After thinking about having a BR for two years, I finally made the decision to go for in January. I am 5'3" (was 5'4" until the weight of my breasts made me hunch over) and around 185 lbs. I had the shoulder groves and rashes underneath seemingly forever, but developing nerve problems in my neck, back and arms was what tipped me over. Exercise was extremely painful, as was sitting or standing for any length time.
As part of the process, my gynecologist made me get an updated mammogram and ultrasound. Her office has everyone get a baseline at 35 and then the next one is at 40, unless there are problems. All I can say is thank goodness she did this. Three biopsies later, I am sitting here with a diagnosis of LCIS. Now I know and can take more preventative measures to hopefully keep breast cancer away. The final biopsy was an excision and doubled as a lumpectomy, removing a 5cm mass.
It was a battle for me to get insurance to cover the operation, until the LCIS diagnosis came. Two days later, procedure was approved. If you have Cigna for insurance, demand to have a patient case manager assigned to you. Mine was great helping to keep the approval process going as well as managing my stress. Also, go ahead and meet with an orthopedist and physical therapist if you can. They can add to the documentation of medical necessity and Cigna really wants to see if you have tried alternatives to surgery. I had letters from both to add to the plastic surgeon's report.
I had the surgery yesterday and other than insomnia waking me up 5 hours later, I am feeling great. Some pain, but totally manageable. Especially since I lucked out and didn't need drains! Dr. Passaretti took out 3.5 lbs from each breast and the first time I sat up in recovery, I could feel the difference. Some bleeding from the crease incision, but not bad. I obviously haven't measured yet, but I look to be around a 36C, which is what I wanted. Such a HUGE difference! I can't be more happy that my surgeon was able to accomplish this while keeping my nipple attached, I had the pedicle method performed. Now just waiting on the pathology report from the removed tissue to make sure nothing else was lurking.
I would urge anyone thinking about this operation because of pain or limited movement to go for it. I wish I had done this sooner.
As part of the process, my gynecologist made me get an updated mammogram and ultrasound. Her office has everyone get a baseline at 35 and then the next one is at 40, unless there are problems. All I can say is thank goodness she did this. Three biopsies later, I am sitting here with a diagnosis of LCIS. Now I know and can take more preventative measures to hopefully keep breast cancer away. The final biopsy was an excision and doubled as a lumpectomy, removing a 5cm mass.
It was a battle for me to get insurance to cover the operation, until the LCIS diagnosis came. Two days later, procedure was approved. If you have Cigna for insurance, demand to have a patient case manager assigned to you. Mine was great helping to keep the approval process going as well as managing my stress. Also, go ahead and meet with an orthopedist and physical therapist if you can. They can add to the documentation of medical necessity and Cigna really wants to see if you have tried alternatives to surgery. I had letters from both to add to the plastic surgeon's report.
I had the surgery yesterday and other than insomnia waking me up 5 hours later, I am feeling great. Some pain, but totally manageable. Especially since I lucked out and didn't need drains! Dr. Passaretti took out 3.5 lbs from each breast and the first time I sat up in recovery, I could feel the difference. Some bleeding from the crease incision, but not bad. I obviously haven't measured yet, but I look to be around a 36C, which is what I wanted. Such a HUGE difference! I can't be more happy that my surgeon was able to accomplish this while keeping my nipple attached, I had the pedicle method performed. Now just waiting on the pathology report from the removed tissue to make sure nothing else was lurking.
I would urge anyone thinking about this operation because of pain or limited movement to go for it. I wish I had done this sooner.
