Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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Judy-so sorry to hear your now having to deal with upcominhg chemo. Of course you should know that you will get through it like the rest of us, but it's hard thinking that you've missed that bullet just to turn around and have to then deal with it. Wish MO, BS and PS would not give us any hope early on, not until they have the pathology to back it up. Good luck to you dear, and just know that we will all be here to help you get through it.
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Saw my BS today and first onc appt. The only additional info on the pathology was that there was some vascular involvement, which is heightened because of the Triple negative. And that the tumor wound up being 3.2 cm, so I am now officially staged a 2a, not 1, but I was sort of prepared for that when I was first dx'd and they said I probably was Stage 1, but the biopsy size and nodal involvement was still not certain. Bottom line, though, is that it was not in any of the nodes they took out.
I'm headed for chemo, probably some time after Thanksgiving. I just have a huge choice to make about fertility options, since I'm premenopause but close enough that this might just knock me out of the running. I can deal with adoption, but want to at least consider the alternatives...
I hope everyone is doing well. I think I've hit my 2-week wall of frustration and grumpiness. Wishing everyone good thoughts for Friday.
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rachelv-sorry to hear that you to are headed for chemo,but great news about no node involvement. I was lucky and had already had my kids before this came up, but I'm wishing you well with your decisions concerning your own fertility. Hope you frustration and grumpiness ease by the morning. Wishing you a good wkend.
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Haven't checked in for a few days. Still having TE problem at 5 weeks. Infected even after a week of antibiotics. I'll see my PS again on Monday and hope the infection has cleared over the weekend. I even still have a drain that he said definitely must come out on Monday. Fills are at 350cc and 360cc and halting during the infection. Accelerated schedule due to rads coming soon.
All of you with TEs -- are they doing OK yet? Fills done?
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Hi Ann - Sorry you're still having so much trouble with the TEs. There is a 'trouble with TEs' thread if you haven't already found it. Good luck with getting that last drain out Monday! Think dry thoughts!
Fortunately I've avoided any significant problems like infections. But the achiness, tightness and discomfort (okay, I'll even admit to pain) when I move my shoulders too much sometimes drives me nuts. I do hate sleeping on my back. My PT said I could sleep on my side, but the TEs crunch and grate, so that's no better. I haven't had anything since the initial 100 ccs put in during surgery. Next fill isn't until Nov 21 - wish that was moving along a little more quickly.
I'm trying to figure out what it will be like back at work. I'm so used to 'adjusting myself,' or bumping into things without knowing that I've just boob-butted an open drawer or other piece of furniture. I have the feeling I'm headed for some odd looks from my coworkers.
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Ann-had Lt TE removed due to skin irritation at what was suppost to be my exchange. The TE trouble thread has been a great help and support to me. The ladies on there have experienced it all with their TE's and are wonderful to get information from. I strongly recommend you check it out. Good luck to you girl.
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Hi Ann -- sorry to hear you are still have issues with the TE. I haven't had issues like yours. I am just experiencing the typical discomfort, tightness and pain (day or to after each fill). I hope they get your issues resolved soon and that drain comes out.
have a good weekend everyone...
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Just one thing I thought I'd add. I got the copy of my path report yesterday and looked through all the details. When I got to the very short part about my left (good) side, it said: "Benign breast tissue with unremarkable nipple."
Okay, I know what they mean... but ... unremarkable? Come on!
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Rachel- LOL about "unremarkable nipple".
Hang in there...there is life after miserable TE time. I am so much happier now that I have had my exchange. Still sleeping in the recliner after two weeks due to shoulder issues but these implants are soooo much better than the TE's. Good luck with all the decisions you need to make!
Ann- Hoping your infection clears up this weekend!
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Hi everyone hope all is well with you all I have been reading the posts and have been praying for you all. I have just been in a zone trying to accept everything and getting frustrated with the response time from the PS , BS, getting pathology reports, Path clear DCIS no metasis Lymph nodes clear right breast showed signs of calcifications so glad I had BMX went to Onc and he is starting me on Arimidex for 5 years terrified of SE but so far I am only having terrible body aches been taking for a week today, had one headache dont know if from meds or just a headache that happened wrist are painful and hands hurt and I feel like a old lady can barely get out of bed or move after sitting for a while. I had a hard time with drains finally got the last one out Monday after insisting because it was very painful and smelling really bad and now I have a rash under the fobb and skin on chest under that is itching like mad, I am 1 mo postop today surgery was on 10-11, still sore and just tired, had my first fill Monday was not bad did not feel anything but later that night felt the pressure and have been feelin it every since TEs feel like rocks and I am having muscle spasms but will tell PS to prescribe something for it when I go for next fill on the 14th. I am still having my moments where I just cry finding my self just wanting to be alone I have plenty of support but I dont want to be bothered is any one else having this issue ? Oh yaeh I cant sleep . I am still having the DIEP procedure but dont know when at first they said Nov, Dec now maybe Dec, Jan I just want this to be over getting more frustrated everyday sorry to come back bitc---- but this cancer and recovery stuff sucks. I may not say anythinng but I am reading and praying .All in all I am blessed just have to remind my self that I went thru big ordeal and give myself permission to feel what I feel just not get stuck her feeling depressed and oh yeah anxiety and depression is one of the side effects of arimidex . Thank you ladies for letting me vent I am just in a bad place right now hoping everyday to feel like my old self again!!!!!
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matahead7- Never worry about complaining here. Also the feelings you are having are completely understandable. Not sleeping only makes everything worse. Definitely ask your dr for something to help with muscle relaxation and sleep. Getting into a pain cycle is not good!
I think I will be put on Arimidex following my oopharectomy in December and I am terrified of the side effects! My mom took it for a while and the fatigue and body aches were horrible for her.
I am finally starting to feel better after getting those TE's out and am not looking forward to feeling old and decrepit again. Interestingly, my TE's caused me to feel that way after sitting or laying still for a while. I was having all sorts of muscle spasms/ joint pain and felt like I was 80 most of the time.I could not sleep at all.My body really did not like them and I was immediately better once they were out and the implants were in. Has anyone else had this experience?
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Oh, my October 2011 surgery sisters. It sounds like so many of you are in need of gentle side hugs. I'm sending them to all of you. I hope that as time progresses, healing continues and you all start to feel a thousand times better.
This week has been rough for me, I'm having a little bit of trouble sleeping. I've scheduled an intake at a local cancer support center and hope that connecting with others will help. I had a dream last night that I met a woman on a shuttle bus who'd had a similar surgery and we talked about it a bit - clearly my brain is working overtime thinking about the upcoming surgery.
Logistics to prepare for the surgery at work are moving forward. We got some VERY good news about someone to cover my AP classes while I'm out and that was a HUGE relief. They are being supportive and understanding and kind, I really couldn't ask for anything more.
I've not figured out exactly what I need to do at home or about purchasing anything to prepare for the surgery. I'll have to start working on that and I'm SURE there will be threads that I can find here with lots of info.
Take care everyone!! Sending out healing vibes and hugs to all.
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Matahead - Another set of hugs coming your way. You've been through a lot on top of the 'expected' aggravation and discomfort post-surgery. If you're going ahead with a DIEP, do you mind if I ask why you're having fills? I thought the TEs/implants get replaced by the tissue they move up. I do hope you get an answer soon and can start moving forward on recovery.
Ginger - It must be such a relief to get those TEs out. I'll probably have to wait until after I finish chemo, which will be a good 5-6 months from now. I hope your body bounces back quickly.
Cookiemonster - Thanks for the hugs. I hope the women at the center provide a good support network for you. I completely understand the sleeping problems. I haven't been able to find a good way to pile pillows, so my back aches frequently, and even when I'm just about comfortable, the TEs feel like they're shifting or the muscles spasm.
Wishing healing thoughts for a good weekend for everyone. It's a beautiful day here in NJ, so I'm hoping to get a walk outside and fresh air. Mom leaves after her second tour of duty, so from here on in, it's up to my BF when he's around (3-4 nights/week) or me on my own. I tried driving yesterday and made it the 2 miles to the grocery store but had mom drive on the way home. It just takes a little too much effort to make left turns.
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Rachelvk They put the TEs when they thought I would need chemo and PS will not do reconstruction till all treatments are done but I will ask her why I need them now since path is clear Ginger48 thank you for your imput I thought I was going crazy .How long was your mom on arimidex
Hope everyone is healing and in a better place mind wise and to everyone thank you for your posts and your hugs and just understanding this site is so needed bless you all
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Rachel- She was on Arimidex about 4 months and then they switched it.She is doing much better on her new drug which I can not remember the name of right now. Still has some aches but not overwhelming fatigue. She is 82 and was diagnosed 3 weeks before me.
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I am checking in after being off the forum for a bit. We've had so much company--my best friend came from out of town with her two grown children, an old friend stopped out of the blue while the other friends were there AND my daughter(s) were both home with their new boyfriends. I took a 2.5 hour nap on Friday which is probably the only thing that saved me from this crazy weekend.
I can't sleep hardly at all at night. Any suggestions for getting comfy while sleeping on your back?? I STILL have a drain in--it has been 4+ weeks. It is crazy!! WHY why WHY?? I would love this out. It is an ordeal just to take a shower or dress. I have tried sleeping in bed like my physical therapist wants me to (said it makes you lay flat and stretches the pectoral muscles) but I often head to the recliner in the middle of the night.
I have started walking on the treadmill for about 10-15 minutes at 2.5 mph. It feels good to be moving around more.
AnnAlive---do you still have your drain??? I have read about your cellulitis...I hope and pray that this resolves for you!!
Rachel--I was laughing at your unremarkable nipple. I have no nipples so yours is still better thatn mine!!! LOL
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iluv2knit - I'm sorry you're also having sleeping problems and that you're still stuck with a drain. Sleeping problems seem to be a common thread here (no pun intended). I can almost sleep flat, but the TEs start pulling after a while, and it's hard to find an angle that agrees with my neck, shoulders and back at the same time. I bought a 'cloud' pillow and that at least works well with the head.
As for the unremarkable nipple, the sad fact is that I have none after surgery, which is what sort of made the comment insult to injury. Here I make the noble sacrifice of a bmx rather than an mx, and the best comment they can come up with about the 'good' side is 'unremarkable.'
Wishing all my October sisters some good ZZZZZZs and further recovery this week.
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Iluv2knit- we had our surgery the same day. I still have trouble sleeping. I cannot lay flat on my back yet, so I have a wedge pillow, under 3 other pillows and 1 more pillow to top it off...that doesn't include the pillows I keep at my sides to prop my arms up! It's a whole production getting to sleep every night! LOL! I feel so bad for you having to deal with that last aggravating drain! I do believe once that is gone you will rest more comfortably. Keep faith
I had just become somewhat comfortable in my new skin and then I had another saline fill last Friday.....that helped remind me just how uncomfortable I am compared to the "old me" 
I just keep telling myself that things will get better and one day I will feel "normal" again. I will be able to sleep again. And I will not be a walking zombie forever
Rachelvk- I cannot stop laughing!!! I'm so sorry your nipple was "unremarkable" and failed to impress that pathologist! I'm sure they were rather remarkable, the pathologist was obviously an idiot
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matahead-so sorry you have those nasty post-surgery blues, they are a bitch. You already know that you have a right to those feelings, right? It's okay that you don't want anything to do with anyone, sometimes we need to be left alone to process all the shit we have thrown at us. Girl don't you ever worry about coming on here and compalining/bitching/crying-that is what we are here for. Hang in there darling, there are better days ahead.
CookieMonster-I know those days ahead of surgery can be the worst. My best advice to you is to enjoy everyday up to surgery. Get a massage, a mani and pedi. Do whatever it is in your house you need done for the next few weeks, cleaning, cooking, etc. because you need to be able to give yourself permission afterwards to just lay around and heal. I know, easier said than done, but try and know we are always here when you need to talk.
rachelvk-good for you with driving, a little bit at a time. I love the "unremarkable" comment. You should find that pathologist and tell him..."Hey asshole, they were pretty remarkable to me when they were attached to my chest thank you very much."
Need some input ladies. My OB/GYN whom I've known for 9 years and who delivered 2 of my 3 babies, well she is nationally recognized MD and has recently become director for a womens care center in our area. She was telling me at my appt this past week that she is very interested in starting a Breast Care Center as well and was picking my brain about how all of my care had gone. I told her about this forum and how knowledgable all of you ladies are. She was really interested to know about how long each of you ladies had to wait from time of dx to surgery/treatment began. Also about how well corrdinated your care was, like did your BS, PS and MO actually communicate with each other.
Would appreciate any responses you could give me. Basically she is wanting to for a center where a women can be dx then have a "team" approach to their care, as in everyone meeting together with you and discussing your care throughout your treatment. Thanks ladies ahead of time.
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Kim147-oh we are truly sisters!! even had surgery the same day!! I am still taking pain pills occasionally throughout the day. I feel like now I am being very careful as to 'save' them for when I get my fills (which I have not had yet, due to the stupid drain) I was so painful tonight that at 10:15pm I took a Valium because I wanted to see if the pain I was feeling was muscle spasms OR truly pain. The Valium did help somewhat but I just took one Vicodin now at 11:30pm or I will never get to sleep!! I am not even going to attempt the bed tonight. I will head straight to the recliner. I see that you are also ER +. I am too. Have you dealt with the hot flashes?? I had to go off all hormone therapy and hate the hot flashes...they wake me up at night also. When will I ever be normal again...wait...maybe I never really was 'normal' anyway...LOL.
Rachel-thank you for always taking notice of me. I have followed most of your journey as a lurker and I sure wish you the best with your upcoming treatments. Don't forget we are always here for you. I drove too!! It felt SO weird. I parked in a space that didn't require me cranking my body around to back up or anything and luckily I drove like a old Grandma and didn't change lanes, etc. It was a huge milestone. I felt so wiped out from just driving 30 miles and back. geesh! I never liked driving anyway, but now I REALLY don't like it. Did you get all moved in?? Do you like your new place??
Survivor11- I chose to go to a comprehensive breast center at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan. They have the "Lacks Cancer Center". They use the team approach and my husband and I were both very impressed with their compassion, professionalism, expertise, and availability. I did have to wait two months from diagnosis to surgery but some of that was my choice. They did move my surgery UP from the original date by 14 days because they knew I was getting anxious about waiting any longer. It was mostly coordinating with the PS that was the problem. My BS would have done the BMX within a week, if I wanted no recon. St. Mary's Comp Breast Center is pretty highly revered around here. I am driving an hour and a half just to go to them because I live in the podunk boonies :-) Two of my friends used the same place and were both very pleased with the outcome. They did offer me the chance to sit in on the 'team meeting' that was about me, but I chose not to and just met with all the doctors individually. Hope this helps.
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Hi Ladies..
Matahead~ I feel that way too. I'm not on Arimidex, but I feel this way most of the time. It's hard with my kids, I don't want them to feel like they can't come to me (they're 12, 10 and 3). It's worst when people call or just "stop by". If I'm really not feeling up to it I tell my husband I just can't. Usually though I know it's me just being sad and that I REALLY do need to see others, not just for me, but for my kids. Hope this helps, just to let you know, I'm in the boat with you!
CookieM~ thanks so much for the reply. You'll make it through this! I was more worried about surgery and "going under" than anything else. I made it, with minimal side effects, and you will too. I will keep you in my prayers! You are such an inspiration on this thread, thank you!
Rachel~ Remarkable!
made me smile! I am constantly joking with my husband about my one boobie. (Yesterday I walked up to him said "my feet ARE cold", then pulled a pair of socks out of my bra.) So my little update. I went to my dr. She felt the lump as well and so now it is back to Oncology I go. A little bit about my location. I live about15 miles from Fairbanks a small city here in Alaska. My family Physican is located in Fairbanks. I recieve care through Indian Health Services. There is a Cancer Treatment Center in Fairbanks, however I travel to Anchorage Alaska (1 hour flight or 7 hour drive) for treatment. I have appointments scheduled for Wed and Thursday. I fly out Wednesday morning and back Thursday night. I am a stay-at-home mom, and I am so wishing my husband could go with me, but he is out of leave and although I have 2 sisters who live nearby, no one to watch my kids. It's frustrating. Very frustrating to have family who don't support me in the way I wish I could be supported. I believe it frustrates my husband even more. In news about the breast they took out and the chemo that I am currently recieving (Herceptin). My shoulders, back and neck start to ache about 5:00PM and don't stop until I take pain meds and fall sleep. I too feel like an old lady getting out of bed or the car from just driving into town. As far as sleep, some nights I sleep all the way through and some nights I wake up at 3:AM long enough to take something to help me back to sleep. I normally sleep on my side. I have been having trouble with sleep long before my dx (I wake up look at the clock and back to sleep 10+ times a night, and by now I'm used to it).Lately it bothers me more because the Herceptin causes me to be/ feel sooo tired. I go about the day yawning and naps just cause me to stay up late...
But through all of this, I feel blessed. Blessed to be alive, find this website, blessed for my kids, my husband, my bed, my TV and laptop. I am blessed! Love you all! Including my blog, if anyone's interested...0 -
Iluv2knit- I too have to take a pain pill sometimes to get comfortable enough to sleep. The fills themselves are not "painful" just have some discomfort and tightness a few days afterwards. My first fill was more painful seeing as it was done 2 weeks post-op. No need to rush it. Take time and heal properly so there won't be discomfort. I actually experienced weird hormonal issues before my diagnoses. Hot flashes, mood swings, lack of menstruation...I'm only 31 and was seriously beginning to question whether my birth control was working! I thought I was pregnant, or going thru menopause early! Nope, it was cancer...needless to say, I stopped all hormonal birth control methods forever! I am barely ER +, only 2 %, but my oncologist says that is enough to take into consideration when we are discussing my treatments. Since im only 31 and had 1 positive lymph node, although my path report says they only found DCIS, my oncologist is pulling out all the guns! Chemo, Herceptin, tamoxifen and possibly rads somewhere in there.....its enough to make me go crazy! Have you talked to your doctor about over the counter hormonal therapy such as herbal remedies. Since I'm not there yet, I have not researched the effects of those with breast cancer, but it's worth asking about. Good luck! I hope sleep finds you whether it be in bed or the recliner. God bless the inventor of the Lazy Boy!
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luv2knit -- I am 6 week post surgery and still go back and forth from the bed to the recliner. I have found that Motrin PM helps on those nights when I really have issues sleeping and it seems to work for me.
Dawn -- that is great of your OBGYN. I cannot thank my OBGYN and a friend who works there enough for their help when I was diagnosed. The way I was notified of my cancer was a phone call from the Dr who did the biopsy. I got that call on Thurs of Easter weekend. My DH and I felt lost. Luckily for us a friend had gotten the same phone call 2 years earlier so we talked to them over the weekend and they suggested a group of Dr at one of the hospitals in Charlotte. This group of Dr specialize in breast cancer and are oncology surgeons. My OBGYN started trying to get me an appointment with then, but due to the holiday and spring break they were not getting a call back (no one ever found out what the issue was). I made an appointment with my OBGYN to talk to her about my diagnosis and my frustration in getting an appointment with the surgeon's office. I dind't realize a wife of one of my DH golfing buddies worked at my OBGYN. She saw my name on the schedule to come in (she knew about my diagnosis) she popped into the exam room while I was waiting and I told her of my frustration. When my OBGYN came in we went over my biopsy results and we talked about the group of surgeons we were trying to get me into. I asked her if this was your diagnosis who would you trust your life with. She named off the women surgeon in the group we were trying to get into. I then told her that her staff had been trying for a couple of days to get my an appointment and hadn't gotten a call back. That is when my OBGYN thankfully stepped in and call the surgeon herself and I had an appointment a week and half later. No one knows why there was the issues getting the appointment and I have not experience any other issues. When I went in for the first appointment I had a chip on my shoulder that I had to go to such lengths to get an appointment. That soon changed. I love my surgeon and she is ranked as the best breast cancer surgeon in the area. We meet with her on a Wed at 3pm. We discussed that I had 2 IDC tumors, a larger area of DCIS and was HER2+ and that I had to have a mastectomy. I explain that I was extremely worried that I had cancer all through my body (the Internet can be a bad thing - we had done a bunch of research while waiting for an appointment and had ourselves scared to death). By the end of the appointment I had a bone and cat scan scheduled to 7am the next morning, a consult that afternoon with a plastic surgeon and the next day I had an appointment with ONC Dr. I had to make a decision of chemo first or surgery first. Due to my case the Dr's were leaning towards chemo first but I had to make that decision. We did go with chemo first (due to the fact that I had progressive cancer). I was diagnosed Apr 21, first appointment with the BS May 4 and had my first chemo May 13 and BMX Oct 4. I can not thank my OBGYN enough for stepping in and getting me that first appointment. -- sorry for babbling.
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Hi All
I wanted to let you know about the picture forum if you haven't heard of it. It is a secured site that people share photos. I have put up there my pics from surgery to last week on my progress and fills. This site has been very helpful to me. To gain access send a private message to timtam.
Have a good Monday everyone...
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iLUV2knit - I finally got my last drain removed this morning -- it was almost 6 weeks! What a relief! The nurse said it may continue to drain on a dressing for a day or two. I finished the antibiotics for the TE infection/cellulitis too and looking good! I got a fill of 60cc on each side today. Now I'm at the cancer center getting a double dose Herceptin infusion so that I can skip it next week when I have family coming for Thanksgiving week. I do get the mild flu-like symptoms with it, so better to get it over with.
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ILUV2knit- I also had a lot of pain and was trying to "save" my pain meds for fills. What I learned is that ignoring pain actually impedes your healing and recovery. When my pain meds ran out my PS called in a refill without questioning at all. You might want to check to see if they will do this so that you can medicate as needed. It is not good for your recovery for you to live with pain.Taking my cues from my body and not my mind really helped me at that time. Good luck!
Ginger
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Ann -- yea on getting that last drain out!!!
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Dawn- I have experiences with two different teams. I had a suspicious mammo in March. When I got the phone call, a repeat mammo and ultrasound were scheduled for 5 days later. Biopsy a few days later and Dx in 1 day.Met with surgeon 3 days later and I had lumpectomy one week after dx. This experience was at my local community hospital and my doctor is a good friend of mine. She came to my house to tell me the news. I met with oncologist as soon as pathology from surgery was available. I am not sure if it is this quick for most people. I was very pleased with this experience and the team approach that was used.
Then came the BRCA2+ and I felt the need to head to a bigger hospital.I had a lot of anxiety about leaving my comfortable relationship with my local team but I wanted to talk with people who see this mutation regularly. The BS there was WONDERFUL and connected me with genetic counselor, ocologist and PS. I had to travel an hour and a half to Boston and they even scheduled my appts all on the same day so that made it easier for us.I met with them each individually but I know that they have been in communication with each other.My NSBMX was about 2 weeks after these appointments. I have been very happy with this experience as well.
How wonderful that your doctor is interested in our opinions to create the best experience for women who have to deal with this in the future!
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Just have a sec to check in but wanted to send a giant hello and warm hugs to all. I've been following along with updates but unfortunately I'm way behind with posting.
Ann~ I just wanted to say YAY for having that last drain pulled. And I am SO glad to know there is improvement re: the infection. Excellent news!
Margie~ Thanks for the photo info. Just PM'd TimTam for access
survivor~ Hey Girl! While my situation was a little different since my BMX was considered exploratory/prophylactic, I waited 4 months from the initial recommendation ----> actual surgery date. I was told that it would have been no longer than 2 months had I been given a formal diagnosis prior to surgery.
Doing okay here with the exception of getting very little sleep. I hate to even complain, but I become a growly obstinate bitch without sleep. I feel bad for those that have to deal with this very sleep-deprived girl. I can't for the life of me fall/stay asleep on my back or in a reclined position. It's so frustrating... as I know many of you can relate!
Another fill scheduled for tomorrow--- probably another 60ccs unless PS feels comfortable with more. While I know that symmetry is not the goal of tissue expansion, I'm going to ask if he will possible inject a bit more on the left side than the right. They are WAYYYYY off!
Off to take my husband to a specialist appointment. I spent much of the weekend in the ER with him--- thought he was having an anneuryism but it turned out to be an excuciating peritonsillar abcess. I had never heard of this condition but apparently the pain can be beyond belief...
Thinking of you all!
~AJ
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Ann - Yay!!!!!!! I'm so glad you were able to get rid of that last drain at last. And I'm sure it must be great to be off the antibiotics. Those can be pretty harsh. Wishing you a speedy recovery going forward.
Dawn - It's good that your doctor is thinking along those lines. I was pretty vocal about my story when I started posting, but I'm happy to summarize. In short, it took over 2 months from dx to surgery, and over 3 months if you count when I found the lump. It took me 2 weeks to see my doctor after finding the lump - I had a conference to attend, and I had just seen my gyn the previous week and I know he (and I) had done a decent check. I guess I was in denial, but it just didn't seem possible to find something so obvious within a week. When I did go back to see him he sent me that day for a mammo/US. The BS he recommended couldn't see me for another 2 weeks, and he said he was okay with that wait (at that point, I think there was still an assumption that whatever I had was benign). I had my biopsy 2 days after my first appointment with the BS, and a week later she brought me in to discuss my dx. Her recommendation was to have the brca test, which would take 3 weeks (counselor wasn't going to be in her office until the following week, and results take 10-14 days). I sped things up a few days by having the blood test at my gyn's office, though I did see the counselor.
By the time I had my results, I had seen one PS and lined up 2 second opinions because I was getting nervous about the time frame - I had already been told by BS office that surgery wouldn't be until the end of September. That just kept frustrating me. However, in seeing the other two BS they also kept reassuring me that it was more important to make the right decision, and that there was a window of about 3 months in which the outcome didn't really change. By the time I made my choice (second week of Sept), the earliest the PS I wanted had an opening was Oct 26.
Although I am pleased with my choice for BS and PS as surgeons, I did feel like I had to constantly ask and pester to make sure things were going as quickly as they should - and that I was kept informed of the next steps. I finally found the breast care coordinator (tracked her down at the hospital myself), and she was able to help a little. I think having a center or system that really coordinates your team - and helps you put together your team - is a real benefit. Ironically, the first BS I went to had a breast navigator nurse, and she was great at checking up on me.
Sorry if that went on too long...
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