Really anxious about swimming

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  • Ishida
    Ishida Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2019

    I am getting ready to have double masectomy, very naive on what to expect. I read one blog where the patient said to her doctor, breast surgeon ... not the plastic surgeon, before surgery, to make sure to do the best cosmetic result possible -symmetrical incisions, no extra skin. When her surgery was complete she was very pleased of how the look of the incions were pleasing to her eyes and also to her husband , as well. Just putting out there... can this be true to direct our breast surgeon to let them be very much aware of how we want our scars to look like when it is done?

  • Darnit_DDD
    Darnit_DDD Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2019

    Hi Ishida,

    It depends on your weight (BMI) and size of your breasts. I had the same discussion with my surgeon. I did not have a PS, just the BS. She was totally up front about expectations, that I would probably have a dog ear or some redundant tissue that could be addressed with a scar revision procedure down the road, due to my large breasts.

    Evidently thinner women with small breasts are more likely to get a better result but I will say I was very pleased with my surgeon. I do have a dog ear under my right breast where the SNB was done.

    The incisions wrap around under my arms, I know extra time and care were taken to give the best possible results given what she had to work with.

    I wouldn’t change a thing and am grateful my surgeon was on board with flat closure. She was understanding and did not overpromise on results.


  • Darnit_DDD
    Darnit_DDD Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2019

    I love that video MT1, your chest looks great!! Very inspirational, thank you, love your work

  • wannabeflat
    wannabeflat Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    I definitely spoke to my BS about her experience with non-reconstructive surgeries and what I could expect cosmetically. I chose a BS with a lot of experience and who fully supported my decision; I did not use a PS. She told me what risks to expect and what she expected based on my body and size. I am (was) small-chested and pretty thin and I don't have any dog ears, fortunately. My BS's office showed me photos of some of her patients so you might ask about that. I would say ask ALL your questions and tell your doctor about any anxieties you are having and what you hope to have after surgery. Make it clear you do not plan to reconstruct and care about the cosmetic outcome of the mastectomy.

  • Ishida
    Ishida Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2019

    Hello.... thank you for the added advice! It is greatly appreciated on how and what to ask your doctor... especially since he is a guy. So far he is very easy to talk to and should not be a problem. He seems to be in a hurry like so many doctors in our health care system. He was very vague about the post treatment after my lumpectomy. Of course, I was so scared and just wanted it done. If I was more on top of things I would have asked more questions.... this time I will be more armed with questions. Again.... thank you thank you for your insight... gives more confidence to go ahead with surgery. Yes, being part Japanese I am small breasted. :-

  • Ishida
    Ishida Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2019

    OMG.... just viewed MT1’s video.... very inspiring. Try to get a screen shot and show my doctor. Good to know stretching in the pool will help the tight skin.

  • Ishida
    Ishida Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2019

    To be quite honest about all this... not only finding out I had cancer in my left breast about three months ago, but stupid me.... decided around Christmas time last year to move a freezer in our barn to make room for another tree and moved the wrong way and crushed my T12 vertebrae in my spine! I am living proof GOD is watching over me.... I could have been paralyzed in that moment... thank God! .... my adrenaline kicked in and had enough strength to lift the freezer off my body and roll over slowly to my side ever so gently till ambulance folks arrived. Within two days my neurologist told me if I could promise to use his special brack brace for the next few months and follow his instructions to the letter and show him I could walk with the brace on for about 5 minutes, I could go home that day. I did it and did not need surgery and soon I will be starting therapy so I can no longer need the brace. Soooo long story short I had two situations to deal with and had to figure out a way to get my back better and had to deal with the best way to take care of my cancer situation. Choosing the lumpectomy was the quickest way to get rid of the cancer but not the best answer to stop the possible reoccurrence down the road. Especially, most of life I chose ways to keep myself healthy and so far.... I have at the most for daily medicine is just Advil or Tylenol for the occasional twinge pain in my lower back. When I found out I would still have to endure 33 radiation treatments and 5-year pain medicine... I got so angry! Worked sooooo hard to be healthy and that is still why I am choosing masectomy.... no radiation treatments, pills, more mammograms per yearor possible reoccurrence in my other breast. I don't smoke or drink! I may have, God's willing, 15 more years left and will fight till my last breath to avoid pills/chemicals that some of these doctors try to push! God willing, that they won't find more cancer and I can can put more attention to getting my back better. Keep you posted. Trying to remain very positive! :-)

  • wannabeflat
    wannabeflat Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    You've definitely been through a lot. I wish you a smooth surgery and recovery. Mastectomy without recon certainly eliminates a lot of future medical appointments, screenings, etc. My daughter had 5 weeks of radiation and sustained permanent damage to her neck and shoulder, so I support your decision to try to avoid it. Sending warm vibes.

  • Darnit_DDD
    Darnit_DDD Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2019

    Avoiding radiation played a role in my BMX decision, I am grateful for clear lymph nodes and being ER-/PR- no chemo either. It’s just a matter of recovery now.

    I count my blessings every day for that, mindful of those not in that situation, my thoughts and prayers are with all who find themselves here on the healing path

    Best of luck ishida!

  • Ishida
    Ishida Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2019

    Thank you all for all your advice and I think I found the tattoo I might do after recovery. I should know about when the surgery will be scheduled. I will post the update on what my surgeon will say to my suggestions and what insight he will let me know and pray it will be all good to move on! :-)

  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited March 2019

    MT1, Lovely video. Sharon

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