I had a mastectomy four weeks ago and still have terrible pain
I had mastectomy four weeks ago. I wanted no reconstruction but the surgeon did a skin saving procedure. I have a crater with swollen skin all around it and scar tissue underneath that is hard and painful. I was told she was a good surgeon by my GP but am very disappointed. Why would she leave skin if I didn't want reconstruction?
I am 58--have had an inflammatory response to many things (mild case of lupus) and yet the surgeon also sent me to a radiation oncologist. I read that was contraindicated. I did not go back to the RO as that would have been a mistake. I feel so down that it is starting to affect my sleep, etc. Need chemo now Stage IIb Grade III microscopic cells in sentinel node. Thanks
Hi - Sounds like you need a good heart-to-heart with your surgeon. I know surgeons are notoriously hard to pin down, but please call her office and nag the schedulers till they give you an appointment - let them know you need a long one to discuss results of surgery, and possible additional surgery. Once you get in there, ask your two main questions: Why the skin-saving mastectomy? And why the recommendation for radiation? Find out what she thinks about the "contraindication" you read about, too; if she's an oncological surgeon, she'll be able to answer all of your questions easily.
This is one of those times when you really need to advocate for yourself in order to get answers. Be prepared to show her your breast, and tell her why you're not happy. It's not easy to have these conversations, for either yo or the surgeon; but it needs to be done. Once you hash things out, and get some answers, you may feel better prepared to continue on with your treatment.
Stay in touch here, OK? We can help you through this. PJH
- Thank you for your input
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Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 01:35 PM
PJ Hamel
Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Hi PJ 
- I wonder if some decongestive massage might help. Sometimes a mastectomy really goofs up your lymph nodes, and a trained physical therapist can gently get the fluid moving, and get the swelling down. You might ask about that, too, OK? I hope you feel better soon - PJ
Thanks PJ--by the way those are my initials too. I went back a few days ago for post op visit. She said it was looking good. Why then does everything feel so heavy--I am so aware of the heaviness. My husband kindly but firmly told her that twice I had asked for no reconstruction. Even my daughter who is an attorney was there right before surgery and heard me say the same thing. I like the doctor, but I don't want her doing anything more on me. I don't think my insurance company would pay for a second surgery, and I am so not looking forward to more pain. The radiation OC said some patients with lupus do okay with radiation. I left her office knowing better. Why didn't I go with the second opinion doctor? But, I don't know if things would have been different with her. Thank you for your opinion PJ, I will have another talk with her.
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