I’m getting myself in a mess as to how to move forward.
I was diagnosed high grade DCIS in Nov 2014, had further stereotatic biopsy, ouch,in Dec then told that area was LCIS.
Possiblity raised of large WLE, folllowed by radiotherapy. Area is 6.5cm x 3.5cm but because of concerns re getting clear margins, large areas of LCIS and strong family history, double mascetomy was discussed and BRCA testing done to help me and the surgeons make a decision.
Still awaiting result but have last week had a consultation with a breast specialist in London who suggests double mx and tissue expanders then breast reduction, lift etc and new implants!!
Was very taken aback by his blase attitude and comment re huge chest and droopiness, I’m 38DD! However know that is the least of my worries. But am told he is an exceptional surgeon. He said it would be a very challenging reconstruction.
So don’t know whether to get over myself and his attitude and go with him despite living 200 miles from London.
Or as he states it’s very challenging, go to a plastic surgeon who specialises in breast oncoplasty and breast reconstruction. I know we can’t name names but am between 2 surgeons. This other surgeon is 80 miles away.
In amongst this, I’m merrily ignoring the implications of high grade DCIS and the long rocky road ahead, must be denial. Know I really need to get a move on but don’t know where to turn for the best treatment. Just keep panicking which means I don’t move any further forward.
Any help or suggestions re choosing a surgeon would be so much appreciated,
Hi - I can’t help re choosing a surgeon but the helpline might be able to advise. However, I did just want to mention that you don’t have to have recon if u don’t want at all…and you can delay that decision for as long as you want …so please don’t feel rushed at at time when you are trying to concentrate on all the other treatments. I hope you feel able to choose one of the surgeons when you are ready. perhaps you should meet the surgeon nearer to you to discuss and see how you feel? I’m assuming you must have private health care - I had bilateral mx via NHS and have delayed reconstruction ( might not bother going forward) - I was 34 D
You have a tricky balance to weigh up, you need the best surgeon who can give best results but also someone with good becsideYou made manner who you can relate to and trust. You may have to see them regularly, I saw mine several times a week for seroma drainage so 200 miles may not be realistic as Jets said you don’t have to rush the rereconstruction. Good luck with your decision.
Could you go for a consultation with the other surgeon before you make your mind up. Personally the manner of the one you have seen would put me right off! I was 38dd before db mx and I had tissue expanders put in during surgery. I am now much smaller and instead of overhanging bras don t have enough to fill them!!! Until I have had the expanders out and the implants put in I won’t really know my final size!
Good luck in your decision!
First of all sending you hugs. I’ve just had a WLE and sentinel node removal on 10 Feb, my birthday(!) and now waiting for results. I’ve had exceptional treatment from the NHS (Leicester) and a lovely surgeon. I couldn’t have had anything better privately. I am very big boobed (HH!) and very self conscious.so I can imagine just how upsetting his comments were. Personally I couldn’t have a surgeon who I didn’t feel comfortable with and who made me feel like you, no matter how good he is. You deserve better. I also think the travelling will be the last thing you need on top of everything. Don’t let anyone decide about reconstruction for you. Lots of women I have spoken to chose to leave this to a later date because they felt having a mx was enough to be handling at the time. If you don’t go for it anyway, so what, it’s how you feel, not a gung ho surgeon! Sorry, it makes me mad to think he’s made you feel like that. Is your local NHS not an option? Xx
I’ve made an apt with a surgeon in Nottingham for 10 days time. I’m hoping he’s the one for me.
Locally the one surgeon does both NHS and private but doesn’t seem experienced enough plus we have lots of common acquaintances so would rather not have everyone know my business. Sounds a bit paranoid I know but I would put that aside if I thought he was the man.
Still have mixed feelings about London chap and his appalling manner and the distance is probably too far.
On a lighter side, the Brca test came back negative so that is one less operation!
Hello ladies
Thank you so so much for your thoughtful replies.
I’ve made an apt with a surgeon in Nottingham for 10 days time. I’m hoping he’s the one for me.
Locally the one surgeon does both NHS and private but doesn’t seem experienced enough plus we have lots of common acquaintances so would rather not have everyone know my business. Sounds a bit paranoid I know but I would put that aside if I thought he was the man.
Still have mixed feelings about London chap and his appalling manner and the distance is probably too far.
On a lighter side, the Brca test came back negative so that is one less operation!
Hope you are all doing ok, love xx
Think you’re very wise to go and see another surgeon and I quite understand how you feel about using someone that has mutual acquaintances. It’s difficult enough baring larger boobs to all sorts of people as it is I’ve always had a hang up about my large boobs and had to force myself to go to the clinic in the first place. Quite stupid for a 60+ woman but I felt embarrassed to strip off. Thank God I got over that, as My cancer would have gone undetected. Fortunately, my surgeon is lovely and a very gentle caring man and I feel very comfortable with him. Hope ii all goes well with your consult. I also agree that even if the first guy was the nicest one around and the greatest surgeon, he’s really too far away from you. It would be very stressful if you need to go back with problems. Take care xx
I met a friend with brac gene, went for double mx and 34b implants ignoring her previous size which were droopy following 4 kids and large. She waslast that size at 14! Now 5 years down the line, she is really happy. Now going for hysterectomy…
Hi ladies thought I’d update you, had WLE and double reduction 5 weeks ago, delighted to say only DCIS was found, much relief. Healing well but still whacked most of the time and still sore.
Hope you are all going ok xx
Hi I had the operation locally privately but with a plastic surgeon from the breast team. Excellent result with my odd size droopy breasts ( their words not mine ) pleased not to have radiotherapy as they don’t think it’s necessary. Relieved not to have MX though may feel differently in the future. X
) pleased not to have radiotherapy as they don’t think it’s necessary. Relieved not to have MX though may feel differently in the future. X