Son of a Seabiscuit! surgery again -- UPDATE post #115!

CurliLocks · 06-22-2011, 05:25 PM

Dammit anyway!

I just went back for a second mammo on my left breast and I have microcalcifications -- again. I had them about 2 years ago, same breast (posted here about it and got wonderful support). I had to have them removed/biopsied through surgery because they couldn't locate them with the needle biopsy.
Turned out to be nothing. Peace of mind but surgery for nothing.

Now I have more, again. They are closer to the skin level and can't be done with needle this time either.... another surgery... probably for nothing.

I'm more mad that I keep getting these stupid things that have to be surgically removed than I am worried that it's cancer. I hate surgery, I've had too many.

The radiologist said that they do look different than the last ones (I asked him to compare) so they would like to biopsy. But they are very tiny so I'm confident that if it is cancer, it's very early. He sounded hesitant about waiting 2 months for a biopsy but the nurse says she's seen much worse, even cancer, and patients have been fine with waiting. She said often it takes that long for a patient to even get through the system to do it anyway.

My dilemma is that we are leaving for vacation July 1, for 6-8 weeks. My son and I are staying in our RV at a campground and hubby will come and go every other week (work won't let him go for more than a week at a time, apparently the world stops revolving at work if he leaves

).

I don't think it's even possible to schedule surgery in a week with having to get referrals and authorizations, etc. And if I did, my vacation activities would be limited (no swimming until healed, no bouncing around on boat rides...)

THIS SUCKS!!!

If I wait, then I worry over the summer. Either way, vacation is ruined. I'm beyond p'd right now.

If you're still reading, what would you do?

And please send all the Ts&Ps and good vibes that you can.

WileE-Dead · 06-22-2011, 05:39 PM

(((hugs))) I'd prolly wait.....

2poodles · 06-22-2011, 05:47 PM

I'd probably try to schedule the surgery - I hate waiting for anything. Chances are you won't be able to get it done in time, but at least you would have tried. As for doing things afterwards - it shouldn't be too long until you're healed enough to be active. They can teach you how to apply a pressure dressing and you could use waterproof tape. You might not be able to go swimming, but you could go boating. Best of luck - keeping my fingers crossed that all remains well!!

curlypearl · 06-22-2011, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2poodles

I'd probably try to schedule the surgery - I hate waiting for anything. Chances are you won't be able to get it done in time, but at least you would have tried. As for doing things afterwards - it shouldn't be too long until you're healed enough to be active. They can teach you how to apply a pressure dressing and you could use waterproof tape. You might not be able to go swimming, but you could go boating. Best of luck - keeping my fingers crossed that all remains well!!

+1 I agree completely with 2poodles. (((Hugs))) to you Curlilocks. I am so sorry that you have to go through this, and I can understand how frustrating it is. But you said the radiologist was hesitant about waiting 2 months to get a biopsy - that would signal me not to wait if possible. Please go ahead if you can - your health is more important than any vacation and since the microcalcifications are near the skin, it sounds as though the surgery would not be debilitating. If worse comes to worse and it is cancer, you wouldn't want to wait - get it early. Don't let a cloud hang over everything you do on your vacation. I send you heartfelt good wishes.

xcptnl · 06-23-2011, 04:55 AM

So sorry about that!! But sending you good vibes!!

I would probably try and schedule it asap. I could not stand the waiting to find out part even though your history is on your side.

kat180 · 06-23-2011, 02:05 PM

Sorry to hear this Curlilocks

I would just have the surgery - less time worrying about it and you'll know one way or the other.

CurliLocks · 06-23-2011, 02:07 PM

Thank you ladies for your support.

I've been trying to reach the surgeon all day, left a message. I have a feeling he's on vacation but the message didn't say so. ??

Part of me wants to get it over with, but the other part refuses to let this ruin my summer plans (which are important for us at this time, getting to spend quality time with son and hubby). Either way, I think it's being decided for me, not enough time.

Sometimes I wish we couldn't see how many views a thread has--it's a little depressing to see so many views and so few words of encouragement.

WileE-Dead · 06-23-2011, 02:21 PM

I get what you are saying.
Don't let that discourage you!
What does hubby have to say about all of this?!

misspam · 06-23-2011, 02:22 PM

I'm sorry, CurliLocks! Thoughts and prayers are coming your way!

As hard as it would be to wait until you get back from vacation, I think you are right to not want your recovery to dampen your plans for a fun time with your family. I will also be sending you strength vibes to help you out until you can have this taken care of. (((HUGS)))

juanab · 06-23-2011, 02:23 PM

I have been through several surgeries myself. Removal of a thyroid tumor, brain surgery, partial hysterectomy. Personally, I would enjoy the time with my family, then have the surgery. Nurses usually are the ones to give you the real information as opposed to doctors who are more focused on surgery immediately.

Either way, you are in my prayers.

Jess the Mess · 06-23-2011, 02:27 PM

So sorry C

Ts and Ps your way.

kat180 · 06-23-2011, 02:31 PM

Ignore the view count. I know it can get you down if its something upsetting or a medical thing you could use the advice on.

I know how you feel. I had to have breast surgery again on same breast recently - to remove same kind of tumors had 4 years ago. Once was more than enough and it seems likely I will have to go through it again in the future.

CurliLocks · 06-23-2011, 02:36 PM

It looks like I'll have to wait. I finally got thru to the doctor and they can fit me in next Wed 6/29. No surgery before I leave. I guess we'll see what he thinks when he sees the mammograms they are sending to him now. If he feels I need it out now, we'll have to change our plans for vacation. But I'm thinking we'll be waiting.

TRBL · 06-23-2011, 02:37 PM

{{{CurliLocks}}}

CurliLocks · 06-23-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat180

Ignore the view count. I know it can get you down if its something upsetting or a medical thing you could use the advice on.

I know how you feel. I had to have breast surgery again on same breast recently - to remove same kind of tumors had 4 years ago. Once was more than enough and it seems likely I will have to go through it again in the future.

Yours were benign though, right? Mine have been so far, well the calcifications, no tumors. We're in the same boat.

I'm thinking these will be recurring problems.

kat180 · 06-23-2011, 02:42 PM

Yes they were. They can pretty much tell from ultrasound that they are fibroadenomias so unlike you, I have less stress/worry about waiting for results after surgery.

I just freaking hate surgery. Recovery was longer this time as well for some reason. I do not relish the thought of going through it all again in a few years time. Its not certain of course, but thats twice now so seems likely.

Enjoy your holiday - if thats the earliest they can fit you then its the earliest they can fit you in

WileE-Dead · 06-23-2011, 02:44 PM

CL...if you don't mind me asking, when was your last checkup? :curious:

LadyV69 · 06-23-2011, 02:44 PM

I personally would want to get something like surgery taken care of ASAP as I wouldn't want my health issues to cloud any plans I had for the future. It sounds like it's unlikely that the surgery will happen before you leave anyway but just to get things over with, I'd probably cut my vacation short so I'd have peace of mind. Good luck with whatever you decide.

CurliLocks · 06-23-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wile E Coyote - Shaken Not Stirred

CL...if you don't mind me asking, when was your last checkup? :curious:

This last visit was June 14, my annual exam and mammogram. The one before was a year ago, as usual. The microcalcifications are very tiny, so they were either not there or miniscule last year.

xcptnl · 06-23-2011, 03:56 PM

Hopefully they will have 'good' news after he views the mammograms. Keep your chin up!