tmac

Okay, this is a dumb question, but can you develop mets after a Stage 0 DCIS dx?  I had a BM & SNB in April, no microinvasion, clear margins, nodes clear.  So, pure DCIS.  I've been told my risk for recurrence is less than 2% over my lifetime, not 2% each year (pretty good odds).  But each time I have an ache or pain, or headaches I'm scared to death its mets.  Do you have to have a recurrence before it can metastasize?       

My PS made new incisions along the crease underneath my breasts for my xchange.  You can't see the xchange scars bc they are hidden & in the fold of my breasts.  He did not use the mast. scars bc of increased risk of scar tissue.  Anyone else have the same?  I assumed less chance of scar tissue is good because maybe scar tissue can be mistaken for lumps along the scar line? 

Teresa   

Bottom line, I had the option, but wanted to reduce my risk of recurrence as much as possible.  BM reduced my risk the most.  And, just as important, I considered my quality of life.  Didn't want to be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life, waiting & wondering if/when BC would come back.  Now, I have a 2 % chance over my lifetime of a recurrence.  That's less than the general population are at risk for BC. 

Teresa

GG,

I had a BM in April, w/immediate reconstruct/tissue xpanders.  I had the xpanders in all summer, had my xchange in Aug (silicone), and am having my nips/tatts done in @ one wk.  My xperience was good.  I had little discomfort during the fill process and subsequent surgery.  I considered the TRAM, but am 40 w/two small children.  Didn't want to have such an involved surgery for many reasons, especially recovery time. 

I, too was afraid of the port, as I'm terrified of needles.  Luckily, I had no sensation in either breast during the entire process.  My PS was sensitive to my "phobia", and wouldn't let me see the needles, etc.  I would close my eyes thru the entire fill, no problems.  He also would fill one side, at the same time his nurse would fill the other, quick & easy. 

I would do the same again.  A word of caution, be careful how much info. you gather.  Everyone is different in terms of their dx, BC, health, healing, hx, etc. A lot of women experience complications and/or pain thru the xpansion/fill process, but a lot of women do not.  For whatever reason, there tends to be more stories of complications/pain posted.  I try and gauge how much I read on this site and others.  I found myself feeling more depressed & anxious after spending a lot of time reading stories.  I backed off, and have a healthier outlook and overall feeling of wellbeing. 

Good luck in your decision making.  It's a difficult process.  Take care.

Teresa

Keryl,

Did your ins. co. already state no coverage for removal of the healthy breast?  Because I had a healthy breast removed (healthy according to them, even though keeping an eye on things) and it was covered.  You are at higher risk simply because you had BC in one breast.  You're at higher risk for recurrence in the healthy breast (girls, correct me if I'm wrong on this) especially if your cancer was invasive and in lymph nodes.  And if you have dense breasts, you are at higher risk.  I don't want to scare you, but my ins. co. didn't question the removal of the healthy breast (I had a BM in April).  In fact, my BS recommended breast conservation, and I opted for the more aggressive approach, and she was fine w/my decision.  I'm not sure what the federal law states, but when I was contemplating my decision, my BS said whatever route I chose, lumpectomy/unilateral/or bilateral, all would be covered by ins.     

If you are considering having the healthy breast removed, hope this helps.

Teresa

Thanks girls!

Everyone has been great responding w/posts and pm's.  I've resolved the issue, after reading everyone's input and talking w/my hubby.  I'm sticking w/him.  I have my BS for my BC stuff.  I don't have a reg. onc. bc I didn't need tx.  My surgery was my tx.  My ob/gyn is great, so I shouldn't be so hard on him expecting him to be up on the very latest BC stuff.  He has a VERY busy practice, so I'm sure it's all he can do to keep up w/ob/gyn stuff!  I spoke w/him today bc after reading your posts, I realized I'm having paps done, and I don't have a cervix!  This topic he WAS very knowledgeable about, thankfully.  Even though I had a total hyster. two yrs. ago, he still does paps to screen for vaginal cancer (very, very low #'s, but he likes to screen anyway).  I was having paps every six mos. bc I have a hx. of warty tissue.  In fact, he said since I haven't had an abnormal pap in yrs. he suggested paps every other yr. 

So, I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  I wasn't looking forward to finding a new ob/gyn.  Best wishes to all, and thanks again.

Take care,

Teresa

Dede,

Even though you love your PS, couldn't hurt to consult w/another.  4 yrs. out, you shouldn't be uncomfortable.  I'm almost 3 mos. out from my xchange, no discomfort at all.  My implants feel like they are a part of my body.  In fact, I don't call them my Foobs, bc they are truly a part of me now. 

Good luck.

Teresa

Opps, I didn't mean to keep everyone posted about my 'hips', I meant my nips!  Come to think of it, I'd love to have my 'hips' done, too, LOL.

Teresa

sbmolee,

I will definitely keep everyone posted after my hips/tatts.  Can't wait for this final procedure!!  I saw my ob/gyn this week, first time since BM.  And everyone LOVED 'the girls'!  They oohed and awed, what a nice boost to my ego (having gone from an A to a C). 

Speaking of ob/gyn's, I have a question.  Mine does not seem to be at all imformative @ BC.  And he says things like, "I'm not privy to that info", what does that mean???  He can't pick up a medical journal and read the studies??  I asked about vitamin D levels, he had no recomendation and very little opinion.  I love my ob, he delivered both my kids, and I've been w/him for 10 yrs., but I'm a bit concerned that he doesn't appear to be up on BC info.  I had an elective hysterectomy two yrs. ago at 39 (prolapsed uterus and bladder, I looked like a 70 yo women!), kept my ovaries.  So, even though I do not have the BRCA gene, I'm still concerned.  I'm thinking about changing ob's.  What do you girls think?  I see my BS in 3 wks. and will ask who she recommends.     

Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

Teresa  

Pondfrogs,

Any change?

Teresa