I'm getting new boobies

[MissyMouse]

Well, had an MRI yesterday and met with the oncologist this morning.  The MRI showed some more suspicious areas which would have to be biopsied at the time of the lumpectomy and if they turned out to be cancerous I would wind up back on the table with a mastectomy anyway. 

The oncologist also felt that I would not be a good candidate for radiation based upon my past history of Leukemia.  There is a chance that I could wind up with myelodysplasia syndrome later on (this disease in in its later stages becomes Leukemia and it killed my father in law).  Based upon all this, and my young age, the just felt it better to go ahead, take the breasts and avoid radiation, chemo, hormone blockers and the balancing act between my leukemia history and my cirrhotic liver.

So, I won't be having surgery next Friday and will be having a double mastectomy sometime next month.

Mouse

[DougV]

Ah crap Missy,

You okay?

This blows.

If I can help you have the number.

Doug

[MissyMouse]

Shit Doug, this whole thing just get worse and worse with each test ... I'm getting used to it... yes I'm o.k.  They keep reminding me that it is DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and this is the best kind of breast cancer to wind up with, even though they are now calling it high grade DCIS it's still an early, non evasive cancer it's just going to be a little rough getting past it.  I think I'll go for the 20 year old perky look.   

Mouse

[Snowflake]

Mouse, Yeap, might as well gets some perky ones! Lol.... If you have to go thur all the crap..mentally and physically..

I wish you well in this journey you have had to take... I know you will come out the other side a stronger person, you always have..
After being here on the board with you for over 6 years now, i have watch you struggle, only to pick yourself up and do it all over again..
That there tells me there is nothing that you can't take on and beat...

Take Care
 Winona

[Helen]

Absolutely, go with perky. 

 Seriously though, all this crap you have to go thru really does suck. But you always seem to manage every bump in the road with grace, dignity, and a good sense of humor.
 We're here for ya mouse, and even if Im not here all the time you are in my thoughts and prayers.

 Hugs, Helen

[DougV]

I third or fourth whatever the perky pair. 

Seriously though you ain't fooling me, known you too long.  I know this sucks, know you are scared to death, and know you gotta be a bit lonely too, or maybe isolated be better word.  However I guess one bright side is while you seem to insist on getting all these nasty diseases you at least are always successful in whuppin' them too.

Doug

[MissyMouse]

Yeppers ... it sucks ... yeppers I feel lost .... yeppers I feel isolated/alone and there is nothing more depressing than opening your eyes in the morning and the first thought that comes to your mind is "good morning world ... I guess I still have breast cancer and I guess I'm going to lose my boobs".   And then the rest of the day it's  "geez, this is really going to hurt for a long a time".  But there are brief periods when I'm able to remind myself  this isn't going to kill me it's just going to be a little rough getting past it.

Mouse

[DougV]

I can only imagine looking in the mirror with testicular cancer and knowing I am having my most prized possession removed soon.  I can only say you seem to be dealing with it a heck of a lot better than I would.

Again if I can help in any way at all, call.

Doug

[RiverRandy]

Unanimous  Perky boobies , just like in the past you have always made the best out of any situation that has placed in front of you.  This is just one more step in this wild and crazy journey. 

[MissyMouse]

So tomorrow I see the plastic surgeon and then he and the general surgeon will coordinate my surgery date.  To say I'm petrified would be an understatement.  I seriously cannot believe this is happening to me.  From what I have been reading the whole process is going to take about 8 months and 3 surgeries to complete.  This is just horrible for any woman to have to go through.   Sigh.

Mouse

[rayc2001]

Ruby, my wife, had the expanders put in at the time of her mastectomy.  After surgery, they slowly inflate these by adding saline on a weekly or so schedule until you are ready for permanent implants.  Ruby has 1 more herceptin treatment, then the actual removal/replacemnt of the expanders.  She is only 35 now, so 34 when she started.  Again, my prayers are with you.  Don't let your mind get the best of you.  I was simply amazed at not being able to tell them apart when asked which was real, and which was built!!!  The only good part is, you can get free liposuction if you want them to use that instead.  Lot of options.  Best wishes and great to talk to you again!!!

[MissyMouse]

Ray,

My heart goes out to your wife.  They keep telling me at 51 I'm young, but bless he heart going through this at 34.I won't have to take the herceptin or any other hormone blockers since I'm having them both removed.  I'm assuming that I'm going to go through the whole expander process as well.

Mouse

[MissyMouse]

Well, I saw the plastic surgeon.  I am going to have to go the whole expander route.  As far as the implants ... (the guys are going to enjoy this) 800cc, the largest ones available.  The plastics man says I have such a broad chest and shoulders that these are the best for me  .   I've gotten more relief from my anxiety from him than I have anyone else so far.  I'll be totally flat chested for about 2 months but he said in 6 months "I'll have you winning wet T-shirt contests".   .  He also said I'll never have to wear a bra again (I will anyway ... I'm just not the go without type).   So, just waiting for a surgery date now.

Gosh, isn't interesting how breast cancer became part of a hep forum LOL.  Sorry guys but this is my "home" and this is where I feel comfortable dumping everything.

Mouse

[DougV]

Ah heck Missy, liver, boobs, what's the difference?  Man can't live without 'em both. 

Ya gotta get over the bra thing.  Ain't no way you can compete in a wet t-shirt contest with no stinking over the shoulder bolder holder.  Burn the bra baby.....

Doug

[MissyMouse]

lol