CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS
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Allie, I think you need to ask a few more questions. First ask why they think chemo is warranted? I will pray for you. You will make the right decision for you.
She's, I am sorry you had to have your TE removed. If I might make a suggestion? Please don't rush to replace the te. I may have done it too early, because I had a second one get infected. I am now in waiting mode. They told me at least a year. so wait a couple of more months just to be sure. Much love to all.0 -
Just and FYI for those of you thinking of reconstruction after radiation... I have a partial mastectomy/some say lumpectomy, but it was a little more tissue than that which the surgeon removed hence the term. Anyway I had 39 rads txts and my breast shrank from an almost DD to a hard shriveld nub size A cup on that size. The plastice surgeon made me wait from Feb till December of that year to have a reduction and a lift. Essentially what he did was reduced my left breast and did a lift and he opened up the right breast that had been irradiated which released the pressure and then he did a lift on that side to make them match and he reduced the sized of the areolas. I had no problems with the healing of my irradiated breast. I followed the plastic surgeon directions exactly and the incisions and scars healed and flattened. Actually I had a little trouble with the other good breast healing because of some stitches due to so much skin having to be removed.
so just make sure you wait long enough you are healed from radiation and that you have an excellent plastic surgeon if you decide you may want to do reconstruction. Good Luck!0 -
Mimi that is a good point. My PS made me wait one year after rads because of healing to move forward with my BMX. I had not problems with healing but my PS was execellent and took my reconstruction slow.
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I also had a segmental Mx and waited waited maybe four years for recon. My tumor was very near the surface and the BS spared the skin. But that scared several drs about working with it. There is always the chance that irradiated skin won't stand up to stiches/staples. That area is far from normal looking, but it isn't gonna kill me either. I could do more recon, but I don't handle anesthesia well, so I will most likely forego further messing around with it.
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Greetings!
I just had my double partial masectomy (or yes, lumpectomy, but these too were a bit larger). One side was reconstruction only and the other cancer removal, reconstruction , both lifted. Now I am reading I should have waited for radiation!
Will try to not panic here. The PS purposely left the cancer breast larger, knowing radiation would shrink it. But reading one of you was a D and went to an A! Dear lord, I was a B before, I'm sure I'm smaller now, are they going to invert! (I say that laughing, somewhat)
All might be moot, I had 6 tumors removed, the doctor says I am stage 1, but does not like the number of tumors taken out (we thought there were 3-2 ILC and 1 LCIS). My nodes were tested, , though report seems unclear as it looks like it is reporting on 3 of 4. 3 negative, with one of those three with 18 tumor cells, apparently there needs to be 200 to be considered positive...so I am told this is good?
Anyhow, my case is going before a review to determine if I should go back for one better margin(one is at1mm), or if I should have masectomy.
No family history, BRCA is negative (just found that out) and someone will be finding out if I am eligible for oncotype dx. Dr. also discussed idea of sending me back for MRI- she will be looking into that.
Sheila, I see you are in Westchester, I am too!0 -
Pattysmiles - I had a double mx a year ago with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. My PS knew there was a possibility that radiation would be needed for my left breast and left it a little larger to compensate for possible shrinkage. I traveled from Taos NM to San Antonio TX to use this specific PS and before he would accept me as a pt I had to agree to have radiation done in San Antonio using the radiologist he works with because all radiation is not equal. It seems that some like to use a little heavier hand because if a little is good a lot has to be better. Although there were extra expense this was the best decision I have made although I have had some healing issues due to the radiation to the second surgery which involved fine tuning and nipple reconstruction.
If there is one thing that I've learn that is consistant in the tx of ca on these boards, it is the inconsistancy in the manner of tx each of us receive. Not to say that one way is better than another but due to continue research, new knowledge, so much to learn and just what a doctor feels comfortable with these inconsistancies will continue. It seems it is up to us to each research, question and go with what we are comfortable with because in the end we are the only ones who live with the outcomes.
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seabeal--do you mind my asking if you were treated at the PRMA group in SA? If so, how did you hear about them?
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Ironmagnolia - Yes I did. My onco had suggested the DIEP flap but they do not do this type of reconstruction in NM. I actually learned about PRMA from this site and after researching the organization and my consultation I was sold. They are the best and not just in their skills but in how they treat their patients, from the answering service to the doctors. I can't say enough good about them.
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Good news Im waiting on insurance to ok the hospital and then I get my gummy implants. Went back to my full time job sitting at a desk in January and then went back to panerea in Feburary. I told panera to do 4hr shifts and he scheduled me for 6 today and 2 7hr shifts next weekend and OMG my back is killing me and by the end of my shift my arms are heavey. Ugh when will I get my muscles back because this sucks?
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Thank you seabeal. I appreciate your input!
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i don't even know where to begin except to say I miss you all and won't stay away so long....anyone close to NYC on April 26 is welcome to join in at GCS....it sounds like something we all need after a hell of year(s)....
to all of you who are new...I am soryy I havenot been on to offer you the love and support so freely given to me...this is a special place filled with more love, hope and answers than you can find anywhere else...
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Hi Annette, I am planning to be in NY...am just 80 miles out...so glad you are coming.
I agree, these new ladies need the care and support that was offered to me when I first was diagnosed. It meant a lot to know I could always talk to someone who would understand.
Welcome to those who are newly diagnosed (sorry you have to be here) and to those who just had surgery.
Sending positive thoughts for today!Joan
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Annette...It's getting closer.......
Joan....I was MIA for couple of days.......
Hugs to both and see you soon my friends
♥
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Sheila....was gettin worried about u...
Yes it's getting closer.
I will be there...
Sooo lookin forward to this.
it's been such a shitty yr.so far.
let's start planning the details.0 -
Granny......I sent you a PM......
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Sheila.....i sent you a pm...
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Hi Sheila, glad you are back!
I'm at work and doing n-o-t-h-i-n-g today.
Friend of mine has a daughter (40) who fell critically ill and the father is clueless (not assertive, doesn't ask anything, says she's going to be OK) and I know too much and I am terrified and I can't tell them....they were going to have a sit-down with the doctor this afternoon. I suggested they move her to a med center but now she's on a vent and not likely to be transported. I'm so numb.
That's why I'm just pacing and marking time until I can leave.Hope everyone has a good day...
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What is happening in NYC on April 26th? Where?
Thanks,
Mena
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Hi Mena.....Last year we were going to get together the first time but unfortunately for many reasons we couldn't do it....
So this year hopefully nothing will go wrong...Annette is from Texas and she'll be in NY that week
Come and join us.....meeting place will be under the clock at Grand Central Station......
And i will be like a tourist because I don't really go to the city
We don't have exact time yet......
♥
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Sheila, thanks for the info! If I don't have to go for my pre-surgery testing I will definitely try to be there.
Mena
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Granny...I really really enjoyed our chat......
3 weeks from tomorrow....lalalalalalalalalalalallaaaaaaaaa
Comfort is our #1 priority.......
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You're Welcome Mena
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Hi Mena, we live on the same big island
Sheila, does "lalalalala" mean anything special? It always reminds me of something....
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Joan....Lalala means I'm singing because i feel happy
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I found a lalala song that would be perfect for a reunion theme (Beautiful World) -- just the chorus...it says "We're All Here" (not sure what else it's saying)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VzmOCcopB40 -
I love it....
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Joan, where in LI do you live?
Mena
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Hi everyone just popping in for a minute. I am very busy these days since I've gone on 7-3 shift! but ever so happy that I get to sleep at night now yeah!!!!
Hope that everyone has a blessed weekend and that your doctor appts go well.
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