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
- 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.
Discouraged