2nd opinion

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Birchbeer6
Birchbeer6 Member Posts: 37

Well went today for my 2nd opinion, and she recommended a masectomy of the left breast, since the dcis is covering 1/3 of my breast...she said I could go for genetic testing, but I think Im going for the double masectomy....I know it has to be that way, but I dont know if i will ever get over it....now Im just dreading that phone call, to schedule my surgery.

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  • Emaline
    Emaline Member Posts: 492
    edited April 2011

    (((Hugs)))) I'm sorry. Do you know when your surgery will be?

  • Birchbeer6
    Birchbeer6 Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2011

    Ok now that i got my second opinion and I know what I have to do, how do I go about doing it....scheduling the surgery that is!!!

  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2011

    To schedule the surgery - after you've found a breast surgeon you're comfortable with, call their office and they will schedule it. 

    That said. if you want to have immediate breast reconstruction, ask the breast surgeon about what plastic surgeons they work with, then go consult with the plastic surgeon(s).  Decide on what type of reconstruction you want, and make sure the plastic surgeon is experienced in that procedure.

    For immediate recon, you need a team of both a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon working together (the PS takes over when the BS is done), which makes it a bit more complicated.  The surgeons all seem to have pre-existing relationships regarding who they work with, so you have to find two surgeons who YOU like and who also are willing work together as a team.  And it has to fit both their schedules.

    It seems as if the medical recommendation is that you have a single mastectomy.  Make sure that a bilateral is what you really want to do.  (I know what you really want to do is wake up from the nightmare and have it all go away, but....)

  • Birchbeer6
    Birchbeer6 Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2011

    My Surgeon recommeneded me to a plastic surgeon, of whom I met with allready and they work together, As of now Im getting Bilateral Masectomy.....I dont want to have to go threw this again....Im just scared of the whole process, the surgery, the pain and the recovery...especially with being a stay at home mom with 3 year old twins.....

  • shannonW
    shannonW Member Posts: 186
    edited April 2011

    Do you have help or family that live close and can help with the twins? It's a hard choice, but I had my BMX on 2/25 and can say I've only cried once since then for my "girls". I did all my crying b4 the surgery b/c I was so scared....of the unknown and all things cancer. In my case the PS called me with the surgery date once he coordinated with the BS schedule.

  • Birchbeer6
    Birchbeer6 Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2011

    My Husband will take 2 weeks off.....and as for others.....well see who comes to help, its hard cause everyone works and cant take the time off....Im afraid that I will not want to see anybody, let alone have everyone stare at me.....Its going to be so hard, to watch other people take care of things and my kids.....but it has to be done!

  • rc778
    rc778 Member Posts: 56
    edited April 2011

    Birchbeer,

    Let people help you.  It is only temporary and you will be back before you know it.  I think you will surprise yourself.  Pain wasn't an issue for me after my BMX, but lack of energy was, in the beginning.  After about 3 weeks, I was able to do away with my afternoon catnap.  As for scheduling, my BS and PS work together one day a week.  The BS's office will most likely take care of all the scheduling.  Good luck to you!

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