Reconstructing Teeni - Phase I, Part 1
Posted on August 14, 2008 - Filed Under Reconstructing Teeni
I wasn’t sure how I wanted to proceed with this. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to get too personal on this here blog with my health stuff. But I’m thinking that this blog really is the perfect place for me to vent some of my anxieties and lessons learned. So I’m thinking that I’m just gonna create a new category and invite you all along for the ride. This is just going to be a series about my reconstruction and my blog is still NOT going to be a cancer blog. You can certainly choose not to read if you don’t want to hear about my journey to getting a new breast. I promise it won’t be all sad and gloomy. In addition, you may get some better insight as to what goes through my mind during this whole process. I understand that it may be too close to home for some of yo,u but it also may make some of you better acquainted with how to deal with a loved one who is going through something similar. Or maybe a doctor will read this and have better insight into the mind of a patient. It may be all of the above or none. I just hope the good outweighs the bad.
The first step in this whole process for me is finding a reconstructive surgeon whom I feel comfortable with to perform my procedure. But first, you should know some background information:
- I had a modified radical mastectomy (warning, there are pictures of breasts and cancer here, don’t visit if you are squeamish, at work, or will have to do any explaining as to why you were visiting the site, I don’t want you all blaming me and getting me in trouble - see Michelle, I learn - I’m slow but I catch on)! My cancer was not visible like the one they show at the bottom of the page. I imagine that it is not the norm for it to be visible or that large a size as most people do not know they even have cancer when they are diagnosed.
- You should also know that I am a pretty modest person. I can count the number of people who had ever seen me naked before the whole breast cancer debacle on about seven or eight fingers - no exaggeration. After being treated for a while, I started to get a little more comfortable around the doctors who I normally see and even started joking that I was going to now become a flasher. But to be honest, I still hate feeling like a piece of meat to be processed. And, when you think about it, my search for a good reconstructive plastic surgeon is in reality, me interviewing strangers - strangers who I’m screening to see if I’ll be comfortable with them performing what I hope to be a problem-free procedure that makes me feel better about myself and lasts my lifetime (and whether it’s just me being positive or not, I hope that is a looooooong time). Also, please note that I’m not in the habit of taking off my clothes for people I’m just meeting for the first time (as I’m hoping most of you aren’t either).
So the uncomfortableness starts again. **sigh** - I’m not going to be naming the doctors here. If they ever find this blog and read it, maybe they will recognize themselves. But it’s not my intention to badmouth anyone here, just to share my end of the deal, my viewpoint as a patient. If someone really needs to know the info, they can contact me privately.
The first doctor I spoke to was soon scratched off my list of potentials. I had already heard that he was being sued by someone for a botched reconstruction job. I can think of nothing more horrible than to have lost a part of your body to a devastating disease and then to have to deal with a bad reconstruction job.
I still spoke to this doctor on the phone because I’m sure many doctors will have some dissatisfied patients and I didn’t want to go by hearsay. I’d like to find out for myself how many procedures he had done and how many were satisfactory. But when I asked if he had any photos of his work or any patients that I could talk to to see how they felt about their results. He told me that no, he had no pictures - they only take “before” pictures and once the procedure was over, he didn’t really see them (the patients) anymore. Um. Okay. I can go online and see tons of before and after reconstructions. And some are from many months AFTER the procedure has been done. But I’m not choosing one of those high-faluting California surgeons advertising all over the internet. My interest is in THIS particular doctor’s results and his patient’s satisfaction with the results.
So why doesn’t he have photos? Why doesn’t he follow up with the patients? Why doesn’t he have any patients who would be willing for me to at least talk to them if not have photographs? All I can think is that nobody was happy enough with their results to allow it. That may or may not be true. There could be many other factors that I have no idea about as this is not something I do every day or have experience doing in the past. But what else would go through YOUR mind? And to be honest, even as modest as I am, if I’m happy with my end results once I’m done with my procedure, I would be more than happy to offer myself as a contact person to another woman going through anything similar. I told him this and asked if he had someone I could talk to. I asked if it were HIS manhood that had to be reconstructed, wouldn’t he be interested in the possible results/patient satisfaction? He somehow changed the subject and intimated that the best course of action would be for me to make an appointment in his office so he could examine me and we could go from there. Yeah, yeah. Everyone wants to examine me.
Well, guess what? This is MY turn to do the examining of potential surgeons, and he just eliminated himself from the running. If he couldn’t make me feel comfortable on the phone, there was no way I was going in to meet with him in person so he could examine me. I am merely making consultation appointments at this point, and I see no reason why everyone I consult with has to examine me. I think once I feel comfortable with someone then we can move on to the examining portion. After all, they are still strangers to me at this point. You would think they would understand this.
I guess it would have been easier if I had just had the reconstruction at the same time as the initial mastectomy but my surgeon told me it would have taken some time to coordinate the plastic surgeons. At that time, however, I was still terrified from my diagnosis and once I made my decision, I just wanted as much of the cancer out of me as quickly as possible. Anyway, the past is over so onward and forward we go. Stay tuned.
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52 Responses to “Reconstructing Teeni - Phase I, Part 1”
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It’s nice to see someone take charge of their care. You will help a lot of women (or men) who read this, face a medical delima and become their own advocate. You are showing people that it’s okay to ask questions and to expect greatness when it comes to putting your life into someone elses hand. Not everyone is nearly as confident as you Teeni. Some people don’t want to ask questions because they are afraid of the physicians. This is a great example of how to go about asking questions and not being afraid to! Good luck finding the right surgeon, I know you will because you have the right screening process. I wish you all the love girly!
I have to agree with you that some people don’t ask because they are afraid of the physicians. It shouldn’t be that way. I spent way too many years afraid of doctors and if I hadn’t, then maybe my cancer would have been caught sooner. And I’m really not very confident, it is a struggle to force myself to be assertive, but I’ve learned that I have to be because nobody else is going to do it for me. I don’t want to be intimidated into making any decisions. And there are some great doctors out there, these are the ones that realize they don’t know everything, but want to help YOU make the best decision for YOU. That’s who I’m looking for. And thank goodness for you sending all the love. I really think having my secret “network” behind me helps a lot. I keep thinking of that cell phone commercial with the crowd of people that come with it as support. LOL.
I definitely think your reasons for “disqualifying” this particular doctor are more than valid! You need to be 100% comfortable with your surgeon, and I’m sure you will eventually find a wonderful doctor who fits this bill completely. Thank you for being so brave to share your story here, I think you are AMAZING!!
Thanks, Hannah. I sure hope I find the right doctor. I’d like to have some symmetry back.
Teeni, I don’t blame you - if you don’t feel comfortable with the surgeon, then you shouldn’t do anything drastic. I’m glad that you followed your gut feeing.
Thanks, VeggieGirl. Me too!
I don’t blame you a bit. That is too big of a decision to not be 100% comfortable with the doc.
It really is. You said it!
First of all I think it is wonderful that you are going to post this journey of yours. This could help a lot of people to understand what is involved with the process of what you are going through, not only physically but emotionally. The more information a person has the better decisions they can make. You are very brave to do this and I commend you.
I also think it will help you, personally, to be able to write about what you are going through and share it with people who care about you– a lot. You know we all think the world of you.
As far as your search for a doctor, I wouldn’t accept one until you are 100% comfortable with her/him. I wouldn’t care if I had to screen 100 of them. This is too important and you need to feel at ease with your choice. Like JQ said, good for you for taking charge.
Thanks so much Joan! I really appreciate those words of encouragement. It’s not easy to take charge when it comes to your health. You’re up against educated people who think they know what’s best for you, and it’s easy to give in. But not all educated people are intelligent and even if they are, they can’t choose what is right for you. Again, I really feel good knowing you guys are here for me.
Sounds to me like you are doing the right thing, teeni. If your going to have it done, it’s better to have it done by someone that checks out and that you’re comfortable with.
(OMG, what did I just comment on, this is certainly outside my old (comfort zone?)
Best of luck on this, both on the blog and in the reconstruction.
Aww, thanks so much, Mike. I know you are out of your comfort zone commenting on something so personal to me, but that just makes it touch me even more. I like it when you come out of your box.
sounds like you are going about things EXACTLY the right way. i know it cant be easy.. just stay strong.. you’ll make the right decisions..
Thanks very much, Slyde. I do appreciate the encouragement. I guess we all have days where we can use it, huh? Thanks again, buddy. I know it’s not easy to comment on certain posts, so I appreciate each and every one of you for making the effort and being so wonderful.
I think it’s wonderful that you’re brave enough to share this. There’s lots of people out there who you’ve touched and we’re all here for you now!
Aw, Paige, thanks so much, buddy! I am so amazed by you all at times I am just overcome with emotion (all good). I wish I could pick you all up and move you to my neighborhood.
first of all. I am sorry that you had to go through this. i lost many a family member (including, most recently, my father) to cancer and i give you a TON of credit for just being able to stomach(no pun intended) the whole ordeal.
second of all. I can totally relate to becoming a flasher. I can count the amount of people that saw me naked on 1 hand. untill i had a cyst in my nether area that needed to be removed. Then everytime i walked into the doctors office, i would just sigh, and spread ‘em…
Oh the things that move us…
Oh, it’s so good to know you are out there Sarah, because that sounds like you can understand my feelings of humiliation and then the almost “just get it over with already” feeling. I thought I was over myself but it all comes back with time and that is why I say the “uncomfortableness begins again.” Thank you so much for your kind words and I’m so sorry you lost so many loved ones, especially your father to such an awful disease. Nobody deserves cancer.
I think sharing some of our journeys helps not only ourselves but our readers too.
I am sorry to hear you are having to go through all this, but you sound like you have your head screwed on.
xx
Aw, Casdok. It’s comments like these that mean so much to me. A few lines of honesty and encouragement from someone who has herself had to deal with so much. I guess I want to help people the way you do at your blog, the way you make people more open minded and knowledgeable about autism. Hugs to you my friend!
Hey Teens,
I think this was brave of you to post - I know it is beyond personal for you and a very private matter. I’ve worked with Docs before and they are an odd bunch, period. And specialists are even worse. They live in a very isolated and strange world. Often brilliant, yet also often not ‘people’ people. Which I’ve always found really odd.
Absolutely, find a surgeon who you click with - because right there, your chances of a good procedure go up expotentially. I know of a plastic surgeon out here who is amazing, and has done lots of pro bono work on burn victims,etc. I don’t know if he is still practicing - but his name is Ed Torino and he has or had a practice in Agoura Hills. He is a really great guy and brilliant surgeon - so I don’t know if you want to look as far as California but if you do, you might want to check him out.
No matter what happens, I know you will the right surgeon and the procedure will go great. You deserve nothing less.
Love
Annie
You are such a wise and wonderful friend. I am not sure if my insurance would cover a surgeon out in California so I’m restricted moneywise and travel wise I think. But I will keep this information because you just never know what the future holds. If nothing else, I will do the best I can with what I have at my disposal. I do believe you are right that when you have someone you click with that things are just naturally going to work out better because of the positive mindset and how it would lift some worry off my shoulders. Thanks so much for your beautiful words and the name of Dr. Torino.
Hugs to you!
I think it is great that you are writing about this subject. Just this post has given me a lot to think about if I were to ever need reconstruction. I don’t think I would have thought to interview prospective surgeons, and ask the questions you are asking them.
Well, hello Karen and welcome to the Vaguetarian Tea Room. Thanks for the kind words and compliments. I would like to think that this series will help people in some way. I will be still posting my regular happy posts here in between my series posts so drop in anytime. It’s usually a lot more upbeat here because my blog is my party place.
Thank you for opening up and sharing this with us! This is going to be an interesting series to read.
I cannot imagine how hard it would be to find a surgeon… I have often wondered about it. It would be hard to enlist that much trust in someone. You’ll find him/her though!
Thanks kilax! It is hard to put that much trust in a stranger and that is why I think the consultation is very important - not for the surgeon, for the patient!!!
…I see no reason why everyone I consult with has to examine me. I think once I feel comfortable with someone then we can move on to the examining portion. After all, they are still strangers to me at this point. You would think they would understand this.
Yeah, but the flip side of that is that it could be difficult to give a consultation if you don’t know what you’re up against.
Good luck on your search and a success reconstruction.
You know, it’s almost weird that it’s called reconstruction. You’re almost expecting steel girders and drywall.
LOL about the steel girders and drywall - it does sound like it should involve that. But as for the docs - I’m consulting with them to see if I feel comfortable with them. There is nothing out of the ordinary about my case, as they would find from my surgeons records, or, they could - imagine this - even just ask me! I’ve already researched the types of reconstructions available and I want to know what they think of each, what the chances are for problems, and what their track records are and what they feel their strengths are, etc. And they would find out for sure what they were up against, eventually. I mean, that is a given, so I don’t see that as being the big deal here. The big deal TO ME, is that I am comfortable with the person. But what I don’t want is to go in to meet each one and have them examine me and just tell me all the options and explain them to me all over again. I want to have discussions with these people - question and answer sessions, which is what I consider a consultation. I’m just tired of the shuffle already and I want answers for ME, not for them. They may do this stuff every day, but I don’t. And neither does a single one of their reconstruction patients. I guess I just don’t want to feel like cattle. Sorry - don’t mean to go off on you Dan and I do get your point but can you tell it bothers me?
teeni . . you are brave brave brave !!!
i hope you find the perfect doctor for YOU !!!
Thanks, Red. I’ll find him or her. If I have to beat him or her out from under a rock, I will.
You guys make me feel so much better.
Teeni, bravo on your courage, your independence and your straightforward style of sharing this. I wish we as consumers of medical care could have more access to our physicians before making appts but it’s too costly AND crazy, I guess. I also like to feel comfortable with a doc’s STAFF. I never can understand why office staff must be so darn mean and unfriendly. But I’m off topic.
Be comfortable and thank you for the reminder to respect the situation AND demand to receive the same respect.
Hugs, Care
Yes, staff is also very important. Especially since you may have to interface with them often. I also think that if we had more time to actually meet and talk to our docs we might feel more at ease and it would give the docs more of an insight into our lives and lifestyles.
Good for you! A lot of doctors have forgotten what good bedside manner is. You’ll find one who “fits” you, and you’ll be much happier throughout the process for it. Good luck!
Thanks, MJ. And you hit the nail on the head - it is really a process because getting reconstruction is not normally a one shot deal. Usually there is a lot of prep and follow up and there could be adjustments or complications. So even more reason for me to feel comfortable and happy with my choice.
Gosh it sounds like such a scary process… I’ve got my fingers crossed that you find someone you like soon though
Thanks, Leaf. It would be good to find someone soon. Who knows? I could have a new boob by next spring!
You go, Teenie! Im so proud of you for taking the bull by the horns, taking charge and not getting into a situation that you are not comfortable with!!
Hey girl - good to see you! Thanks for the kind words.
YOu are so brave but, I am going through hard times too as you know!
but also good for you not going with that surgeon
You already had this done right???????
No, Kaylee. I haven’t had it done yet. I am still looking for the right doctor.
Good for you, Teeni! What javaqueen and others said.
And I admire you for taking on this very personal topic on your blog.
Thanks, Chip. I don’t like to get too personal on here but I guess that’s just the type of person I am because I keep thinking that it is worth doing if it helps someone else.
Or are you still looking to have it done?
I am still consulting with different doctors to see if I find one I’m comfortable with.
Hey sweetie. I for one am proud of you! You are so right, this will help someone else. I have four daughters, that’s five of us who may or may not face something like this, and strong, generous and beautiful souls like you are a blessing. Thanks Teeni.
Wow, Hay. Pretty heady stuff. I keep thinking this could help someone but I had really been picturing it maybe helping faceless people. Your comment really reached me. I hope with all my heart that your family is never touched by this. But since they say that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with it, it is good to be alert, aware, and on the constant lookout. The earlier detection, the better.
I hope you are successful in this…you know i love you
Thanks, Kaylee. I love you too. You’re all in my heart.
I think you should write about who you are and like it or not this is part of who you are. I’m always glad to read about that.
Thanks, Honeywine. You’re right of course. It is part of who I am now. I don’t like to expose my neurotic, lilly-livered, obsessive parts but it does kind of feel better knowing you all are along for the ride with me. Hugs to you!
I know you will find the right doctor soon
Oh, thats my positive side coming out again!
Good!
Now we just have to get you to use some of that positivity for yourself.
I hope you find your doc soon and all goes well. Remember if you need an opinion of the post-op or pre-op breasts you can always check my correspondance page. I always give glowing reviews.
And yes I am one who doesn’t mind undressing after first meeting someone. But I bet you knew that already.
You sick, sweet man.
Thanks for the smiles. I did kind of figure that about you. Sometimes I wish for some of your self-confidence. My search continues, but I’m going to think of you the next time I need the boost. Hugs to you!
oh yes, that would be nce but, I do use it sometimes!
Good for you for being thorough and not jumping into anything before you find the right doctor. I think you are so brave and I wish you the best in finding the right doctor. It’s a big thing to go through such a surgery:-) Nothing but the best is what I wish for you my friend, nothing but the best!
Thanks, Kami! You are awesome!
Hi Teeni,
Thanks so much for sharing this journey with us. You definitely have to be your own advocate these days - I don’t think most of us would even think about questioning our doctors. It’s important to find a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with. You are so very, very wise! I wish you the best of luck.
Hi 2LD! You are most welcome and yes, really - you do have to be your own advocate. In some cases it may be okay to just follow doctors’ orders but there are so many things that are debatable and contradictory that it is always good to question things. I mean, sometimes your doctors don’t even really read your files because they don’t have time so you need to make sure you feel comfortable that they are probably armed to treat you with the proper information. I don’t know about how wise I am, but it’s the only body I’ve got so I want to make sure that I’m the one who makes the ultimate decisions. I’m kinda bossy like that. And I think everyone else should be too.
I’m a big fan of boobs, so you know I had to stop and give my two cents. I think this is a wonderful thing you are doing here, keeping everyone up to date on your journey. As it’s been said time and time again above, and by yourself, it’s good for you and I believe it is (and will continue to be) good for others. Very brave and courageous of you. I applaud you and send a bunch of hugs and a ton of good vibes your way. You really are super, Teeni.
Oh, Mr. Parkour, if you only knew how much your comments mean to me. You make me laugh and cry in the same paragraph. Thank you so much for your kindest of words. I appreciate the good vibes and will treasure those hugs. YOU are the one who is super, and I have no problem with boob-men.
I am a man and therefore perhaps not capable of quite understanding your particular type of trauma. My personal experience however has been to undergo major surgery four times and each was an experience I would not wish on any one. I am living with the finished product now and only I know what it has done to my psyche.
I also have been a care giver to someone who has undergone mastectomy and therefore understand some aspects of what the patient goes through.
With that background, let me assure you that this blog is a great way to bring out your anxieties and share with others. A problem shared is a problem halved.
You are also bang on, in your quest for the ONE doctor who will give you the confidence to entrust yourself to his care. Absolutely nothing wrong in this as, it is your life and your money. More than the money aspect of it, the empathy factor is vital in the treatment and the recovery. Not to worry. You will get there sooner than later.
I send you my best wishes for speedy resolution to your problem.
Hi Rummy! I imagine after those major surgeries you would be very understanding. I’m sorry you have had to endure it all and I’m sorry that someone you care for has had to have a mastectomy also. But I am glad that you have survived all that you have and are here to comment on my site. I do appreciate all your kind words and wishes. They mean the world to me. Thanks so much.
oh you are very brave teeni. i didn’t know you had cancer, and how wonderful that you are fully well now. what an honest, personal post, i am so inspired by you, with your sincerity and resolve. i hope everything goes well, and i wish you good health and a good surgeon to come along.
stay strong, and mucho {{{hugs}}} for you!
Thanks for all the kind words and hugs, sweet Odette!
I do appreciate having all my blog buddies and their encouragement so very much. You guys are all awesome.
p.s. I have added you to my blogroll. Its humble and little, but you deserve a spot.
Thanks so much, Sarah! I’m adding you to mine also. I’m a little slow sometimes but I get things done eventually.
The size of your blogroll doesn’t matter, I’m honored to be included! 
i’ve never really thought of interviewing my care givers. I suppose its partly because of the difference in the American and Canadian Medical systems.
Anyway, Teeni, i’m glad you’ve decided to write about it. hugs.
I should have you explain how things are done in Canada to me. I would be interested in learning what my buddies have to go through. I think writing about it will help me get through it. After all, I have the best blog readers always there for me when I open my little computer up.
Thanks so much for the hugs. You know, they mean the world to me. 
I’ve not had chance to pop in to visit in ages and see I’ve arrived at a momentous time. It seems strange from our side of the water, where we consider ourselves lucky to get what we are given on the NHS, so I’m glad you have the chance to do research and interview your surgeon before making a decision. I’m sure you look gorgeous as you are … beauty is from within … and yours shines from every page …
Wishing you all the best ….
Hi Lady Thinker! I know you have been extremely busy but it IS so good to see you!
I think we might be a bit spoiled here in the states but then again, we also have plenty of health care workers and doctors involved in scandals and abuses of drugs and patients so one must be careful and comfortable with their choice. But also, I think many of us only have slight choices based on which doctors are covered under our insurance. Obviously, the more you pay for insurance, the more choices you will have as more doctors will be covered. TGH has an okay health plan and pays a pretty penny for it - it’s not the best in our country but then again, not the worst. I do appreciate it but still, I have to choose someone to do the surgery if I want it done.
And funny that you should mention beauty as there seem to be an awful lot of plastic surgeons here who do cosmetic and enhancing surgery. But I think what I’m looking for is someone who has done a lot of reconstructions, someone used to dealing with people healing from a disease and not simply wanting to enhance their looks.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind and generous words. You are too sweet, but I love you for it.
It is great that you are sharing this here! I think you are being quite smart about researching your doctors before choosing one, this is a major decision for you and you need to feel good about the doctor you choose.
Breast cancer is something every woman should learn about. It has the possibility to impact us all and your courage only educates and opens our eyes.
Keep us posted on your screening, I am interested to see how the process goes. Hugs!
Thanks, so much Talina - it’s not easy trying to find a doctor, but I agree with you - this is a major decision and it’s important to feel comfortable. It’s also not something I HAVE to do, but what woman doesn’t want a symmetrical body? I do hope it will help someone and I will keep you posted with future updates.
Teeni, you are my hero; I REALLY mean this.
((BIG hugs))
I am SO impressed with your upbeat attitude and bravery.
I sensed that you were intrinsically a shy person so for you to stand up to the big docs and be forthright with them is MOST impressive!
KEEP doing it and YES you have a secret team of supporters here, you KNOW it!
Yahh!!!
Thank you so much, Merri. This means a lot to me coming from one of my oldest blog buddies! It is hard to stand up to them, but I guess that is one of the signs that the doctor isn’t for you - you shouldn’t have to stand up to them at all. They should be taking you and your wishes/concerns seriously I think. I am so glad I have you all. You’re wonderful and I REALLY mean that too!
Big hugs right back to you, friend. 
TEENI,
I meant to mention that although I live in Canada, I ALWAYS interview Docs.
They are basically being employed by you so it is CRUCIAL that you can see their credentials, get information about their work, and MOST importantly, feel comfortable and that you have a good communication with them!
Lately it was for H but I was SO glad that we didn’t just go with the first CREEPY specialist, but asked for a second opinion.
It is VERY uncommon for folk here to do this, and H’s family Dr was angry but in the end it worked out BEST for H.
It’s funny how even when it is acceptable to get second opinions, people don’t regularly do it - they just accept whomever the first doctor is who is recommended to them. That scares me sometimes. Okay, it scares me often. And I’m glad you didn’t settle for a creepy doctor for H. You certainly can’t regret that because I’m sure it gave you both peace of mind to have someone you didn’t think of as creepy. That alone is going to help with recovery.
Sorry it took so long for me to comment. I’ve been having some “personal” blog issues lately, and when I first started to read this a few days ago an alarm started to go off and I moved on.
Then I felt bad because my issue is with me being too personal in my own blog, not other bloggers getting personal and real, so I came back. Glad I did. Great comments from everyone.
Really hoping you find your doctor. The one that is going to make you feel most comfortable. The one that is going to help you out the way you want to be helped.
As for the modesty gene…I don’t have it. Or I don’t have it any more. I used to have severe modesty issues, but now I walk around buck nekkid all the time. I would have no problem going to a nude beach at all, its just an opportunity that hasn’t presented itself to me yet.
Aww, no need to apologize. I totally understand about the personal thing. You gotta do what you are comfortable with. I do miss your being more personal at your space but I can understand and respect your decision. As for me, well, you could probably run into me at the grocery store and not even know it because everyone only shows certain aspects of their personalities online. I choose not to display the homicidal psychopath aspect of mine. I don’t want to scare anyone away after all.
LOL@ you not having the modesty gene - somehow, that really didn’t surprise me, although the fact that you used to have modesty issues is interesting. Anyway, I have to thank you for coming back and commenting and being so honest and also for all your kind words. This is one of the wonderful gifts that I have received through blogging and I really appreciate it. Hugs to you, Earl.
I didn’t read through all the comments but I did read your whole post. I think you are very brave in dealing with this and also in writing about it so openly and honestly. Also, this is YOUR blog about your life, and it doesn’t have to fit into any category, such as a “cancer blog” or whatever (I know it isn’t, but whatever.) It is a part of who you are and I’m glad you are able to share this. I also hope it helps you by writing about it.
Thanks, Birdpress! You are right - it doesn’t have to fit into a category, but it is part of who I am now. I do think writing about it will help. It doesn’t hurt that I get such wonderful and encouraging comments and support from my blog buddies. Thanks again, buddy. I appreciate it. Hugs to you.
I hope you are doingwell today teeni!
Oh Teeni, this was a great post and I’m so glad you’re sharing this! I hope it helps you through the process, and you really did the right thing with regards to what seemed to be in my eyes a very shady surgeon! I am sure you will find the right one, keep us posted!
*hugs*
Aw, thanks Romi. I really do think it will help - how could it not with all you encouraging bloggers out there?
I will try to keep you all posted. I have just visited another surgeon and need to write that post up as well. Hugs right back at you, Romi dear! I’ll be getting over to read your newest in a bit. I always look forward to your posts!
It’s nice being able to learn a little bit more about you in this way. I’m glad you shared it. It’s nice to hear that you are actually being picky about who you go to, it makes a world of difference. When I moved to this city, I did the same thing by going and making appointments to meet with the doctors, especially since they would have to be able to deliver my children. You need to be able to feel comfortable. It’s kinda scary how little information he had about the satisfaction about his clients. You think that he would have some kind of feedback, even if just a couple. Keep searching and I hope that you find someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with. Hugz.
Thanks, Melsie! So good to see you! Oh you said it! It was scary how little information he had about the satisfaction of his patients. I was really surprised. I’ll keep plodding along - it’s not a rush, but I would like to get it done in the next year I think. Thanks for the hugs. I appreciate them and send you some back too!
I wish you the best of luck, Teeni! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Thanks, Tish. I really appreciate it!
Hi Teenie - sorry I did not get around sooner, my baby finally got what all the other kids had this weekend and he was a mess. I think it’s better to wait for the right doctor- it such a personal and big thing to have some one working on your body. I can’t imagine what you have been going through- I had a lump in my breast years ago and from the time I found it through all the tests and what not I thought I was going to die of anxiety. I am terrified of cancer- it killed my Grandmother, my aunt, and my uncle recently. The lump turned out ok- but I did have a surgical procedure for precancer elsewhere at 22 and so I wonder if the old genes will come back to bite me too. Stay strong and take care of yourself.
Hi Michelle! No apology necessary. I do hope your baby is feeling better now though. I guess you can totally understand my fear then since you have been through a scare yourself. I always worry about genes and stuff - you can’t control those. But you CAN do your best to live healthy, eat right, and be safe. Self-checks and feeling comfortable with your doctors are a priority. I tell my nieces that if they aren’t comfortable with their doctors to get another because they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable talking to them, asking them questions, or expressing any concerns in front of them. It’s so important. Thanks for the kind words - I agree and will keep looking for the right doctor.
Hi Teeni - sorry I’ve been so lax about keeping up lately with your blog - I have been away for several days and seem to have been trying to catch up with my blogging and actual lives ever since.
Sounds like you are doing ALL the right things. I had an illness (though thankfully not cancer) that required me to explore a great many options/specialists before I found the right help. I can only recommend the same. Use both head and heart (and internet) to do the best you can for yourself. You will know when you’ve found that person as all three will chime together and instinct will chip in as well.
Certainly some of the reconstruction pictures I’ve seen are amazing and you’d hardly know that person had ever had a mastectomy (unless they told you)! That is the standard of job you need.
All the best with your quest. Laura xxx
Hi Laura! You have no obligation to keep up with my blog (although I’m always happy to see you) so nothing to feel bad about. Thanks so much for your kind words. I do think you are right and everything should chime together. I’ll know when that happens.
Thanks again, friend. Hugs to you!
Oh, with all of my health stuff I won’t put up with any crap from a doctor. Good for you for taking charge of your situation. Have you visited any cancer websites to see if they have links to doctors to aid your search? I can’t imagine what you are going through, but my mother in law just showed me her pros. breast and bra … I was always curious how it all worked. I’m sorry you are going through all of this!
I’ve visited a bunch of websites and done research - but when it comes down to it, I would like to find someone who will accept my insurance plan and who isn’t too terribly far away because I’m sure my hubby will want to stay with me and may need to also drive back and forth to home to care for our cats. That’s not the priority, obviously, but I do think there are plenty of qualified surgeons that would fit the bill - I just need to find one I feel comfortable with. Thanks for the kind words. I’m sorry your mother in law has had to go through it. I may consider showing my prosthetic “boob” on here sometime too. LOL. I can just imagine my post headline now.
I think you made the right decision, darlin, about postponing the reconstructive until after. You sure are a smart cookie about interviewing the surgeons. Go you!
Thanks, Witchy! I gotta try to do my best with the only bod I got.
hey Teeni. Just had to leave a comment and say go you on the surgeon examination. Something we should all be reminded to do is to take an active part in our health. I know I’m all too guilty of assuming because teh Dr has done the degree they’ll probably know more than I do on a give topic….
Hi Kelly! I definitely have a lot of respect for doctors. They are usually quite knowledgeable in their areas of medicine. Unfortunately, sometimes the bedside manner is lacking. Also, sadly, a lot of doctors study in such a focused area of medicine that they don’t see or get to experiment with natural remedies too. I would love to see the field of medicine grow and start to encompass the study of natural remedies/herbs/vitamins/nutrition, in addition to the traditional forms of medicine. Only YOU have the say in what happens to your body. That is one right that I will not easily give up to another human being no matter what his or her title.