glad I found you, new and scared

[VirginiaGirl]

Dear Lisa,
I agree that you need to get a second or third opinion. That arrogant doc will not be helpful to you. The first onc I saw told me my cancer treatment was "a no brainer" an attitude which my husband & I didn't appreciate. I want a doctor with imagination and an open mind. I found him across the parking lot from the first! Unfortunately, doctors are so very busy that you REALLY need to be your own advocate, ask questions, remind them of what they told you last time, etc. Is there anyone in your life that can, at least temporarily, help you advocate? It's a heavy burden to carry by yourself. We all make the best decisions we can for ourselves and move on. It will get better! Keep us posted!
Peace

[chrislmelb]

i remember when i was diagnosed i just had so many questions i just wanted to ask everyone. you have come to the right place for help. Re bilat mast, i can't say either way. i had a RHS mast with saline expander immediately. after chemo i had it changed over to a silicone implant. initially my boobs looked pretty good together but now i have put on weight!!! so now i am lopsided and it is annoying but i have decided to cope with it. I was quite fixated for a while about having the "other boob chopped off" but now i have settled down and probobly want to avoid anymore unnecessary surgery (i had 7 GAs in 2 years, so enough!!) Also i am more concerned about spread to other parts rather than the other breast.
i have a port and had it inserted when i knew i was up for two years of Herceptin, as my viens are hopeless. If they can insert port at start, i'd go for it.
anyway there is so much to take in.
All the best
Christine

[Bev]

Hi again Lisa,

Because you said the node was enlarged, I assumed you had node involvement but that may not be the case. For me they sent the tumor tissue to the pathologist during the surgery. Sentinel node came back neg so no further surgery was needed. If it had been positive they would have gone back and taken more lymph nodes. If your nodes are positive they would do rads on them. Your doc won't have the full picture until the actual surgery.

I wouldn't worry about the port yet. It's easy and you have time to make these decisions later down the road. I know your just trying to get all your ducks in a row. Set up your appointments with 2 or 3 oncs now for later in Dec and go from there. It should be after Dec 8th as I don't think complete path will be back sooner.

Try not to worry too much. I've never heard of anyone that hasn't sailed thru surgery It hurts and you're tired. One day at a time. BB

[Ruth]

Lisa,

Federal law dictates that reconstruction is paid for by ins. companies...what you are responsible for is co-pays and deductibles. I can't believe that your insurance carrier is only willing to pay out so little. Is this from the PC or directly from your carrier? I had my right breast removed with radical mastc. and augmentation on remaining left breast to create balance and symmetry. This was all covered by insurance and my PC charged his normal fee for this procedure. I am a little nervous about the PC you have picked out. If you are close to a major city in Florida, please go to a PC that specializes in reconstruction or at the least has good experience with it! I went to three before I decided on one and couldn't be happier.
I also had a port and had it inserted after I was done with 4 doses of dose dense AC. I wish so badly that I had it before I even started. It made the remaining taxol and year worth of Herceptin such a breeze with it in. I couldn't wait to get rid of it after Herceptin was over but I couldn't imagine getting stuck weekly without it. My veins started rolling after AC and three years later, they still act up!
Please email me directly if you have any concerns about the reconstruction. I'd be happy to help.
Peace & love ~ Ruth

[lkc Gumby]

H Lisa,

So Sorry about your news, but information is power and you will get stronger and stronger with lots of support and the accurate information.
This is a great place for us HER Pos girls.

I was dxed with stage IIIC 12 out of 14 pos nodes June 05. I had a lumpectomy first, then because of no clean surgical margins, and the nodes, i went back in for a mastectomy. I then had dode dense AC, then Taxotere with herceptin,
after finishing herceptin, I had my rads done an continued herceptin.
I had my left breast removed and bilateral saline implant reconstruction June 06.

I would strongly advise you to seek out a Dr whom you are comfortable with.
My surgeon was abit abrupt, (butveryvery good) and my onc is wondrful.
I received all of my tx in Florida ( except a few mos of Herceptin ) and my insurance paid for everything once I met my out of pocket expense.
Your insurance should cover reconstruction as it is not an augmentatio or cosmetic. Speak to a case manager at your insurance compoany who can assist you.

This is the hardest time now, be kind to yourself, you will get through this, and you don't have to know all the anwers to everything right now.

Unfortunately,( Or fortunately ) you've become one of us, which means you are going to learn alot about BC.You will be OK.

God Bless,
Linda