MeAndTinyTina 241 Posted October 20, 2015 Two words: breast cancer. Well, sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. Now that I am close to my self-imposed goal, I have been thinking a lot on how to pay for a Tummy Tuck and new breasts. The arms would be nice too, but I can live with them. Last month a had my yearly mammogram and, long story short, found out last week I have breast cancer. It's in the very early stages, so I am sure I will have many, many years to enjoy my new, thin self, but what the @#$&! It did come as a blow. I have genetic testing today for the BRCA 1 and 2 gene -- if I have that, then for sure I need a double mastectomy and my ovaries removed. But the standard treatment for what they know I have now is lumpectomy and radiation. But the thing is, my big weight loss will make a lumpectomy risky -- to get big enough margins, they would have to take a lot out and I have very little breast tissue left! Even doing the biopsies was a challenge -- the hollow core needles were bigger than me! Who knew, under the obesity a very petite women was hiding! So, I am meeting with a plastic surgeon on Monday. Looks like I may have a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. They said they would use my excess abdominal tissue. If I do that, I will not need radiation, which is a plus, but it is a much bigger surgery. I asked if this would be a true tummy tuck and they said yes. I'll get more info on Monday, but maybe this is the silver lining in a very dark cloud. I will also add a NSV here. Since all this started on Sept 29th, I have stuck to my healthy eating plan. I was very tempted to bury myself in a loaf of bread or, "gasp", Bagels (my former nemesis), but I'm staying true to myself. I've waited all my life to enjoy this new body - I'm not going to backslide now. I have to be extra careful -- after the surgery, there will have to be a long hiatus from they gym. Ellen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Candidate 3,215 Posted October 20, 2015 So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My mother is a 16 year breast cancer survivor, and they've come a long way in treatment since then. Best wishes and good health! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLERDgirl 6,417 Posted October 20, 2015 Sorry about your diagnosis. Good for you on finding a silver lining in all of this. Sending you good prayers/wishes/vibes for a speedy recovery Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mommy319 31 Posted October 20, 2015 Sorry about your diagnosis. Congratulations on your weightloss. Yay you for having such a positive attitude! I'll be praying for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miss Mac 6,262 Posted October 20, 2015 Oh, Dear......I can't imagine how you feel. Hugs from Chicago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MeAndTinyTina 241 Posted October 20, 2015 Thank you all for the encouragement. Its been a long day of work and doctor's appointments -- I'm not quite as upbeat as I was early this morning Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AngelaWilliamsMD 290 Posted October 20, 2015 Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
