Life marches on one day at a time

[bobbiw]

And I am taking the next step in one week. I am scheduled for my reconstructive surgery(expanders) and proph mastect of the right side.
Am excited to take another step but am nervous to go under the knife again. Interesting to me is that I cannot have my Herceptin infusion this week and for 2 weeks after the surgery. I suppose because Herceptin can and does mess with your blood levels huh? After it is all said and done I will end up with silicone implants. Interesting it will be.
Bobbi

[StephN]

Hi Bobbi -

Glad you are getting on with things as after the recon, it is a few short healing weeks until you look more like your old self.

Herceptin does NOT mess with your blood counts, if that is what you meant by "levels." The way it works is not like the chemo drugs which will kill all fast dividing cells they encounter, which means your red and white cells.

Maybe they don't want you to have any needle sticks that could be infection risk. Other than that, I would not have an idea about why no Herceptin.

Interesting question to ask someone on your treatment team or at the surgeon's office.

All the best for the outcome you desire.

[R.B.]

You might like to read the post on Greek diet which also has posts reflecting the impact of omega three and balancing the threes and sixes on reducing the "inflammatory" reaction.

Omega three post stomach surgery has ben reported as benificial.

Questions have been previously posed as to whether surgery may increase the bodies inflamatory reaction thereby increasing risk of spread at the initial surgery.

Clearly secondary surgery is a separate issue but the question is none the less an interesting one.

Those on higher levels of omega three should notify medical advisors or the surgeon as bleeding may increase. Other dietary supplements such as St John's Wort? I have a vague recollection also have similar effects.

I hope all goes well for you.

RB

[tousled1]

Bobbi,

Good luck to you on your reconstruction. I have not yet reached that point and since my surgery I'm getting used to being "flat chested." I am planning on reconstruction but must wait until after radiation. As for stopping the Herceptin, the only reason I can think of is that it can affect the LVEF. But, I'd ask the doctor why just for peace of mind.

[MJo]

Best of luck. I didn't lose my breast but the lumpendectomy and radiation "lifted and firmed it." It's beautiful. (The other one droops). I thought to myself "Now I know what those reconstruction gals feel like with their beautiful new boobies."

MJO