July 2015 Surgery Sisters

Ok jodib, I didn't see the actual questions when I looked the first time!

As far as healing, I had NO issue with that the first time, granted they were just implants and no mastectomy and all that. But the breasts were perky enough that they did not "dangle" below the incisions and they healed fine. The incisions are not actually in the way of a bra, just a bit up from where a bra hits. My PS and oncologist said they were going to biopsy the nipple and surrounding skin etc during the surgery and of course not use it if there were cancer cells there. My take on this is that if I wake up and have no nipples, that is God taking care of me, and I will be ok with that. I have seen pics of nipple reconstruction and they look great! I am trying to see positives in whatever happens. The alternative is me falling apart and that is just no fun.

I realize even when they do biopsy the nipples during surgery there are no guarantees. In the end, we have to be able to trust that they will do the best thing for us. I have lots of fears/concerns about this whole process/cancer etc, but NOT about my drs. I am sending prayers up for peace and strength and wisdom for you and all our drs!! Love and hugs~~

ispy, NO WAY did you say that before you saw where I was from!! You must have ESPN, hehe.

Wow! It was a busy day on the July board. For the nipple conundrum, I have seen two girlfriends who have each choice ( one has tattoo, one has nipple reconstruct with areola tattoo). Both look great. I think personal preference comes into play but the one with reconstruction does says they always stick out like she's cold.

I forgot who said it when reading through all posts but I could identify with the surreal factor. It's been all research and doctor's appointments and when I stop and think it's hard to believe the whole situation. Thank God for family and friends! We can all do this!!!

Michelle

Hello all!  My name is Sarah.  I'm 28, I have a 7  year old daughter and a 5 year old son!  I was diagnosed with Stage II Grade 1 IDC on June 5, 2015.  I am scheduled for a Mx of my right breast on July 9 and am struggling with the decision of whether or not to have the PBMx on the left side. I have 2 large tumors in my right breast... They will do the Mx and place a tissue expander.  All of the genetic testing is negative, but I'm still debating the PBMx... what are you doing?  And why did you decide what you did?

Hi sripp! I was diagnosed in early June also in my right breast. I didn't hesitate to schedule a BMX (July 7) for two reasons.

First, I certainly never thought I would have cancer in this ONE breast so what makes me think that I wouldn't get cancer in the OTHER breast down the road, maybe 3, 7, or 11 years later? I just want them both off and have to worry way LESS about recurrence of cancer.

My second reason involves both vanity and avoidance of pain! I want my new breasts (I am reconstructing with TE then implants) to be symmetrical and look the same- at least as close as possible. And I figure if I'm going through all this pain, I may as well do them both at the same time. I never once considered not doing them both. I have had a friend do both breasts and another friend do just the cancerous breast, and she has said she wished she had done both.

I hope this helps. I'm so sorry you are experiencing this!! I'm sending much love and many prayers to you and your family.

Just found out my surgery date. July 22. Will be having bmx. Currently 10 days pfc TCHP. Can I join your group?

Hi,

I'm joining the club! Just found out today that my surgery is scheduled for 7/17. I am having a BMX with immediate reconstruction.The surgery will be about 12 hours. I am having the DIEP reconstruction and am a nervous wreck.

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Dx--5/14/2015, DCIS stage 0

Surgery-7/17/2015, BMX-DIEP

Emmy and Jodi thinking about you as you prepare for tomorrow. May you both find peace and comfort as you prepare for the day. You can do this

Sarah, I tested positive for the Bcra2 mutation so I am finally proceeding with a preventatives BMX. However, this decision did not come lightly. It's taken me 4 years to decide to act. If during any of the past surveillance testing I ever had any positive or malignant result it would be a no brainer! Cut them both off right away! But since they are currently both healthy, or so we think, it's not so easy. But, I know my mother fought breast cancer 2 times and not a recurrence (she's well 11 years out from last time) and my grandmother had it once, and her mother before her died from it. I want to save my son and my husband from having to see me sick. I want to avoid getting sick myself too. So I will do what it takes to give myself the best chances. I have chosen no reconstruction because I think I will be OK flat, I'm willing to wear prosthetics, and I want to be able to get back to living my life including picking up and hugging my 4 year old son close as soon as possible and move on without further surgeries. But making the choice for SMX or BMX and reconstruction are very personal choices, and only one you can make.

Ssteacher, I go from being strangely calm about the surgery to freaking out myself! I think it's like grieving a death. You go through various stages denial, grief, anger, bargaining, and then acceptance. But sometimes you go backwards and it's not always in that order. If you were not freaking out, something would be wrong. Right? But there is a lot of support here. Thank goodness! This too shall pass. I do a lot of deep breathing, thinking about positive things, or looking forward to fun events I've planned later this summer or fall. when I think about recovery, I try to think happy thoughts like I will be on vacation from work, I will be able to spend more time with my son and husband even if I'm not feeling perfect. I also have a list written down of why I need to do this and now. I used to look at that frequently when I was in doubt about this decision. One glance, and the decision was clear for me again.

Hi,

Emily here, 29 years old and was just diagnosed two weeks ago. Also going in for the bilateral masectomy on July 17th and will be getting expanders and then implants after chemo down the line this year. Sending good health to everyone here!