Ottawa ladies?
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My first mastectomy left me concave along right sternum, so after DIEP, it still sinks in. Next appt is to talk about filling it.
As far as I know they are covered if part of completing the original work.0 -
PS- yes its covered under OHIP to refill any gaps in breast or even to even out a scar from DIEP
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how many off you ottawa women had prophylactic masectomies?
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Thank you for that fill info ladybug & red! Lefty is not so pretty
I requested a double mast but was refused. I saw dr. Guay and he wants to do all kinds of things to me, tummy tuck to make a new boob for lefty, reduction on righty but not having any of that. Just want my mast to be even and either removal of righty or trim her down to a flat size a cup.
I had a liver cat scan that shows many lesions on both sides of my liver so I don't think I'll be having anything except biopsies and chemo for a while.0 -
I will need a mastectomy in March 2013 (most likely time)... Considering a prophylactic double mastectomy. Will be seeing my surgeon in Jan. Right now going through neo-adjuvent chemo x8. Should be done in Feb.2013. Anyone been refused this request for prophylactic mastectomy? Will be having my surgery in Ottawa. (Ottawa surgeon).
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Hi Lou! I had a mast on lefty as I had 2 kinds of cancer and I stated that I wanted both done but was refused by my breast surgeon. On the other hand, dr. Guay suggested a tram boob with tummy tuck to replace lefty and a big reduction & lift for righty. I've read a ton of info regarding the options and hubby and I agree that being flat is ok, so I requested a mast for righty but have since been diagnose with tumors, lots, on my liver so liver and who knows what else is the priority.
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Hi I asked for a proph on other side but they said it not the norm to remove a healthy breast. Anyways, after having failed diep with dr guay and failed two. Implants with dr guay, I'm going flat.
It's not that I'm worried about cancer spreading to. Other breast but a new primary in other breast,
Anyways, after my failed surgeries they can't refuse me.0 -
JoCanuck.....I am really sorry to hear about the liver scans. I guess you will want to look at all your options and treatments first. I hope all goes well.
Lou...do u have reason for genetic testing? I did, was BRCA1 +. So the bilateral mastectomy was necessary. The second one being prophylactic. If you don't have increased risks....take your time. More surgeries is not always best. Good luck.0 -
JoCanuck...so sorry to hear about your liver scan! Stay strong!Thank you for your input on double mastectomy!
redinrah...I am also considering Dr Guay for poss. reconstruction in the future...what went so wrong...
I want no chance of recurrence in other breast...& also I want the double mastectomy for balance purposes...don't know if they will talk me out of it...No reason to have genetic testing as far as I know..
Will be starting Taxotere Chemo on the 24th...any advice? with side effects? I've read somewhere that Claritin helps...does anyone know?
Wishing everyone a smooth ride this week!
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Lou- what went so wrong.........im still asking myself that question, every surgery I had for recon failed............when they did DIEP my vessels kept clotting, they even had me on a blood thinner.
i waited 11months after rads to have DIEP.
then the good old tissue expander implants,wasted my entire yr on follow up appts, had them removed in may due to inciisons opening, then replaced and then the whole scenario happening again.
Anyways, they removed the implant and im carried a indented concave section of my chest. I enjoy being flat on the one side............having masectomy on the other side feb..........
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hi ladies - just checking in, I've missed some posts - lots of action in here the last little bit.
I had Dr. Boyd for my surgery, she is GREAT! Truly fantastic, and does great work. I had a reduction/lift on left and direct to implant on right Aug 1 - implant sat high for a while but have been working with a physiotherapist and things are settling down nicely. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Boyd.
The nice thing about having the reduction is that the tissue they take form the "good" boob is tested also, so you know it's clean... for me that was a relief.
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I had a R mastectomy. No recon at this time. Im ok with this. I have heard too many stories of recurrence in the mastectomy site to think that prophylactic mast would make much difference.
Lou, just finished taxotere in Aug. I had many mouth issues. No taste, swelling in my mouth. Just miserable, not nauseating like FEC. Its different for everyone, so I hope you manage ok.
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babysammy...tks for the reply..2nd day post Taxotere,,will try to keep ahead with the mouth issues! And yes my taste is quite flat this a.m. compared to yest. Not nauseated like the AC chemo.Also received my first dose of Neulasta yest. & today not sure if this is bone pain in my chest (sternum area) or some dull chest pain....will wait a bit to see..
redinrah..sorry to hear about all your surgeries...what a difficult year for you...hope you can get a smoother ride in Feb.
I expect my surgery will be in late March after all the chemo is over with. Also have heard very good reviews on a doctor Boyd in Ottawa for reconstruction surgery. Not sure yet!
Lou
Wishing everyone a good week!
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Joann. I took clairetin during my taxotere. I think it helped. My onc said it couldn't hurt to try. Some women swear by it. I had Guey for my recon and lift. Everything went well. I have no plans to do a nip or tattoo. I am done with surgery for a while.
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Joann ..I am on Taxotere & taking Claritin 24hr. dose. I think it helps..not much pain...but it does nothing for taste buds...food still tastes awful for about 12 days or so...even hard to drink my water.. I brush my teeth often etc. nothing helps. Still have one more Tax. chemo to go. Can't wait..this will be no. 8.!!Maybe you are already done with your chemo..
Michele...how long after your mastectomy did you wait for reconstruction & lift? I am having my mast. late March...just wondering timing?? And having radiation (5 wks) in May.
Are you happy with result? Would you do it again?
So many questions..
Take care everyone!
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Lou, I had my Mastectomy in summer of 09 and I had my recon in Jan last year (2012). I had chemo late fall of that year and then radiation in the spring of 2010. I didn't want to rush into anything. I wanted to make a well informed decision.
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Michele-- I will be done with radiation in June (13)..hoping to get reconstruction next March if possible... but you were wise & patient... I think I would like to get it over with ASAP!...so I can move on...but as of today I am almost done with chemo (one more)...will need mastectomy then radiation...sooo I may change my mind.. Did you like Dr Guay? I have heard positive comments about him..
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I had a good experience with him. Based on my experience I would recommend him. I know that Red had a bad experience with him. He has an info session about once every three months and it is worth going to. Even if you don't end up going with him. I remember when I went there were about 25 ladies there and about 1/3 of them left before booking an appointment for a consult. He takes bookings at the end of the info session. I guess they got what they wanted from him and perhaps they went another route. One lady kept wanting him to use her already flat stomach to construct two breasts. He doesn't work miracles. The idea is to get yourself well informed before you make a decision. I am so happy i had my recon.
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Michele- thanks for the info! How did you find out about these sessions? by calling his office?
So glad to read you are happy with the reconstruction! It is such a big decision & another surgery!
Cheers!
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I asked my onc for a referral to see a recon doc. She got me two, one for him and one for a lady(can't remember her name now). His office called and told me about the session. I couldn't make the first one, but got to the second one. Then after the session we could sign up for an appointment a few weeks later. Some women who came to the session left right after and some signed up like me. Perhaps they got what they needed from him and went some place else. I think at times he comes off a bit arrogant, but I figured he is great at what he does. Besides, I don't plan to merry him. He was always super nice to me.
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He is good - but he he is too optimistic- he doesn't know when to stop - ie if a thing isn't working then deal with it and give the person a break - don't let ur ego get the better of u-
At first I was like wow this doc is awesome but then afterwards I was like holy shit- did I really go through all that and come out with nothing but a body of scars, oh and rib deformity too !0 -
The best person I wud reccomend is kirsty Boyd - she is passionate and straight up honest
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She is new to Ottawa, right? I would recommend going to Gueys session, and just getting the info from him. Then go see a few of the surgeons to get a feel of how they work and what they recommend. It is your body so take your time.
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Michele & Redinrah...thank you for the input on these 2 plastic surgeons... I have also read some good info on Dr. Kisty Boyd.. but also have heard good info about Dr Guay... Just wondering how long is the wait for surgery...once you make up your mind...I don't plan on rushing, because my radiation will end in June 13. So I want my skin to heal...but also want to make appropriate plans....maybe for next March 2014? Don't know if this would be too soon...
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Your ONC won't even refer yuo until about a year after rads, I believe. I think I waited about 4 or 5 months from time of meeting Guey.
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Michele...Thank you for all the info. It gives me a timeline...I guess I'm a planner...Wish it could all be done with!!
Redinrah....thanks for the pos. ref. on DR Kirsty Boyd...will also keep her in mind!
Have a great day sunny day!
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I waited a year and in my opinion, I should have waited longer, I got second degree burns with radiation. 3 weeks ago I had. A prophylactic masectomy and I'm really happy
I don't intend to reconstruct, but you never say never. Right now I'm taking a long break and letting,u body heal after the trauma it's been through.0 -
Hi Ottawa chicks! Hope everyone had a good long easter weekend. I haven't been on these boards in a long time. I had a free tram done in July 3012 by Dr. Guay and love it! It was a rough road to accepting my new body, but it only gets better. Dr. Guay did seem to hurried and kinda arrogant at the beginning, but now I think he is very caring and an expert at what he does. He admits that he is not perfect, but who is? He took great care of me while in hospital 5 days post op. He visited me everyday! Even on the weekend
I waited 16 months after rads to get recon. If you attend his info night, you can make an appointment with him without a referral
His staff take care of that.0 -
Nannababy...thanks for the info.. looks like I have a bit of a wait for reconstruction. Just had mastectomy last wk. And will have rads in May. Glad you liked DR. Guay & you feel he is good with his surgeries! I am hoping to meet him some day!Also good to know that you don't need a referral!! Thanks!!
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