Getting Nervous about surgery

Options
Mntx
Mntx Member Posts: 18

Ive had a biopsy only at this point which came back DCIS but I have a good sized lump 4.2 centimeters. Its my understanding that DCIS doesn't have a lump. Could this mean that I have IDC as well but wont know until after surgery? Is it possible the whole lump is DCIS? Lumpectomy on 5/9/18 with new silicone implants and radiation afterwards. Worried about effects of radiation on implants. Im going to the best place but still doesn't make the process any less terrifying

Comments

  • LisaK12
    LisaK12 Member Posts: 107
    edited April 2018

    Try not to worry because it doesn't help. The lump could be benign! There is no way to know what it is until the pathology results come back.

  • Mntx
    Mntx Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2018

    Lisa--thank you! Im not looking forward to surgery but will be glad when I get all the information so I can stop thinking about it. Im doing sentinel node biopsy at same time. You just had surgery yourself--how are you doing

  • LisaK12
    LisaK12 Member Posts: 107
    edited April 2018

    I am doing great. Double mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy with immediate, direct-to-implant reconstruction (no tissue expanders), with silicone implants placed above the pectoral muscles (pre-pectorally) with alloderm. I am very happy with my decision. The pathology from my surgery showed that while my sentinel node was clear and I had no invasive breast cancer on either side, I had abnormal cell growth in both breasts which would have placed me at higher risk for invasive breast cancer in both breasts (in addition to fairly extensive DCIS which was already present in my left breast). I have full range of motion in both arms and haven't taken any pain meds stronger than Tylenol in a week. They were able to narrow and lift both breasts, using vertical incisions, which I hope will heal nicely. My only discomfort is with the drains, because I can only sleep on my back and can't take a shower until they're removed. I'm hoping the drains will be gone by Monday. I don't like wearing the surgical bra (or any bra, frankly), but I'm getting more used to it. The "one and done" approach was right for me. I don't have the patience for multiple procedures. The only other thing I'm planning to do eventually is maybe have 3-D nipple-areola tattoos, but that will be at least five months from now.

    Good luck to you and try not to worry too much! Best wishes.

Categories