age 40, very fat & newly diagnosed stage II IDC

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dchavy
dchavy Member Posts: 18
edited June 2015 in Just Diagnosed

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago and have been in a bit of shock ever since.  I met with my surgeon yesterday who shared MRI results that show cancer outside of my primary tumor.  I am electing bilateral mx due to family history, well that's what I'm telling myself.  I think I'm electing bilateral because I am terrified of recurrence.

I am obese which adds another layer of anxiety due to extreme embarrassment about my body and the thought of having to see so many doctors makes me ill.  I just now read that obese patients aren't candidates for reconstruction which is just about going to send me into full on melt down mode.  Maybe it is just a certain method of reconstruction?  I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon next week and am now terrified of what he may say.  Any experiences or information about this is very much appreciated. 

Thank you.

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  • JJOntario
    JJOntario Member Posts: 356
    edited June 2015

    I read your post and wanted to reach out. I don't have any info for you other than to say don't jump to conclusions regarding reconstruction....sometimes googling can make us all feel crazy. Your body is your body...and right now it needs your love. Don't be so hard on yourself and know you are not alone :-

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  • Janett2014
    Janett2014 Member Posts: 3,833
    edited June 2015

    I agree with JJO above. Don't assume anything at this point. Just gather the information you need, and ask lots of questions. Also remember that there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion.

    One more thing: these doctors and nurses have seen it all, including just about any body type imaginable.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2015

    HI there, I am sorry for your diagnosis and while I don't have any input to mastectomy or recon, just wanted to send my wishes for successful surgery.  I do agree with the others advice though, get an opinion from a plastic surgeon and perhaps 2 or even 3 . You'll be amazed at how different doctors , what they're suggestions might be are and their skill levels as a plastic surgeon. Good luck.

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited June 2015

    You absolutely will have some reconstruction options, they just may be more limited. You just have to find the right PS, as some do reconstruction on obese women. Some will only do delayed recon, asking the patient to lose some weight first. If you want immediate reconstruction, you may just have to consult with more PSs until you find one who will do immediate recon and with whom you are comfortable. Make sure you are aware of your personal risks. The risk of complications increases as BMI increases. So there are fewer complications in obese women, than in extremely obese or morbidly obese women. Women with a BMI over 40 have a high risk of complications, so if you by chance fall into this category, you will find fewer PSs willing to accept you as a patient. Flap reconstructions, such as DIEP (abdominal), have a higher rate of complications than implants. Depending on how obese you are, the shape and size of your breasts likely means that there could be limited implant options. With flap surgery, the higher your BMI, the greater your risk for total or partial flap loss, delayed wound healing, edema, hernias, infection, longer hospital stays. Should you have diabetes or heart issues, this will add another layer of complications. There will also be added risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms.

    You have every right to want to feel whole after a bilateral mastectomy and if you desire immediate reconstruction, it may take a little longer to find the right PS, so don't get discouraged. Try not to feel embarrassed. They've seen it all before and it's just clinical to them. With higher rates of obesity, you aren't unusual. You may want to post in the 'Anyone else obese' thread. While it's under fitness, the ladies there may be able to provide you with some info. I've just scanned their profiles and there are a lot of lumpectomies, but there are a couple of recons. It may just have been their personal preference to have a lumpectomy and keep their breasts, or they may have explored mastectomy and recon options and decided against them, so it wouldn't hurt to ask their advice. Sorry you've joined the BC club; best of luck to you, whatever you decide.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/58/topic/827229?page=1

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  • dchavy
    dchavy Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2015

    Thank you all so much.  I think I just had a bit of a breakdown yesterday when the reality of the diagnosis and necessity of losing at the very least one breast really sort of sunk in.  I had handled all of the news very rationally until yesterday when it got real.  I appreciate all of your input and advice, it is very helpful.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2015


    Keep us posted on how you make out. I hope today is a better day for you. :)

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  • PatRN10
    PatRN10 Member Posts: 332
    edited June 2015

    hi. I am on that thread. I just got LX as my tumor was very small.i know you have family hx. But if possible you may want to Consider lumpectomy . Discuss risks and benefit with surgeon.

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  • dchavy
    dchavy Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2015

    PatRN10 unfortunately lumpectomy is not an option for the breast that is currently diseased.

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