My life for the last four weeks

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Row
Row Member Posts: 7
edited December 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I made my annual mammogram appointment on 10/31/16. The radiologist ordered for more mammogram exam on my right breast then waited a while in the waiting room. I was taken to another room for a 3D ultra sound. I was asked to get dressed and wait for the radiologist. She informed me that they found a lesion that was a little over a centimeter. I was indisbelief and cried. They scheduled a biopsy on 11/4/16. The radiologist told me that the lesion was cancerous. I sat in the parking lot for a while and cried. I met with our surgeon on 11/10/16. My fiancé and I decided to move up our wedding day to ensure medical coverage . After long days of building enough courage to tell my daughter 27, my son 24, my step son 19, my mom, family and friends, we shared the news to them. I informed my nurse practitioner of my decision to have bilateral masectomy. We got married on 11/14/16. I had my genetic gene testing on 11/17/16. I had my MRI on 11/19/16. MRI results shows two more lesions, one more on my right breast and one on my left breast. I met with my plastic surgeon on 12/1/16 and I decided to have a silicon transplant. I also met again with my surgeon on 12/1/16 for my pre-op for the bilateral masectomy. I received confirmation on 12/2/16 for a surgery date for Tuesday, 12/20/16. I have been anxious. I have been crying. I'm very scared. I have been restless. My Faith in God keeps me hopeful, loved, strong, focused and more.

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  • anotherNYCGirl
    anotherNYCGirl Member Posts: 1,033
    edited December 2016

    Row, - I am so sorry that you are dealing with all this, - but with these message boards you have found a source of support, information, and understanding.

    We have all been on the roller coaster that you're on. As many here will tell you, - the beginning is the hardest part. Once you have a plan in place, and start a treatment plan, you will feel better. It seems like one dr visit and test and procedure after another, - but you will get through it, - especially with family and love around you. There were days that my husband took me to 2 and 3 appts in a day, so I know what you are going through.

    Once you have more info re diagnosis and treatment plan, you will find message boards with those who are in similar plans.

    Keep your chin up, - it IS do-able, - just a huge detour in our plans for a bit!

    sending hugs from NYC

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2016

    Row-

    We're so glad you've joined us, although we're sorry for the circumstances. The first days and weeks are a whirlwind. All of the things you're feeling are normal! Just know that you are not alone, and this community is here to support you through this.

    Congratulations on the wedding! May you enjoy many, many years of happiness together!

    The Mods

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  • ironmagnolia
    ironmagnolia Member Posts: 85
    edited December 2016

    Bilateral breast cancer has been considered in the past somewhat rare, but I don't think that's the case. MRI is instrumental in finding existing tumors that might not be found with mammogram/ultrasound. I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in 2013 with MRI. It was not the standard of care at that time, and feel my life was saved by my brave breast surgeon who ordered it. Prognosis is based on the pathological findings of the "worst" tumor. Be thankful that you had a Dr who ordered MRI, that action most likely saved your life. You have many options for breast reconstruction and I hope you will take the time to research them.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited December 2016

    Row, we have all walked in your shoes, so we understand what a traumatic experience this is for a woman. I think initially, we all want a bilateral mastectomy, until we realize there are other options with just as good, if not better outcomes. I know I originally wanted to just have my breasts removed, until I learned about oncoplastic breast surgery. I had one of the best breast surgeons who had just completed a fellowship at the University of South California. I had my surgery and 4 lymph nodes removed to check for node involvement. She got everything during the first surgery, plus great margins. My nodes were fine. I went through radiation without any trouble and now my breasts look exactly the same. You cannot even tell that I had surgery. I can't stress enough to know your breast surgeon and have an ongoing dialogue with him/her. My doctor called me several times to discuss exactly what we were going to do, and the type of incision that she was going to make. I had a say in the decision and it made me feel in control of what was going to happen to my body.

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  • Fearless59
    Fearless59 Member Posts: 74
    edited December 2016

    Hi, Row,

    Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am glad to hear that all of the diagnostics moved along so promptly, and everything is in place for getting you taken care of right away. What a wise idea to move your wedding date up!

    Of course it is all pretty new and scary, uncharted territory! My time frames are pretty close to yours, so I understand. My mammo was 10/28 and the red flags and follow ups caused me to miss my December vacation. I am still waiting on a surgery date to be set but my insurance will be better in January.

    I am glad you found this site and will do my best to support you! You can do this!!!

    Fearless59

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  • Dafne
    Dafne Member Posts: 104
    edited December 2016

    Row, I just hope all went well for you.

    I'll be in your place soon enough, and I can only pray for all of us. May the light of God's love be with you always.

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