posts but there's an awful lot to catch up on!

I've been done with chemo for roughly a year now, but I'm still recovering.  your hair will grow back, I promise!!  as far as race for the cure goes, you most certainly don't have to run or walk in the actual race to go and participate and be supported, and you don't have to register to simply go to the event and participate in the survivor parade.  if you want to go, just go and be amazed at the outpouring of support and care you'll receive.  it's an incredibly emotional experience, and very helpful to see and talk with other survivors.  last year (my first) I met a woman who's survived her primary diagnosis and two - count 'em, TWO - recurrences.  I met someone who has survived for over twenty years.  I met and saw countless people who have a bottomless well of concern for survivors, and it was surprisingly helpful for me to see that many people working to beat this disease.  it's so easy to feel alone, even with a support group, and the sheer mass of people was overwhelming.

 I hope everyone enjoyed the sunny weekend.  may your sleep be deep, your tastebuds return quickly and may the fire within remain only a metaphor.  be well...Kalen