Kathy??

Has anyone heard how Kathy's pathology report turned out??? Is she okay??? Been thinking bout her a lot!!! Karen

Hey, Karen! Just in my own little world lately. I thought I reported on the last pathology report (so many pathology reports, so little time) which we got back on 2/1/2007 from second lumpectomy which was on 1/23/2007. The surgical margins were not clear of the DCIS (precancer). Luckily there were no more signs of the invasive cancer from the first lumpectomy. I had an appointment with the plastic surgeon this past Monday to discuss reconstruction options. I am now scheduled for bilateral mastectomies (both breasts - my choice) on 3/2/2007. The breast surgeon will do her part to remove the old breasts and the plastic surgeon will sew stuff up and put what is called expander implants in under the muscle. They have a port kind of like a lap band that is under the skin. The plastic surgeon over time will inject saline in there which will expand the implant forming a pocket. It is done to stretch the skin above the muscle. Eventually once it is expanded to the size I'm happy with there will be a swap out procedure (outpatient) where the expanders are removed and replaced with implants. I have many months time to determine size, shape and type of implants. If the mastectomy yields clear margins on the DCIS, my understanding is that I will not need radiation. If the DCIS is close to the muscle wall, I will. Radiation causes problems with the skin so it'll make it rougher for reconstruction later even with implants. The skin can become quite fragile and not want to heal well. Not sure about chemo. Still assuming it isn't indicated but we'll see. That's my story. Thanks for asking about me, Hugs, Kathy

Hey, Kathy, I've been thinking about you alot lately, too. It sounds like you have a really good plan in place for treatment. Customized breasts, huh? Anywhere from a Pamela Anderson to a Keira Knightley, lol. Not fun, but, as long as you are healthy... I'll keep you in my thoughts over the next couple of weeks, sending hugs and healing wishes your way. Debra M.

Thanks for the update... being a nurse, I understand a bit about the reconstruction... but you explained it SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO well... What a gal.... I hope this finally gets all of it... and ya get boobs out of it too.... Keep us posted... Not sure what to say but that Im sorry you have to go thru this and I wish I could help more... Hugs Karen