Breast Reconstruction: Stories

In October of this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Invasive lobular carcinoma is what it is called. I was in total shock me having breast cancer. There were no warning signs at all never was sick nothing to let me know I had cancer. I found it myself while on vacation Labor Day week. After all the tests then it was finding doctors for my condition. I found a great surgeon who gave me the bad news that this cancer had invaded my whole breast and had spread to my lymph nodes. My whole beast had to be removed as soon as possible I had no time to wait. I should of had surgery yesterday the doctor told me.So I had read where you could have reconstruction done at the same time as you lost your breast. So this is how I met Dr T my surgeon said he knew someone who might could help me. So he set up an appointment with us and I met her on a Friday my surgery was on the next Wednesday. Time was of the essence for me.

Dr T and I talked and I asked her please could she help me because I just couldn't lose my breast without the reconstruction done at the same time that was the only way at the time I could deal with losing apart of my body and dealing with the cancer at the same time.I needed the reconstruction started .There was a condition I had to stop smoking cigarettes which I did as soon as I left her office I have not smoked since. I had smoked for twenty years and she was the only one to get me to quit and for good. I really wanted her to be my surgeon.She gave me all of the pro's and con to this kind of surgery and that she could do this and I would be just fine. And I was and I still am.

The day of the surgery I was emotional I was losing apart of my body but also the beginning of a new and better breast than I had before. My surgery was only suppose to be five hours it turn out to be nine and half hours. There was more cancer in my lymph nodes than they thought so it went longer . From 1:00 pm util 9:30pm was my surgery. I got back to my room around 11:30 pm I remember see Dr T and I said you wait for me. I know she was tired but she wanted to make sure I was alright. I just stared to cry because I am so grateful to Dr. T for every she has done and said to me during this difficult time.

My reconstruction is just great we are not finish yet but I just love the way it is turning out I had no problems at all no side effects nothing.All I can say is that it has been outstanding work I am so please with the out come of this I can't wait to see the finish one. I am just starting my chemo but after that we will be finishing my reconstruction.