March 2013 Surgeries

Hard to believe a year has gone by as we all have moved through this journey.  I never thought last year that I would ever make it through it.  Thanks to all of you I did.  Just completed nipple recon last Thursday.  Will get tattoos in 3 months.  Had a scare in January when MO found another lump under my left arm. (cancer side).  I freaked out!  Had all the anxiety of US, biopsy and waiting for results but all was B9!  Still, unnerved me and made me feel very aware that the battle is over but not the war. Will be followed closely by MO so another visit in 3 months to recheck. 

 Hope all of you are doing well and enjoying 2014 much more than 2013! 

 Many thanks and HUGS to all!

Thank you, Maureen. 

3Mom...glad to hear things are moving along for you:) I had direct to implants when I had my BMX's so my recovery was a little more complicated - it took me about 3 weeks to drive (backing the car up was tough for some reason?) and back to work in about 4 weeks but I'm sure you'll hear more from those who went from TE's to implants on their experience. Good luck, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all goes smoothly for you! (((Hugs))) Maureen

Congratulations (((kap))) hope the next year is a good one:)

mamasixtaz...thanks so much for the info on nipple reconstruction...that is really good news, I thought I would have to go "back to surgery" - I hate going under anesthesia and having drains, sounds like I won't have to do either of those things to do nipple recon - YAAY! I am strongly considering it, I like your statement about "feeling whole again"...(((Hugs))) Maureen

I was wondering what the best timing is for removal of my left breast. I had a mastectomy on the right on 3/6. My surgeon wanted to do just one because of some existing health problems (autoimmune). I am recovering just fine. The screening mammogram done in late Feb. of my left breast (as opposed to the diagnostic mammogram done on the right) showed no cancer, but I am nervous because the left breast has not felt right since more than a month before my diagnosis: the nipple burns and there is pain extending from there into the breast.

I meet with my oncologist on 3/25 and will have hormonal treatment, Herceptin and probably chemo.

I need to resolve the issue of the timing of my second mastectomy.

I could ask for someone at my cancer center to help me feel sure that the left side is cancer-free, by additional imaging, breast exam, whatever is available. Then I might feel comfortable waiting, but I know that the surgery would have to be a month after chemo.

Or, I could ask for the second mastectomy soon, like the end of the month, and get it over with, if my surgeon will go along with that, since I am healing fine from the first.

Is it unwise to delay chemo and other treatments with this second surgery? Should I wait until after treatments?

I absolutely hate having one breast, but that is partly because the nipple is so sensitive for some reason. it bothers me more than any pain from the incision on the right. I am impatient to get it taken off, but also want to do chemo and other treatments asap.

Any advice? Thank you!

maureen so good to hear from you...can't believe its been 2 years! Hope you are still doing well. Hope my 2013 surgery sisters are continuing to be well too! I've had personal losses in 2014 but remain cancer free.