Long awaited update...Surgery date finally set!

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bella42771
bella42771 Member Posts: 34
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hello Ladies...I haven't posted anything in just over two weeks. I had such a terrible experience with my first BS. Since that appointment on March 13, I have researched and located both a BS and a PS who are kind, compassionate, skilled and most of all comforting. So this is what will be happening. My BMX is set for 4/11 followed by immediate reconstruction. Planning for nipple sparing, unless pathology dictates otherwise on the right side on the day of surgery. My PS is going to do his best to complete reconstruction in 1 stage, but that depends on the breast flaps. I have given permission for him to bring TE's into surgery. Basically I won't know if I have both nipples or one, implants or TE's until I wake up. But even if I have TE's, my PS will place saline up to 70 percent of my projected size. I have to say that there is a sense of relief in having a date set, even with the uncertainty of the exact outcome. The surgical teams at Geisinger in Danville to this point have offered me nothing short of exceptional care. I know the road ahead is still so scary, but with the help of all of the strong women on this forum who have lived it and continue to live it, I believe there is no other option but strength and hope. Will keep everyone posted on the events as they get closer...((((((HUGS)))))))

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  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2013

    Bella congrats on getting your date, it makes a world of difference when things start to come together and you can finally see where everything is going. You did the right thing by find other Drs that treated you like a person and not just a number. Yes the road ahead is still scary with unknown bumps and curves, but this to shall pass. Keep your head up and keep good thoughts.

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited March 2013

    Woo hoo on having a date! And congrats for finding a BS and PS that you are comfortable with and have faith in!



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  • Blogger
    Blogger Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2013

    Strength and courage, my friend. Do not ever be afraid to be your own advocate and ask lots of questions. I never went to one appointment unprepared. This forum helped me so much in knowing what questions to ask. It's a scary journey and having doctor's you trust is huge. I wasn't given a lot of options so I asked, trusted and prayed.



    They could not save my nipples and took all my breast tissue on both sides. TE's were placed on each side at the time of my BMX. They were uncomfortable but manageable. I will give you more details if that is what they do. A good PS makes that journey as pleasant as it can be. I am so glad you found a good one. Good luck and I will keep up with your journey; and it is a journey. Only a fellow "sister" will ever know how mentally and physically draining this journey is. I am with you every step of they way.




    My exchange is done, I am healing and contemplating nipple reconstruction. Again, MY decision and I will do what feels right for me.

    Your friend, Suzanne

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    Bella,

    You and I have the same DX.  My heart is with you. HUGS!!!!!!!

    Laurie

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  • sjd2012
    sjd2012 Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2013

    Congrats Bella on finding new doctors and fantastic on your surgery date. Very important to feel comfortable with treatment and also who's treating you.



    I have a question, l have noticed many people going for 2nd opinions and friends of mine have asked if l am going for a 2nd opinion. If my pathology clearly shows the dcis unfortunatelly no margins so not many options why would l need a 2nd opinion? Maybe l am just confused but not sure what other questions l woukd be asking.



    Laurie, l love your quote. Kids are every thing.



    Sjd

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  • bella42771
    bella42771 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2013

    Suzanne and Laurie, thank you so much for walking with me on this journey. Im so grateful. ((((hugs))))

    SDJ, in my particular case, I had an awful experience with the first breast surgeon i consulted after my diagnosis. As Suzanne said, it is so important to be your own advocate. Understand and research your diagnosis and your treatment options. It all comes down to doing what is best for you. You need to be comfortable with your doctors and with the decisions being made about your health. If your current BS and PS have already provided this and you feel good about it, by all means, stick with them. My questions in finding a BS and a PS revolved around skin and nipple sparing and the type of reconstruction I was a candidate for, ie 1-stage, TE's, etc...I would ask a lot of questions regarding your pathology reports and any films, perhaps even ask for copies of your own. This is simply a good way to empower yourself.

    If there is anything that I can offer of if I can help in any way, please dont hesitate to reach out to me or to any of the amazing ladies on this forum. This is truly a sisterhood and an amazing source of strength. Keep us posted!   Kimberly

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    Blessings to you Suzanne from fellow Minnesotan. <3

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    HUGS!!!!!!

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    HUGS ladies! I am blessed to have found ALL of you! You all help me throughout my work day. The emails I get from here are great. Thank you!

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  • Blogger
    Blogger Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2013

    Laurie,

    It is a good place to be from and it is nice to talk to someone who knows what a beautiful state this is. Although, it is April and they are predicting 8" of snow tonight through tomorrow. I travel from Anoka to Edina (40 miles) for my PS and every time I had an appointment it was snowing. Yikes!



    I have been so blessed to find this forum. Even though I have a remarkable PS I am disappointed that we are not given all the information necessary, or that we so rightly deserve, about certain procedures, outcomes, emotions, results ...



    I have learned so much from all my "sisters" and now know the questions to ask. Another thing I have learned is how remarkably strong, courageous and dignified women handle these challenges. We go through mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, lumpectomies, MRI's, consultations with many doctors and that is BEFORE our surgeries. Then there is mastectomies, TE's with injections, exchange surgery and nipple reconstruction. Let's not forget chemo and radiation. Did I say that is in addition to working, being a mom and a wife, taking care of our homes and maybe aging & ailing parents. Hmmmmm ..... Pretty darn impressive.



    Thank you everyone for being here for me, for answering important questions, giving me peace of mind, hope and unending love and support. You are all the greatest.



    Suzanne

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    Miss Suzanne,

    What a lovely note.  You said it all so perfectly. Ditto to everything you said.

    XOXOXO

    Laurie

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2013

    Just found this thread...such beautiful thoughts from all and thank you for sharing, Bella!

    I will be thinking of you tomorrow Bella!!!  Comforting thoughts...we'll be here when you're done...xoxo Lisa

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited April 2013

    Bella....I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.  Tomorrow is the beginning of having this all behind you and moving back to living life without your every waking thought being about cancer and boobs!  I'm happy that you found a team that you can talk with and trust.  That is so important.  

    I hope that you sleep well tonight and have sweet dreams tomorrow during your surgery.  Are they giving you an onQ pump?  Those things are amazing...kind of like a soaker hose full of pain meds for your breast.  I wish I could have gone home with mine.  Pain management is so important.  Don't wait until you need it to ask for pain meds.  Keep them on board for at least a few days.  Our bodies heal so much faster when we are not in pain.

    Let us know how you are doing when you are up to posting.  I'll be thinking of you and sending warm hugs and thoughts of ease and wellness.  

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    Praying for you today Kimberly! May God bring you good health and a speedy recovery. You sisterhood is here for you when you are ready. <3</p>

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    Hi Lisa! Welcome! This forum has been a huge blessing to me and I'm sure it will be for you too! I read your DX and treatment....how are you doing on your journey?



    Blessings,

    Laurie

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  • bella42771
    bella42771 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2013

    Hello beautiful ladies....just wanted to update quickly. Surgery went very well. Pretty sore but good range of motion already. Last night was a little tough due to naeusia from the anesthia, but completely gone now. Going home today! So glad I am on the other side of this journey. The support of the amazing women on this board is overwhelming. Love to my sisters.....check back soon

    Kimberly

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited April 2013

    Kimberly...SO glad to hear that your surgery went well and that you are going home today.  Just rest and take it easy to allow your body to heal.  Stay on top of your pain meds....take it before you feel you need it.  Let those who love you take care of you for a while.  Sending lots of healing energy your way!  ((((Hugs)))))

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  • LaurieParr
    LaurieParr Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2013

    Kimberly, you are in thoughts today. So happy the surgery went well! May God bless and keep you.

    Hugs!!!!

    laurie

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  • cateyz2
    cateyz2 Member Posts: 419
    edited April 2013

    Bella, so happy for you that your surgery went well. I have just been diagnosed same as you and meet with a team of Drs next wed to discuss my treatment plan. I too am leaning towards having the double masectomy with immediate reconstruction also hoping skin/nipple sparring.

    Hugs to you!!!! Keep us updated on your recovery!

    Katie

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