Author Archives: nope2BC

About nope2BC

Check out my blog: Saying NOPE to Breast Cancer

Now what?

I made appointments for consults with the three plastic surgeons. Not being too familiar with the procedure, I made a list of the questions that immediately popped into my head. Then I made Google my new best friend. After many hours online and a ton of information and photos, most of my general questions were answered. I narrowed it down to the ones that were more specific for me (I now know the answers, so including them as well):

Which procedure would be best for me? Nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy with two-stage breast reconstruction.
What are the risks for that type of procedure? Nipple or breast tissue necrosis, infections, seroma, capsular contracture – NSFW, ruptures, rippling, cosmetic issues.
Can I see before-and-after photos of previous patients/work?
What is the time frame for the whole process, from start to finish? Up to six months if there are no serious complications.
Which hospital?
What would be expected of me? Get educated, prepare self and home for recovery, focus on the positive.
What are the surgeon’s qualification and experience?

The point of the consults was to determine who I would like to work with if I wanted to move forward. I remember thinking “How can I decide based on a 30 minute conversation? What should I really consider?” I met with all three of the surgeons recommended. After talking it over with my husband and doing some more Googling, I decided I wanted to work with Dr. M. I based this on a bunch of different things including years of experience, the details we discussed, his demeanor, our “chemistry,” the before-and-after photos of his patients (many binders of them), and the fact that he is well known for DIEP flap reconstruction, which is very complicated and requires microsurgery, so this one should be easy, right?

I already had a breast surgeon, I just picked the plastic surgeon, now all I needed to do was to schedule it.

But why?

4 Replies

I never really worried or thought much about cancer until my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 28 (10+ years ago). She died a year later. So … annual mammograms began in my mid 20s and mid-year ultrasounds were added a few years later. The topic of a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy came up on a couple of occasions, but I didn’t think I had enough reason to seriously consider it. So far, so good.

In March 2012 an ultrasound spotted some issues. Three separate masses were present – two on the left breast, one on the right. They developed in the six months since the last mammogram. Based on quantity and consistency, the oncologist thought they were cysts. Rather than doing a biopsy to draw fluid for testing, he recommended that I first undergo an MRI screening. At this time I started doing some casual research on prophylactic bilateral mastectomies. Waiting for test results was hell, but when they eventually arrived, they were good – no cancer. Whew! High five!

Fast forward to June 2012. I felt something unusual during one of my monthly self-exams. The lump I felt was in one of the three spots where the ultrasound found issues. Another ultrasound confirmed that two of the three spots had increased in size and were now palpable. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were done and results sent for testing. I got names of a few plastic surgeons in my area and left with a plan to start the conversations, no matter the results. The biopsy results were negative for cancer, but there were abnormal cells detected. I already knew I have “extremely” dense breast tissue/fibrocystic disease (which can make diagnosis of cancerous tumors more difficult). I was told to continue my self-exams and keep regular screening appointments as I had in the past.

You’re doing WHAT?

1 Reply

January 22, 2013. Seems so far away, but I know it’ll be here before I know it. That’s the day I’m having a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (PBM) and start the breast reconstruction process. A PBM is an elective, preventative procedure which surgically removes breast tissue (see more details under WHAT IS A PBM?). You’re doing what with WHAT? Ya, I am doing it. I have thought long and hard about what this really means. I have discussed this with family, friends, and doctors. I have done hours of research, almost ad nauseam. After considering all of the factors, the risks, the benefits, the uncertainties, the consequences, I know this is the right decision for me.