bmx on friday....very nervous

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and hope for a speedy recovery with no surprises!  It is nerve rattling and head spinning for sure!

Take good care!

xo

momaton - You asked why...  I was
diagnosed in early July 2013 with DCIS and when they went in to do a left
breast excision three weeks later, they found I had LCIS as well.  As I am
a DES daughter and have suffered with a severe case fibrocystic breast disease
for over twenty years, the choice to have a BMX was a no brainer -
no more pain, no more cysts, no more mammograms, no chemo, no radiation, and no more cancer hanging over my head.  (My mother died of a very aggressive form of BC within five months of her diagnosis; so when they found the DCIS and LCIS in me, it didn't come as a huge surprise.  Unfortunately it runs in both sides of my family.)  BMX was MY choice and I am completely at peace with it even now.  As many have said before, I felt a huge sense of relief when it was over and I would do the same thing again in a New York minute.

I also had nipple sparing but almost wish that I hadn't.  (But no implants until now.)  I just had exchange surgery a little less than three weeks ago (the day after Christmas) and now as they settle, my nipples are all lopsided and point in two different directions - one to the left and one down - go ahead and laugh, it will do you some good.  It's a pretty funny visual that I'm hoping will correct itself as the new girls drop.  Had I lost my nipples, and many have, I would call Vinnie Myers ASAP and have him work his tattoo magic.  This man is a genius as evidenced by his work that you can see here:  http://vinniemyers.com/section/105672_Nipple_Areola_Tattooing.html

I wish you
nothing but the best of outcomes on Friday and each day does
get better, believe me...  Let us know how you are as soon as you're able!

Hi there momaton!  You ask why I chose a bmx. Well, it was more out of necessity really.  I was diagnosed with high grade dcis.  The surgeon was pretty certain he could get clean margins even though a large chunk would have to be removed.  I was large breasted so he said he might be able to get a good cosmetic result.I had a breast mri prior to surgery and all info seemed to be leading to this being the right course of action.  I had a wire guided lumpectomy with a SNB on February 5th of last year. I did ask for them to do a punch test of my left nipple when I was out for the lumpectomy.  Something was just not sitting right with me.  I had some itching, burning, irritation for about a month and a half before my screening, annual mammogram.  I called my GYN, who said to try a cortisone cream and to call if it did not get better.  It did seem to get a bit better with the cream.  Well, when the microcalcifications were found in the same breast as the itching.  I really panicked.  Although NO ONE thought there was more going on.  Not the surgeon, not the radiologist, not the breast health nurses, not my surgeon.  I just knew. I kept asking about it.  But I will say they did listen to me and the surgeon agreed to do a punch test when I was under.  I was hoping that if the lumpectomy got clear margins and no trouble on the nipple was found--I would be okay--physically and mentally.  Anyway, the final pathology from the lumpectomy showed Paget's disease of the nipple.  Thankfully no invasion was found, SNB was clear.   The surgeon and others really were surprised.  Pagets is rare and they have only seen it once (surgeon) four times (breast health nurses).  Mine was not presenting the way they were accustomed to.  I am not angry, just glad I was an advocate for myself.  Kind of difficult to swallow that I could have avoided one surgery, but I know they acted in my best interest. Paget's required I had my breast removed.  I opted for a bmx.  (February 21st-16 days later)  My mom is a survivor, age 65 at diagnosis, doing GREAT today.  I just knew I would worry.  Worry being an understatement.  

I was er- pr- so Tamoxifen is of no benefit.  I was tested for Her2 which was +++. but irrelevant for DCIS--even with Pagets.  I had another lymph node removed as it was a bit swollen at the time of bmx.  Surgeon thought it was due to drainage from lumpectomy.  But erred on the side  of caution.  Yeah, my husband, surgeon and mom kept that little tidbit from me until final path was clear.  I get it though.  Mentally I was a mess.  I worked (teacher) to the best of my ability, but cried A LOT when the kids were not in the room (2nd grade).  I cried at home, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep.  Stuck really.  

Fast Forward, doing great today!  Next month will mark a year from my surgeries.   It seems so long ago, and  yet like yesterday.  I had never had any surgeries before.  Then whammo!  At 42, I had 4.  The latter two recon. surgeries.  DEFINITELY not a picnic, but I am no considered disease free!!!!!!!!!!

I know you are scared.  I know the emotions are all over the place.  I know it is something you try to explain, but can't.  As some things have no real words.

I am thinking of you and sending lots of hugs and positive thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!  Ask for and accept help during your recovery.  That's hard sometimes.  PM me if I can answer anything else for you!

So many on this board helped me in ways, I don't think they even know.

Blessings and take good care!!!

xo Danielle

I am SO happy for you, Sweetie.  When the numb wears off, there could be ups and downs.  Though it sounds GREAT so far. Don't hesitiate to describe your feelings in detail here.  I don't have exactly the same situation, but we are all together, here.  This forum has saved my life.  Drink water, take precautions about possible constipation from pain meds (stool softeners, stewed prunes, etc), and feel LOVED! - Percy xx

Eve - You're going to be just fine.  I'm so glad you're on the other side of the BMX.  Every day will get a little better, trust me; especially once you get those pesky drains out!  Rest as much as you can and sleep when you need to.  Your body will let you know what it needs.  Give yourself plenty of time to heal and don't
push yourself physically as so many of us are prone to do.  ;-)  That will pay
off in the long run.  Please keep us posted on your progress.  Sending positive thoughts your way!