My Hyacinths in full blossom
This blog will cover two topics, first I will discuss the “Mutated Gene” topic.
On December 20, 2017, I received a phone call from my Genetics Counselor from Queens Medical Center, Oahu Hawaii. Allison was calling me to inform me that one of my genes that was previously tested had been reclassified. Genetic result: Positive – Clinically Significant Mutation Identified ! Yes folks, I have a “mutated gene“……add that to the bucket. This mutated gene is the CHEK2 gene, which is for both Breast Cancer and Colorectal Cancer, (as if I didn’t have enough to worry about) My job was to inform my siblings, as they have a 50% chance that they inherited this mutated gene as well. If they test positive and their kids (my nieces/nephews) can be tested, however their risk factor is 25%, that they inherited this gene. I was provided with test results and information to pass on to my siblings should they choose to test, also my children (if they opt too) can now be tested. These blood test are extremely costly, someone without a first degree relative testing positive would have a difficult time convincing an insurance company to run and pay for this blood test, which also involves an office appointment with a Genetics Counselor. The fact that my sister and I were diagnosed within weeks of each other warranted my insurance to pay for my test.
And now on to topic number two:
The removal of my bilateral expanders and placement of the implants surgery happened on February 1st. Going in, I knew, because my plastic surgeon was extremely thorough in explaining ALL scenarios that statistically I had a 35% chance that my irradiated tissue would not take well to the implant surgery. During the implant surgery the excess tissue was removed, before cancer I was a natural DD cup, now I am down sizing to a full “C”. Well this surgery was a little too traumatic for my irradiated breast tissue. Initially it appeared to be healing just fine, every day was better (even with a broken toe).
I think right now would be a good time for me to insert my disclaimer. ” I will be inserting sensitive pictures with this blog at the bottom of this blog, if you do not wish to look just scroll slowly I will tell you when to stop”
The Right side is healing just fine without any issues. But remember the right side did not have cancer, I had a mastectomy as a preventive measure on this side. My follow up appointment on February 21st with my PS went very well. We did discuss nipple options at this appointment which I will save for another blog. The a couple of weeks later I had Jack take a picture for me, I still had visible discolored areas (like bruises) which was normal. However, come March the darkened areas began to get larger. I did not have “pain” associated with the darkened areas….the area is numb like due to the mastectomy. Kind of like “Neuropathy of the boobs”…if that is such a thing. I had a couple of areas, actually three, that the scab fell off then appeared to be opening….and oozing (lymph and blood, not puss). What the Heck!!!! My next follow up at this point was March 19th, which was the next week. My husband tells me not to wait and call my Surgeons office. After a long day of surgeries my Plastic Surgeon Dr. Eko offered to meet me at his office at 4pm. I drove myself to this last minute appointment…..I knew the darkened skin was not good, nor my new little peep holes! We talked about “implant failure due to irradiated skin” and that 35% bracket that he believes I was falling into. He ended up doing a “Revision” in the office, in which he cleaned it up and sutured it…..again. With the help of my friend Lidocaine and my PS’s gentle touch, I didn’t feel a thing! I went back the following week, March 23rd to have those stitches removed…however it was obvious at this appointment that the openings were not closing up! The stitches stayed in and doctor extended my prescription for antibiotics and extended me one more office visit before making the decision to remove the left implant…..That appointment was yesterday March 30th.
The verdict is in, I am scheduled for surgery April 4th, to have the Left Breast Implant removed. Implant failure due to irradiated skin does not mean the end of reconstructive surgery for me, just means that “Plan B” will now be the options for me. I briefly discussed plan B on a previous blog, blog number 52&53. However, after the implant is removed we will wait six months before determining which Autologous of Flap Reconstruction option I will have.
I realize this turned out to be a very long blog…thank you for reading to this point, I truly appreciate it. For those wondering why I would post sensitive pictures of myself? To reach out to those just starting their BC journey, to educate, I have lots of people reading my blog that are not related to me, one person from Spain, someone from Europe and Australia……….reconstructive surgery can go smoothly with out hiccups, or it can take multiple surgeries…just want you to know it’s not all Hollywood and Glamour.
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Right side healing accordingly the scar wraps around to the cleavage area
Left side Feb 24th, healing nicely with slight briusing
Left side March 3rd, at this point one obvious opening, more discolorisation
Revision March 14th
March 23rd, Radiated skin is not healing shut, darkening of skin more and more evident
My Breast Cancer Journey 