The journey begins – The surgeon!

Sue Jones

So it was a flying visit to the Breast Assessment Clinic to pick up all of my results for the surgeon, and before I knew it we were sitting in the waiting area of the surgeon’s office. I was as nervous as anything and, unfortunately, we had to wait about 40 minutes which did not help my nerves in any way, shape or form. Tim and I finally met the surgeon Dr Yeow who went through the results and showed us the scans. Tim then explained our current situation and that we want to get this all sorted out before we go to the UAE. I was really impressed that took as long as needed to explain things to make sure that we understood everything. Dr Yeow asked, ‘have you thought about what treatment you want as in a lumpectomy or a mastectomy?’ I couldn’t answer and grabbed a tissue. Tim told her that we were here to get her expertise advice and go from there. She then asked me to pop up on to the bed and show her my sad boob. She took one look and said, ‘what a shame it isn’t your other breast as that appears to be a lot bigger.’ I had a giggle, the only one for the day, and said, ‘yes, isn’t that always the way!’ Upon thorough examination she informed me that the mass seems to be bigger then what they say it is in the results. ‘Oh no, could it still be swollen from the biopsies which I had a week ago?’ Fortunately her answer was yes but that didn’t help my nerves for what was now about to come. She took some measurements and mumbled to herself before saying what she would need to do if the mass was as big as what it is at the moment. “If I do this and this, unfortunately, you may lose up to 40-50% of your breast as you have got a good cleavage and I don’t want to spoil that.” She explained a few other things to me but they didn’t really sink in. Again, my heart sank and the tears started to well up in my eyes. She asked me to get dressed and come and sit down so that we could chat. I held my hand out to Tim and he took hold of it and said that it is going to be alright. She started doing some sketches to show the different ways in which she could perform the surgery. ‘If I do the lumpectomy there is a small chance that I may have to do further surgery or do you want the mastectomy’, Dr Yeow asked? I lost it again……’Get a grip girl …..They are trying to make you better but are just giving you the options…..you have the ultimate say…..!’ Several minutes later, numerous nose blows and a box of tissues later I calmed down enough to say that I don’t think I could cope losing all my boob right now. She agreed and said that hopefully the swelling will go down more and that she won’t have to take out as much. Dr Yeow then went on to explain where she would do the incisions and how she would remove the node/s to check for possible spread of cancer, etc.

Dr Yeow: “So to the surgery date, I could do next Friday the 16th at Murdoch, or the 28th at Claremont, or the 30th at Murdoch, which would you like?”
Tim: “I’ve got some training next week in Sydney for the UAE, so if we can put it off to the 30th that would be great as it is our anniversary on Sunday and I would like to take Sue with me.
Dr Yeow: “I don’t think Sue is in the right head space at the moment to have surgery next week either so a few days in Sydney would do her good. Two weeks will not make any difference and it may even help with the swelling going down.”

So the date was set for the 30th October, the paperwork was done and away we went after an hour and a quarter of consultation. That was the best $240 that we have every spent on a medical specialist consultation, definitely value for money. I thought I had gotten a grip on this beast of a thing, but after surgeon's visit, I believe that today proved to myself that I was still in denial that this was really happening to me.  Tim contacted his secretary to organise the trip to Sydney and two days later we were on the plane. That was the best therapy session that I have ever had, and I didn’t go crazy on the shopping either!

Now I wait to pass the first hurdle of my journey!

Nadi

Hi Sue

So sorry to hear that you are facing this too. I understand the feelings you are talking about. I was diagnosed on 15 October and experienced something very similar when I met with my surgeon for the first time. My husband and I were in there for around one and a half hours! My breast was rock hard after the core needle biopsy and I was hoping that they would only need to take a small amount. Since the appointment my swelling has gone away completely. Yours probably will too by the 30th. Dr Yeow sounds very caring.

I found it difficult when my surgeon asked whether I wanted a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Psychologically I couldn't face losing my breast, and in particular my nipple, so I decided on a lumpectomy. I don't think my head was in the right space to make the decision at the time, but now I feel comfortable with my choice. I am now counting down the days until 12 November when I have surgery. I must admit I am having trouble with the wait - this is no surprise though because I am a take action kind of girl and just like to get on with things.

Glad the trip to Sydney and retail therapy worked well. The trip to UAE is a great something to look forward to. I was in Europe for 2 months just before my diagnosis - best time ever. Never been to UAE though. Would love to hear about it. Hope you have an amazing time over there (more retail therapy, I hope?)

All the best for the 30th and stay in touch.

Nadine

 

Sue Jones

Hi Nadine!

Thank you very much for your lovely message.  It seems that our stories are sounding very similar.  I have actually had my op, which went well by the way, and am about to update my blog in regards to my journey so far.  I think you will appreciate what I am about to say and I hope that you will find the time to read it and take on some of my advice that I plan to give.   All the best for your surgery on the 12th and I look forward to hearing how you go tool

Take care and treat yourself to something nice this weekend.

Hugs from Sue

[Deleted User]

Hi Sue, it is so confronting when the surgeon discusses your options for surgery, and your head is spinning from getting a diagnosis. Just as well you had your husband with you, mine came with me and picked up on things that I missed, felt like I was in a fog. All the very warmest of wishes for your upcoming surgery. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

Sue Jones

Thanks Trace!  I have now added another post.

Huge hugs from the west! ??