Waiting for Surgery - Vancouver BC

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Lize
Lize Member Posts: 1
edited September 2017 in Just Diagnosed

I am in my early 40's and I have always been very active, health conscience, and born into a family where cancer (any kind) was something that happened to other people. 'Never-say-never' seems appropriate because in July 2017, I joined the club that no one wants to join: I was diagnosed with IDC (one breast; 9 mm) and with microscopic atypical hyperplasia in both breasts. My doctor talked about a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatment and tamoxifen.

I would very much appreciate any advice that members in Metro Vancouver could kindly offer about my two main concerns at this stage: (1) How long does it take from diagnoses to surgery? I thought that I would be scheduled for an operation within 2 months of diagnoses; yet, I am still waiting to hear about getting an appointment with a breast surgeon despite the fact that my GP has made a referral back in mid-July.

My 2nd concern relates to whether I would have a choice with regards to the 'treatment plan'. I want a bilateral, partial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Radical perhaps, but I do not believe I actually have an option given my atypical hyperplasia (ATHP) diagnosis. To my mind, the latter is akin to having a ticking timebomb in both breasts as I already have IDC. Moreover, opting for only a lumpectomy despite of the ATHP, borders on adopting a 'softly-softly' approach that seems wholly inappropriate to me. Any advice would really be appreciated. Love and blessings to all of you!

Comments

  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited September 2017

    Hi Lize,

    Yes, welcome to the the club no one willingly joins. Wanted to tell you there is thread in the Community Connections section part of the board that is titled Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer. I would copy and paste the post there also.

    Good luck and be healthy.

  • hlya
    hlya Member Posts: 484
    edited September 2017

    Hi, Lize,

    Are you in Canadian forum? I am in BC as well, my surgery was scheduled in 5 weeks, and my friend was scheduled in 4 weeks.

    Don't worry too much. Things looked scary at the beginning but you will be OK finally. Everyone experienced the same.

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