I know it has been a few weeks that I didn't blog. I had to re-schedule my doctors appointment twice and then I just haven’t taken the time to post. Sorry for the delay. I am feeling great!!! The only thing that I notice is different since I am taking Tamoxifen is that my menstrual cycles are not exactly 30 days apart and now I am experiencing some cramps that I never did in the past.
I saw my plastic surgeon on February 4. I was following up to see how my nipples/scar were healing. The appointment went well. She said everything healed nicely. I still have my incision above the my c-section but that will take some time to heal. She said if I would like I can use Mederma to help the scarring. I was surprise that my nipples went down so much. They were so pointy after surgery that they seemed small now but she said that’s how their suppose to look. I guess you forget after awhile when you don't have them. I inquired about some hair growth around my areola which is a black color. She said I can puck the hair but it might take a few times to remove or even up to a year before the hair doesn't grow back. I also inquired about her opinion about getting my ovaries check. She mentioned since my Brac2 was undetermined that I should get a ultrasound twice a year. There is no data that you will get ovarian cancer if you had breast cancer but they are close related cancers. She feels that we have the ovaries for a reason and there is no urgency to remove them unless there is a problem. She mentioned that the doctor I saw in NY for a 4th opinion before my radiation was asking how I was doing and how my recovery was going. She will see him at a conference and will let him know. That’s amazing that he remembers me and I am touched that he asked.
My doctor mentioned that my areola was not as dark (reddish/pink) as she thought it would turn out. Since I have light complexion to begin with the blood vessels just didn't darken it as much. You can see a difference from my skin to the areola so it is a bit darker. She said if I would like to take a drive to her other office in Long Island, NY about (1 hour 1/2 away) that her Nurse Practitioner can tattoo the areola a darker color. She said the procedure would still be covered under the surgery since it was breast cancer. I would defiantly verify with insurance if I decide to do this. I know a few of you would say why would you do this procedure since no-one except your husband and you see them. Well tell you the truth I haven't made a decision but I haven't ruled it out. For myself getting the nipples on made me feel like a complete woman and I know I will be always be diagnose with breast cancer but this procedure made me feel as normal as I can be. I know all of you are saying ouch that is a sensitive area and it will hurt. Well if you remember this skin was removed from my bikini area so I wouldn’t have much sensation for this procedure. When I am touch around the nipple area I just feel a little pressure so wouldn't be much pain. I don't have a tattoo so I can't say how it feels but this is a different situation. The procedure would take a little over a hour. My doctor said she used to do the tattooing but she is just too busy with all the surgeries. I will let you know what I decide. She took some more pictures of my breasts for my files. I will follow up with her in 6 months.
My next appointment is with my Oncologist at the beginning of March. Hope all is well with everybody and talk soon.
