Apr 15, 2022 01:11AM katg wrote:

wendini

My story is different, but i am at the COH in Duarte and was told at the start I likely needed a mastectomy. Noone really said lumpectomy. At that time, I was not tested through the COH for over a month after that so i sat thinking "mastectomy?" . Biopsy and MRI, mammogram and ultrasound. Bone scan and appt after appt. My tumor was 5.1 to start, Big enough, to remove it with good margins was not good for a choice of a lumpectomy. Chemo was to start Aug 13th. August 12th i was called by the medical oncologist to be told i had BRCA2!! What? The geneticist told me weeks later it was likely my Mom. I prayed at each tun, and talked to friends and my sisters.

As i wait to have my right breast removed, I touch my fake and real and say thank you God. For the DRs, scientists and researchers have changed the way cancer is treated. I have had twists and turns, my long red hair lost nearly 2 weeks after starting chemo. Today I am in acceptance. My hair is 1/2 inch or so. I wear beanies and have 2 wigs. One barbie breast and one i will get to keep the nipple on. Surgery was Feb 9th, and last Friday i was diagnosed with a blood clot. Twists and turns. My 2nd surgery is postponed. A get to keep mine for a number of months. That surgery had an inflater, as i was to get radiation which causes shrinkage of the skin. Radiology Dr said no radiation, not enough benefit. Otherwise, the Plastic Surgeon said it is usually that the breast surgeon takes the inside of the breast and the plastic surgeon does his part next and inserts the implant if you choose. To get an implant or not? I choose to get my small breast replaced because i was at a well know cancer research hospital and they said it was a good idea. Would these hide a reoccurrence? For me, I am likely having regular MRI's, as with 2 fakes, I will never have another mammogram.

My health before was very good. Shingles and basil cell skin cancers. Seldom ever sick. 15 yrs a blood donor and 25 a platelet donor at the Red Cross. My family had cancers and i did wonder what i would get. NEVER thought breast cancer. 60 years old.

Once you speak with the surgeon and hopefully a medical oncologist, you can ask all the questions you have. Just know, you can do it. Whatever path you choose. Your body. Take care each day.

Apr 15, 2022 05:10PM wendini wrote:

Hi elle2, how kind of you to write with your story. It is very helpful to hear others experiences too.

My concern is I have so much breast tissue into my side and arm pit area, that something will either be missed, or the surgical approach will be so invasive to try to capture all the tissue that the recovery from just that will be a lot. I am only a 36 C, but side breast tissue. Reading the worrying situations of post DIEP flap pain, infection, abdominal issue, and a lot to contend with on top of the mastectomy. Of course you are familiar with these types of feelings, and are so kind to respond, now that you are well on the other side of the big surgery. Lots to think through and have my questions ready for appointment in 13 days.

Apr 24, 2022 01:42PM wendini wrote:

I am so appreciative of the support and good info here. Thank you Elle and others. Doing a lot of discerning research and seeing an excellent breast cancer Surgeon in 4 days! BC Breast Health Centres in Vancouver and Victoria have latest technology in imaging. Looking for info on studying the tissue and having targeted therapy in future if any reoccurrence on that left breast should occur. A lot to look into and ask about.