Illinois ladies facing bc

Katie....first off, big hugs to you!!!! I know it's so hard to make all these decisions! I think first you need to talk to your surgeon at Evanston and than take all the information and decide. I met with Witt before my BMX and the only reason I did not go with him was I live way out in the western burbs and being close to home was very important to me with my terrified 8 yo. I had all of my chemo at rush though. Honestly, none of us can tell you which way to go....you have to go with your own gut feeling. But know that we are all here for you and you have two excellent choices so either way, I think it's going to all be ok!!! Hang in there!!!!!! (((((hugs)))))

Katie My opinion is biased since I went with Dr. Witt and believe it or not didn't get a 2nd opinion. I was on board with him from the start. Remember this is the BS that initially said when I was considering doing a BMX that he doesn't  like to removed healthy tissue but would support what ever I wanted to do… and then we got the MRI results and he changed his recommendation. He doesn't remove stuff  if he doesn't feel it's necessary. 

But I too have read that residual cells can be left on a biopsy scar. I know there are a few women (in think binney is one) that recommend you tell your BS to remove the entire biopsy track including the scar. (My track of course was deeper since my tumor was in the posterior region) I have been Dr. Witt does have a reputation of taking more breast tissue than others. As you know even with MX they can't possible remove all breast tissue.

Dr. Witt noted where my scar was at preop so he was sure to remove it.

And I've said this before: scars fade. And if they don't fade they can use a laser to lighten them. I too was concerned about the long scar but I see it continue to fade. The reddest one is the one from October's revision.

Maybe you can ask the Evanston BS to removed the scar. Call me if you need to talk.

Katie - I'm so sorry to hear how torn you are about all these options.  I'll be honest with you though, if I was told there was increased uptake anywhere in my tissues, that area would be gone as soon as I could make it so.  But that's me.  It's hugely important that you are well-informed and as comfortable as you can be with any of these decisions.  I know that NONE of it is anything you want to hear.  We've all been there.  This is an especially tough time because so much is being thrown at you, and when some of it involves surgery, that can be especially frightening.  Maybe you need to discuss with someone (DH, a good friend, the ladies here, your MD) what your long-term concerns are about each option.

I know it feels like the clock is ticking, but if you feel like you need a third opinion, then by all means, get one.  Those surgery dates CAN be moved back, trust me, surgery dates are changed all the time. I think it's more important that you have a good understanding and acceptance of what you are choosing to do, even if none of it feels positive now, keep in mind that you are doing all this to help yourself beat back, and hopefully eliminate this disease from your body.  

Big hugs to you... 

Onward , Thank you for the youtube link.

Spunkyboobs  no Tamoxifin here but I do take Arimidex.

I loved the picture of you all.  Your all so beautiful.  If you ever decide to go back to Orland Park for lunch like we did a few years back please let me know.  I would be thrilled.  I remember Donna set that up,

I don't know what increased uptake means, but I am going with recommended radiation after my lumpectomy, which had clear margins. Also had chemo. My scar is horizontal and looks pretty good. 6 months later I still have tingling along the incision sometimes. Good luck making your decisions. I go with the advice of my BS, whom I trust.

OMG  kater people are so evil.

Keep in going Makmak. 2 years and counting many more.

MakMak, I remember meeting you for the first time on this thread.  You are one strong and determined woman and have really  been constant when advocating and being aggressive to get what you need to get healthy.  I know it takes more than attitude as many have it without your great results...but good for you and keep your eye on the prize! 

Big belated birthday wishes for Susan, Big 2nd year congrats to Marina, and Big, giant hugs for Katie. I cant sway you one way or another, but I am sending prayers of discernment your way. I'm with the Anita Foley quote,, when we remove the noise around us, there is a quiet voice telling you which way to go.....follow it and question it not.

Am I sick to be looking forward to watching Survivor tonight???????? What is happening to me. Onward

Onward.... Is it sick I've never missed one episode of Survivor?? I seriously haven't.... Crazy right? I'll be watching my DVR later tonight and excited about it being back for sure!

I was hoping so but unless my head really starts sprouting I'm gonna fall short. I really expected a little more than what I have by now. And my hot flashes and s/e's from the tamoxifen....two big thumbs down!!!



I have my exchange surgery on march 5th... I guess I'll just look forward to that?

Ladies i only got fuzz too! I feel like thats just getting longer and i look like a warewolf or something... Im only a month out.. I read about ppl using ladies rogain... My mom wont let me lol! Maybe you ladies could try it ? They gotta invent a hair growin juice!

Effexor didn't work for me, either dose.



My biggest s/e's are the hot flashes and than joint pain and headaches.... And now I'm totally paranoid about any pains I get so I immediately convince myself it's a brain tumor and/or bone cancer.



My last fill was before my 1st chemo....I'm so ready to get these turtle shells off my chest. But, I'm also dreading my surgery.....I don't like general anaesthesia at all!!!

Jackie I do believe hair grows 1/2-3/4" a month.

Katiep I do use Minoxidil but that's because I used it before. My hair started to recede. I don't believe it speeds up hair growth. In my case I believe it helps it from falling out and I did get a little regrowth in the areas that it rece  d ed. All those places that receded before chemo actually re-grew. So if your hair is growing (granted slowly) I don't think the Minoxidil is going to do much. I didn't use it when I was on chemo and started back on it well after my hair started to grow so I could keep what came in.

Madmom I know what you mean about bone pain. I'm sore on the lower rib under my left boobie prize. But I know I just had a revision in October. It's just still healing. I also have a little pain in my left hip… figured out it's muscle not bone. Yeah we're going to get aches but I agree that regular headaches would concern me too.

General anaesthesia and I don't get along at all. I get so nauseous. The last time (exchange) my PS made a note of it and I had a discussion about it with my anaesthesiologist. He said "no gas" for me. Not sure what else he did with the cocktail but I wasn't one bit nauseous.  You need to let them know so they can do something for you.

Robo, I'm on an estrogen sucker not the estrogen blocker, but I too was scared. I mean look at what Joan and Onward have been through. Thing is the first 3 months I had no SE and my hot flashes from chemo calmed down. I do have  joint stiffness but not to bad so far.  I'm 2 weeks shy of being on this for a year. My feeling was give it a try, I can always quit if it's that bad.