August 2014 Surgery

bobogirl · January 2015

Roger that, Ganzie. So glad you are happy! That's super-good.

In the bag, Ally! You're going to do great! Don't be a hero. Take pain meds! XXX

ml143333 · January 2015

Ganz - glad you are happy with the implants.

Ally - good luck!

ganzgirl2010 · January 2015

Im so Unhappy with these implants..they look terrible and they are wayyy to small ! Im going to see ps for post op on Tuesday and Im telling him he better fix them!!!!
Has anyone heard from ally ?? I hope she is ok, she was up for her exchange on the 20th ...

Allydp · January 2015

Hi ladies, my exchange went well, but I developed an infection a day later where they removed my port. I spent 3 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics and for added fun they ended up finding a superficial blood clot and hematoma in my arm near the port site. I also ended up with contact dermatitis from the surgical tape. Thankfully everything is on the mend and I was able to be released on oral antibiotics, but what a debacle!

My implants look okay so far. I'm not sure my PS is very knowledgeable in fat grafting though. He was supposed to take fat from my upper stomach area, just below my ribs and inject it at the top of the implants to fill in a concave like area and ensure I didn't end up with the "shelf" look. The fat was supposed to create a more natural slope. Well, I have all these little pin pricks all over my torso, even some on the sides. I'm assuming this is where he took the fat. Then I have more pin pricks all around my chest, just below my collar bone. I have no idea what those would be from. I have actual steri strips where he injected the fat and it's no where near where we talked about. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled. I was hoping for much more extensive and accurate fat grafting. Based on my bruising and these little pin pricks, I don't think he transferred much of anything, nor did he transfer where it was needed. On a positive note, I'm happy with the size and projection and they look nice in clothes. Maybe...MAYBE...I'll find another PS for another round of AFT, but I want to give it 6 months and let things settle first. Plus I just want to get on with my life at this point and heal up from the last year.

Ganz - I'm so sorry you're unhappy with your implants. Do you think the swelling has gone down and now they're too small? The exchange part of my surgery was so not a big deal. Barely any pain or recovery. So if you have to switch them out hopefully you won't have much down time.

Bobo - I wanted to ask you, did you have all those little pin pricks with your AFT? What do you think they're from? How's recovery going? I hope things are still healing nicely!

bobogirl · January 2015

Ally, I am so sorry, that sounds terrible! Hmm. Pin pricks. I have been very pricked up. My PS put most of my pricks in the scar line. A couple were up above, near the armpit. But, on the whole, I think you are right -- something is not right, you should trust yourself. SO sorry about the infection and the dermatitis and blood clot/hematoma!! Terrible! Are you feeling better? Worried!

Sending you hugs. Please check in!

Allydp · January 2015

Thanks so much, Bobo! I'm feeling much, much better now that I'm home. It's impossible to get any rest in the hospital. Fortunately, I was never in all that much pain. The port site just looked pretty nasty. And I was really lucky that the infection wasn't MRSA or staph, or else I would've been in for a longer recovery. I responded well to IV Clindamycin, so the stay was short. But of course this had to happen in a new calendar year with a new deductible...GRR.

I have my 2nd post op with my PS this Wednesday. The first one was the day after surgery and he whisked in and whisked out so fast I didn't get a chance to ask him much. I'll be better prepared this time.

bobogirl · January 2015

I wonder what you will ask him. Something like, 'What the FFF did you do to me??'

Standing by for answers. XXX

Allydp · January 2015

Well, I didn't get many answers. He said my skin was too thin to do as much grafting as he wanted, but I thought that was the reason for the grafting in the first place? When I asked about all these incisions all over my chest, he said that's where he injected the fat. I have 10 incisions which all required one stitch directly in-between my breasts and collar bone - on my chest. You'll see all these scars in almost every top I own. I know I said regardless of result I wouldn't have any more surgery, but I'm already eating my words. I'm devastated at the result so far. They're two different sizes and shapes, too far apart, too large and look very, very fake. This was the ONE thing I asked him to do his best with...to try and make them as natural as possible. I just had my husband take a pic a few minutes ago and I am in total disbelief. At this point I will never be able to wear a bathing suit again. I'm going to consult PS's for a revision. I just hope they can fix this. Does anyone know how soon they can exchange out the implants and do the revision?

bobogirl · February 2015

Okay. Deep breath. I certainly feel your pain -- I can really feel it. I certainly believe you, it looks awful, you feel awful about it.

It's going to look different six weeks from now. You can get some Mederma for the little scars, they will fade. I believe you about that fake look you're talking about. How does it feel? Do the 'squishies' feel better than the TEs?

Poor baby. You are in Michigan. Can you get to Mayo? That's pretty close, right? Of course, there is always NOLA, and the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. I say, if you're going to get it fixed, get it fixed with someone who knows what they are doing. How about the hospital associated with the University of Michigan? Anyone good there?

If you do get something done -- you're talking about 'exchanging out the implants -- are you thinking smaller? Deep breath, sweetheart. PM me if you want to talk directly. I have been through a horror show myself, have come out the other side, and I will hold your hand. XXX

Allydp · February 2015

Thank you so much, Bobo. You are so sweet. You've been through so much, I feel terrible complaining. I just sent you a PM

ganzgirl2010 · February 2015

Allydp...Im so sorry ! Sounds like he butchered your chest But I know how you feel, I decided to consult with another PS. Im not sure how long we will have to wait for revision surgery, god, I hope not long ! I have so much rippling and indents and pain in my sternum still, Ive had the pain in my sternum since my bmx, its the only pain the never went away. I also decided to find another onc because the one I had at DFCI had no clue who I was when I would call and they never call back when you leave a message. Uggg

Let me know how your doing allydp

BoBo...how are you ??

quiltlibrarian · February 2015

Hello my favorite ladies. I am hoping that things will be getting better soon. You are in my prayers.

Huge gentle hugs

bobogirl · February 2015

Hey Ganzie! I'm soldering along! I think it's great that you are consulting with new PS and MO. I commend you for taking charge of your healing. People should know who you are. I expect more from DFCI.

Did you know I have an appt with Vinnie? July 8th! Sending you guys big hugs. XXXXOOOO

Surgicalpathology · February 2015

Invasive carcinoma with an extensive intraductal component (EIC) requires 2 features:

1: DCIS comprises >25% of the invasive area.

and

2. DCIS is present outside the area of invasion in the specimen as well.

Associated in some studies with greater chance of local recurrence after breast conserving surgery.

Theories on why range from field effect to increase chem/rad resistance, I tend to favor it is as an indication that the process may be more extensive and/or multifocal than can be seen radiographically (hard to get clear margins)

It is possible to have a small invasive cancer with EIC, the smaller it is the less likely DCIS would technically be able to fulfill criteria as it is in preexisting ducts (its still in situ).

A cavetate to this is that (particularily with high grade DCIS with comedo necrosis) tumors can have many areas of small and microinvasion - staging is a bit weak on what point to stop calling multiple microinvsive CAs and just consider the whole span invasive (more than several anyway).

This is why its is critical to have a DCIS extensively sampled and examined histologically by the pathologist -

Annecdotally some "pure" DCIS patients that recur or metastasize have had this type of situation.

That being said, metastasis is the killer, not local recurrence (I wouldn't want either though)

These are one kind of ductal carcinoma that gets brought up not infrequently in hospital tumor boards when the team is deciding on the best strategy for treatment.

Hope that helps.

(Edited by Mods to delete member's real name. We strongly recommend not posting personal information on a public forum, for your own privacy and security.)

ganzgirl2010 · February 2015

Bobo...who is Vinnie ?

ml143333 · February 2015

Bobo - How exciting! Are you going to MD or LA to see Vinnie?

bobogirl · February 2015

Ml, I'm going to NOLA! I am budgeting now to make it a PAR-TAY! And some of the sisters on the thread, who I love dearly, are meeting me there!

Ganzie! Vinnie is the absolute best 3-D tattoo artist for nips in the world! He has been written up everywhere. Sisters here have their own thread about going to see him and how thrilled they are! He practices from his home studio, in Maryland, and then he does one week a month (I think) at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in NOLA. That's right! That hallowed and famous Breast Center flies him in one week a month! Sterile environment, medical-grade ink. Here's the link:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

Here's a link to Vinnie's website:

http://vinniemyers.com/section/386299_Vinnie_Myers...

Tattoos are something like $800, and most ins will not cover it, it is so out of network. But I'd rather eat glass than have my PS work on me for another second! I want this to be a celebration! Many people view their trip to Vinnie as the end of a long journey. Sending you hugs! XXXXOOOO

ml143333 · February 2015

I just needed to come and vent to you ladies.

I just found out today that some of my brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws have been talking amongst themselves about how I was "milking" cancer and that it wasn't that big of a deal because I was doing chemotherapy because I wanted to and that I was going to work everyday. The one sister-in-law didn't go into great detail but told them that her mother died from cancer when she was 16 and that until they walked a day in my shoes that they really couldn't say anything.

It just broke my heart. These people have been my family for 17 years and I guess they don't really know me or don't really care. I guess I know why two of my sister-in-laws don't ask about me.

I would never wish cancer or chemotherapy or any of what goes with cancer on my worst enemy. I don't talk about my cancer openly unless asked and don't talk about it on social media either. Maybe because I don't complain or talk incessantly about it they think it is no big deal.

They even said that I was taking advantage of my mother-in-law that lives with us. Really? They have no clue what goes on in my house. How can I take advantage of someone that I still cook and clean for with cancer and treatment?

Part of me wants to call the other two up and tell that that until they sit in a doctor's office praying that he won't tell you you have cancer and he does, that they have no clue. I want to tell them that yes, they took the cancer that they could see from my body, but no one can tell me if there are rogue cells out there that will come back later. I want to tell them that surgery and recovery hurts physically and mentally. I want to tell them that yes, I chose to do chemotherapy because based on the odds, it is better for me to do it than not. I want to tell them what chemotherapy feels like, what it feels like a week later...a month later...a year later (when I get there). I want to tell them what it is like that cancer is always on the back of my mind. I want to tell them what a toll this has taken on my family.

They have no clue and probably never will because I am sure I will never tell them. What difference would it make anyway? It wouldn't because they obviously don't want to understand.

Thanks, ladies for listening.

bobogirl · February 2015

Mandy, OMG. I am flabbergasted. But not really, because many of my family act in the same way. {{{Mandy}}}

Your signature line says your tumor was grade 3. I don't know everything about your diagnosis. But, just based on that, I probably would have 'elected' to do chemo as well. I think all of this 'leaving things up to the woman' business can just be a ploy on the part of the med establishment to avoid blame, anyway.

You should not be cooking or cleaning for your MIL during treatment. You should be focusing on self-care! The worst thing in all of this is that the mean comments may cause you to want to work harder to 'prove them wrong.' I am hoping you don't do that. Make a cup of tea and put your feet up. You are working through treatment? You are a rock star in my eyes.

Don't try to change those people. I hope you will not spend another minute worrying about them. Easier said than done because I know how hurt and angry you must feel. Do you have access to a shrink or support group? A shrink might make you feel even better about yourself, your choices, and moving forward without the negative talk some members of your family have put forward. You need support -- someone in your corner.

Right now, I am one of those people. I am in your corner. Go Mandy! You are a bad-ass!

ml143333 · February 2015

Thank you so much, Bobo! Your words mean a lot.

I have just decided to move on. My husband, kids, parents and brother are my biggest supporters right now and I just have to know who I can trust and who I can't .

I only have 3 more treatments to go and if everything goes according to plan, I will have my last treatment on 4/10/2015. My husband and I are trying to think of something we can do really fun with the kids later in the month.

bobogirl · February 2015

Excellent plan!

No one is ever going to be able to 'fix' people.

quiltlibrarian · March 2015

hello my friends. I hope that you are doing well.

Hugs

ml143333 · March 2015

Hi Quilty and how are you doing?

I just finished my 6th chemo treatment last Friday and am looking forward to being done with treatment on 4/10/2015 God willing.

quiltlibrarian · March 2015

I am doing well. ml glad to hear that you will be done with treatment soon. I have my 6 months check up with surgeon on 19th, and see when what reconstruction I can do.

Hugs

quiltlibrarian · March 2015

hello ladies, I hope that you are still checking some times. I have a discion to make in the next couple of months. My surgeon said she would do a mastectomy on the remaining side. I was hoping you could help by telling me why you did both. I keep flipping to keep or not. Help.

Hugs

ml143333 · March 2015

Quilti - I had a BMX just because I didn't want to have to deal with possible cancer in the unaffected breast down the road. My BS said it was a good thing I chose a BMX because final pathology found precancerous cells on the unaffected side. For me, it was just that simple, but the decision may not be for anyone else.

ganzgirl2010 · March 2015

quilt...I chose bmx for the same reason as ml143. I didn't want to got thru this again. Im so glad I chose bmx because pathology showed the "good" boob actually was enveloped with LCIS. That's exactly what I had in 2013..then a year later I was dx'd with invasive lobular !

Nomatterwhat · March 2015

I, too, had a BMX because of the size of the tumor in the right breast and pre cancer cells in the left. My BS said having a BMX was a good choice, otherwise, I probably would be doing this all over again in 3-5 years. NO THANKS!! I had the BMX in August 2014 with no reconstruction and have been happy and flat ever since.

Allydp · March 2015

I'm BRCA+, so they told me I didn't really have a choice, but before I got those results I had already chosen that route anyway. I wanted less worry going forward.

quiltlibrarian · March 2015

Thank you ladies. I am thinking it is time for it to go too. I am going to wait to see what the next squeeze says, but I will most likely be heading for surgery. Peace of mind is what I am thinking.

Thank you again. Hugs.

August 2014 Surgery

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