HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

Mary Anne in TX · 11-28-2006, 07:37 AM

Hi Lisa!

I had my first mam. in one city and was scheduled for a biopsy when my mind just started to kick in and my heart said "ask more questions, get another opinion. I called a friend and got the name of another doctor in a larger town with a well known treatment center. They thought I was coming for a 2nd opinion, but I knew in my heart it would be "the place" for me! (The first town is 45 minutes away and the one I chose is a bit over 3 hours)

Before I had my surgery I talked to my onc., met and talked with my surgeon (recommended by my "very particular" onc., and saw a plastic surgeon (recommended by my surgeon). I had the implant scheduled along with the surgery, then called my onc. He said no. Not until I had radiation. Then I called the surgeon and plastic surgeon back and they both agreed. They all told me that the radiation might change the skin around the implant and it might have to be redone. I asked the surgeon to do both sides and he sat down and explained to me that because of my diagnosis, it wouldn't be necessary or even recommended (I'm ER-, PR-, Her2+++). Everything I do goes through my onc, which was our agreement when we had our 2nd appointment. He could tell I wanted everything checked out and needed help. He offered to coordinate the appointments and surgeries, always getting my input and approval. I know that I'm so lucky to have him (he won some big awards as a top 10 Texas Dr. last year) but I still asked tons of questions along the way. He's human and has a large practice. I ask about everything. As others said, it's your life and this is a sneaky disease. And a choice that is right for one of us might not be right for another. Our disease is different and we are different. I still don't know what kind of reconstruction I want to do. I have about 6 months to a year to decide, so I'm counting on the fact that I'll know. I have a couple of friends at the clinic who did theirs at the time of surgery and are so happy that they did!
Your relationship with your onc. is so important and long lasting, I would recommend you get more opinions and find the best one for you!
As everyone said, it gets easier and more understandable as you go. But I wouldn't have the peace I do, if it weren't for this marvelous group of "angels" on this web site. They are THE BEST!
Best wishes and take it one day, one step at a time,
Mary Anne

11-28-2006, 07:37 AM	#11
Mary Anne in TX Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,357	Hi Lisa! I had my first mam. in one city and was scheduled for a biopsy when my mind just started to kick in and my heart said "ask more questions, get another opinion. I called a friend and got the name of another doctor in a larger town with a well known treatment center. They thought I was coming for a 2nd opinion, but I knew in my heart it would be "the place" for me! (The first town is 45 minutes away and the one I chose is a bit over 3 hours) Before I had my surgery I talked to my onc., met and talked with my surgeon (recommended by my "very particular" onc., and saw a plastic surgeon (recommended by my surgeon). I had the implant scheduled along with the surgery, then called my onc. He said no. Not until I had radiation. Then I called the surgeon and plastic surgeon back and they both agreed. They all told me that the radiation might change the skin around the implant and it might have to be redone. I asked the surgeon to do both sides and he sat down and explained to me that because of my diagnosis, it wouldn't be necessary or even recommended (I'm ER-, PR-, Her2+++). Everything I do goes through my onc, which was our agreement when we had our 2nd appointment. He could tell I wanted everything checked out and needed help. He offered to coordinate the appointments and surgeries, always getting my input and approval. I know that I'm so lucky to have him (he won some big awards as a top 10 Texas Dr. last year) but I still asked tons of questions along the way. He's human and has a large practice. I ask about everything. As others said, it's your life and this is a sneaky disease. And a choice that is right for one of us might not be right for another. Our disease is different and we are different. I still don't know what kind of reconstruction I want to do. I have about 6 months to a year to decide, so I'm counting on the fact that I'll know. I have a couple of friends at the clinic who did theirs at the time of surgery and are so happy that they did! Your relationship with your onc. is so important and long lasting, I would recommend you get more opinions and find the best one for you! As everyone said, it gets easier and more understandable as you go. But I wouldn't have the peace I do, if it weren't for this marvelous group of "angels" on this web site. They are THE BEST! Best wishes and take it one day, one step at a time, Mary Anne __________________ MA in TX. Grateful for each and every day.... Diag. 12/05 at age 60 Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified vascular invasion Ki67 20% borderline Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense) Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense) Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007 Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year. Port removed August, 2012. 8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!