Pink Gloves On - Back in the ring for Round 3!!

MyTurnNow
MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
Hello sweet sisters. I haven't been posting a lot lately but that doesns't mean that I have not been on here checking on all of you.

Well, as my subject line says, I am AGAIN going to go head to head with the beast. This is the third time in 3 years. This time, I am going to Mayo Clinic to get a second opinion. Who am I kidding, I'm thinking very strongly of switching my care to them. I have an appointment with them next Tuesday. I have been busy getting all my records, scans, path reports, etc. sent to them. They have a large breast cancer research center here in Jacksonville.

I received the results from the needle core biopsy last Friday. I have to admit I was surprised but not shocked. I found a lump on the scar line several months ago. I am pissed off at my plastic surgeon because I brought this to his attention and inquired if it was perhaps scar tissue (you know how we like to think of anything other than the big "C"). He kind of brushed it off and agreed with me. He was never my favorite of doctors because I always felt his bedside manner skills were lacking. He is more interested in the plastic part of his job and not so much into the actual person. I am pissed at myself too because I have found my last two lumps and should have been more proactive. But, after all, he is the medical doctor, not me! I am certain the outcome would have been the same, I would again be diagnosed with IDC but perhaps the treatment may not have been so invasive. I met with my previous surgeon on Monday of this week and if she were going to treat me, it would involve removing the implant, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. She said the radiation would destroy the latissimus muscle that was moved forward after my bilateral mastectomy and so IF I was going to consider reconstruction again, my choice would be either the LAT Flap or Diep Flap. Both surgeries are very extensive and approximately 10 hours long. I won't know until I go to Mayo what they recommend but I am definately not going through that type of surgery again.

So, I will keep you updated as I learn my new path down this road again. I know that I can and will get through this again and what makes that a little easier is ALL of YOU!!

Love you and sending hugs,

Debbie

P.S. Thought of changing my name to MyTurnAGAIN!!
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Comments

  • pattimc
    pattimc Member Posts: 431
    #2
    NO-O-O-O!!!!!!!
    Oh, Debbie, I've been wondering how you are. This just can't be happening to you again! I am so saddened by this news. Glad you are getting a second opinion and hope you get the care you want and deserve. Stay strong, BBB.....

    Love,

    Patti
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #3
    :(
    Oh Debbie, I am so very sorry and saddened to read that the beast has reared its ugly head again. My heart truly hurts to know that you have to go thru this again.


    Mayo clinic is the best, so, I know that you will be in good hands there.


    I will be praying for you as hard as I can! Right now I am kind of speechless, but, please know that all of the pink sisters are behind you, beside you and will be right there with you to give you strength and support!!!


    Please do keep us updated whenever you can. Once again, I am so, so sorry.


    Sue :(
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
    I am so sorry Debbie that
    I am so sorry Debbie that you are going through this again. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    And you point out something so important: we should trust our instincts. I began to have rib pain in 2005, but it took me until a rib biopsy in 2009 before I got the diagnosis of bone mets and then everyone finally began listening to me. We do have to be proactive. When I complained about rib pain, I was told that, because I had had fractures, I would have pain forever. I even remember telling my physician that it felt like I had an alien trying to push out of my rib cage and was told "I don't know what kind of cancer metastasis would be so stable looking on PET scans."

    Long story, but I was right and they were wrong. Ladies, if you think something is really wrong, keep pushing for answers.

    Thank you Debbie, because you may have helped save lives with your story!
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #5
    CypressCynthia said:

    I am so sorry Debbie that
    I am so sorry Debbie that you are going through this again. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    And you point out something so important: we should trust our instincts. I began to have rib pain in 2005, but it took me until a rib biopsy in 2009 before I got the diagnosis of bone mets and then everyone finally began listening to me. We do have to be proactive. When I complained about rib pain, I was told that, because I had had fractures, I would have pain forever. I even remember telling my physician that it felt like I had an alien trying to push out of my rib cage and was told "I don't know what kind of cancer metastasis would be so stable looking on PET scans."

    Long story, but I was right and they were wrong. Ladies, if you think something is really wrong, keep pushing for answers.

    Thank you Debbie, because you may have helped save lives with your story!

    So sorry Debbie. It's a good
    So sorry Debbie. It's a good reminder to all of us with implants that we aren't safe from the beast. Your message will make me more proactive myself. Hope all goes well at Mayo.
    Dee
  • Mitzi333
    Mitzi333 Member Posts: 511 Member
    #6
    dyaneb123 said:

    So sorry Debbie. It's a good
    So sorry Debbie. It's a good reminder to all of us with implants that we aren't safe from the beast. Your message will make me more proactive myself. Hope all goes well at Mayo.
    Dee

    Debbie... You're in my prayers
    Wishing you all the Best with the 2nd opinion. Thanks So Much for the reminder to be/remain proactive.

    Big Hugs~
    Mitzi ;0)
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #7
    Debbie...
    Sending love, hope and strength to you. I will also keep you in my prayers....

    Hugs,
    CR
  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #8
    Debbie
    Sorry to here about your latest news. Good luck with Mayo. You sound so strong and practical, I admire your attitude. I too will be watchful of any lumps and bumps like you, also had bilateral. Can I ask you how long after surgery did the lump appear? Take care.

    Roz XX
  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #9
    Debbie
    Sorry to here about your latest news. Good luck with Mayo. You sound so strong and practical, I admire your attitude. I too will be watchful of any lumps and bumps like you, also had bilateral. Can I ask you how long after surgery did the lump appear? Take care.

    Roz XX
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #10
    RozHopkins said:

    Debbie
    Sorry to here about your latest news. Good luck with Mayo. You sound so strong and practical, I admire your attitude. I too will be watchful of any lumps and bumps like you, also had bilateral. Can I ask you how long after surgery did the lump appear? Take care.

    Roz XX

    Hi Roz. A quick history on
    Hi Roz. A quick history on me. I had a lumpectomy in 7/09 followed by chemo and rads. I was put on Arimidex. In July of 2010, I felt a new lump, so about 1 year from the first diagnosis. I then had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders placed at the same time in August 2010. My oncologist changed my hormone drug to Aromasin. I had exchange surgery in November 2010. I noticed the 3rd lump around February, so approximately 6 months from the bilateral. I think I am considered "not common" in my breast cancer journey and all I really want to be is NORMAL. I am hopeful that the 3rd time is a charm. I will fight tooth and nail to WIN!! Stay diligent on checking yourself and don't become complacent. Be you own best advocate.
  • Dot53
    Dot53 Member Posts: 239 Member
    #11
    Debbie
    So sorry to hear this news... I will keep you in thought and prayer...I also had a bilateral in 2009..my oncologist will not release me yet because he says that cancer reoccurs more often within the first two years.... my heart goes out to you... stay strong.. we are all here for you..

    Big hugs...
    Dot
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #12
    Dot53 said:

    Debbie
    So sorry to hear this news... I will keep you in thought and prayer...I also had a bilateral in 2009..my oncologist will not release me yet because he says that cancer reoccurs more often within the first two years.... my heart goes out to you... stay strong.. we are all here for you..

    Big hugs...
    Dot

    Deb, I wasn't here for your
    Deb, I wasn't here for your initial diagnosis, but I too want to extend my love and support to you as you venture down this new journey set before you. Good luck at Mayo, you will be in fantastic hands.

    Prayers coming,
    Lorrie
  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    #13
    butterflylvr said:

    Deb, I wasn't here for your
    Deb, I wasn't here for your initial diagnosis, but I too want to extend my love and support to you as you venture down this new journey set before you. Good luck at Mayo, you will be in fantastic hands.

    Prayers coming,
    Lorrie

    So sorry
    This is so upsetting and I'm so sorry and feel so inadequate -- what on earth can I say or do -- well, you know, you're an active member of this board.

    I do know your calm post and well-thought out plan of action will serve you well. You'll get good care and make informed decisions and then fight fight fight.

    We're here and supporting you. Keep us posted as you can.

    xoxo
    Victoria
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #14
    Debbie I've seen you peek
    Debbie I've seen you peek your head in from time to time and just thought you were getting on with life sans IDC. May I say it, this is just crap news. If you are not happy with Mayo, there is always Mofitt in Tampa. Prayers and hugs.
  • Texasgirl10
    Texasgirl10 Member Posts: 668
    #15
    natly15 said:

    Debbie I've seen you peek
    Debbie I've seen you peek your head in from time to time and just thought you were getting on with life sans IDC. May I say it, this is just crap news. If you are not happy with Mayo, there is always Mofitt in Tampa. Prayers and hugs.

    Nooooo
    I am truly sorry to hear your news. I am glad you are getting a second opinion. Your news is a reminder to all of us to be active in our care and to know our bodies and I am so glad that you listened to yours. Please stay strong. We are all here with you while you battle this ugly beast again. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Hugs,

    Dawne
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #16
    natly15 said:

    Debbie I've seen you peek
    Debbie I've seen you peek your head in from time to time and just thought you were getting on with life sans IDC. May I say it, this is just crap news. If you are not happy with Mayo, there is always Mofitt in Tampa. Prayers and hugs.

    You will win Round 3!
    You will win round three! Even though I wish you didn't have to even contend with this Debbie. I'm sorry. Just unbelieveable.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.


    Hugs, Debby
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #17
    DebbyM said:

    You will win Round 3!
    You will win round three! Even though I wish you didn't have to even contend with this Debbie. I'm sorry. Just unbelieveable.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.


    Hugs, Debby

    What the h*ll kind of overachiever are you??!!??
    Debbie, my friend, I'm so #@$%*& ANGRY to read this, I can barely type. To have to fight this same fight over and over and over again in such a short period of time -- I can't even imagine it, and I am in awe of your calm strength and fighting resolve.

    We are here for you -- if you ever don't feel calm, or strong, know that we'll always be here, and we'll always understand.

    Traci
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #18
    natly15 said:

    Debbie I've seen you peek
    Debbie I've seen you peek your head in from time to time and just thought you were getting on with life sans IDC. May I say it, this is just crap news. If you are not happy with Mayo, there is always Mofitt in Tampa. Prayers and hugs.

    Fight Fight Fight!
    You will win this fight Debbie! I just know you will! I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now, I just can't.

    This is something I pray will never happen to anyone, besides a cure being found.


    We are circling the wagons around you Debbie! We are here to support, encourgage and to give you hope!


    Mayo is excellent!

    Praying for you,


    ♥ Noel
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #19
    Noel said:

    Fight Fight Fight!
    You will win this fight Debbie! I just know you will! I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now, I just can't.

    This is something I pray will never happen to anyone, besides a cure being found.


    We are circling the wagons around you Debbie! We are here to support, encourgage and to give you hope!


    Mayo is excellent!

    Praying for you,


    ♥ Noel

    Wish I had a magic wand!
    I sure wish I had a magic wand Debbie to wave over you to take this cancer away from you. Sadly, I don't.


    Look at all of the posts of support from your pink sisters and all of the love and prayers that are being given to you.


    Draw strength from them Debbie and put those boxing gloves on and fight! You're a winner in our eyes in every way!


    Love and prayers,

    Lex
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #20
    :-/
    I am so sorry to hear that you have to fight this again! I wish there was something more I could do, know that you will be in my prayers.

    Hugs

    RE
  • kya911
    kya911 Member Posts: 157
    #21
    RE said:

    :-/
    I am so sorry to hear that you have to fight this again! I wish there was something more I could do, know that you will be in my prayers.

    Hugs

    RE

    No one should have to go
    No one should have to go through this three times.
    I am so sorry this has happened to you.
    Judy

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