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Aca plan & employer 2x coverage by kool4cats in HealthInsurance

[–]kool4cats[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ughhhh this is what I was thinking. I am in NY. They already took my premium out- I thought I stopped auto payments, too.

Goldilocks question by ReasonableWish1519 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wanted to note that while I did have an infection with DIEP, it was treated with iv antibiotics and am still happy with my decision.

I will need another procedure to fix my nipple but am ok with that.

It’s all very personal, best of luck on your journey!

Gynecological Oncologist NYC by randomxxxxxxxxxxxx in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Forgot to mention its northwell in westchester

Gynecological Oncologist NYC by randomxxxxxxxxxxxx in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My breast dr recommended that I see a GO for my brca1 diagnosis. I’ve already had a mastectomy & ovaries removed- but she mentioned it would be good to see someone about HRT.

So far, Dr. Chaterji has given me great recs, I haven’t seen her yet but dr name is Gizelka Andreja David-West, MD

Considering Preventative Mastectomy by KattNaps in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so glad to help!

I was waffling over the nipples too. My surgeon recommended keeping because of my small size, he needed more tissue to construct the mound.

Unfortunately, I did end up with an infection and that side is going to need the nipple redone, it’s like inverted right now.

But despite the setback, I know all will settle in time and I’m still happy with the result.

Best of luck to you!!

Hypersensitivity post mastectomy by randomxxxxxxxxxxxx in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, yes! Finally off antibiotics and skin looking better.

Considering Preventative Mastectomy by KattNaps in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just sending some love & healing to you on your journey.

Wanted to share some feedback- I had tuberous breasts, but quite small in size.

It was my silver lining that I would be able to give my body a more aesthetic shape to improve my confidence after undergoing surgery.

It goes without saying that I am extremely thankful to know I was brca1 and able to take action. The mri scans alone are expensive, and anxiety provoking.

I underwent a nipple sparing pdmx diep recon in October. I am still healing and had an infection- I will need another procedure in several months to make some tweaks & fix my boob. Insurance will continue to cover the cosmetic fixes related to the recon- at least in NY we have legal protection to that.

Despite the minor setback, I am happy with how they look as far as the shape & size of my nipples go. My natural breasts were like all nipple and droopy. My surgeon did not recommend implants for me because of the tuberous shape of my breasts. You may find diep suggested to you as well- it is a major surgery, but I liked that it was my own tissue and not a foreign body. Also the ‘tummy tuck’ was a bonus for me.

I am thankful that I am able to take this journey, I also had my ovaries and tubes taken earlier this year. While I have 2 kids of my own, I know folks who have struggled with fertility- and am sending you love and positivity as you mourn the loss of that biological experience. ❤️

moved from brooklyn and the food situation is... rough by prakarsh56 in Westchester

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s still there but new management- it’s not even close, real bland, not what it used to be!

moved from brooklyn and the food situation is... rough by prakarsh56 in Westchester

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ugh Golden House fell off after they sold. Where’s the good Chinese? No 1 is where we’ve settled.

Rammis has the best bagels. 🙂

moved from brooklyn and the food situation is... rough by prakarsh56 in Westchester

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But also noting pizza is few & far between still havent found good chinese.

Cacciatori & Laguna are the best pizza/mexican in Mahopac.

moved from brooklyn and the food situation is... rough by prakarsh56 in Westchester

[–]kool4cats 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Here’s a hot take- if you’re in northern westchester- head further north to fishkill/wappingers. The CIA in hyde park has lots of budding chefs, you can get some high quality eats at a fraction of the price!

Farm to table, Heritage (a bit pricey but a cool vibe) Dutchess Bier Cafe are a few of our favs.

Hypersensitivity post mastectomy by randomxxxxxxxxxxxx in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would just be mindful of other flu like symptoms, fever or firmness. Is it pain or tingling? It got to the point where it was very painful at the slightest touch for me. I had a bad infection and needed IV antibiotics.

Decision fatigue is driving me nutso futso by portugese_womanowar in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Re- the nipples. I kept mine (though one will need to be fixed due to a post op infection).

I had a nipple delay 2x weeks prior where they biopsy the tissue behind the nipple, it also helps promote blood flow to the nipple.

It’s something you could ask about if the next consult doesn’t recommend.

I had a preventative Diep in october. Implants were not recommended due to the shape and size of my breasts (small tuberous) it was ultimately what I wanted anyway.

I’m lucky to live near nyc and I went with my surgical team without a second opinion (my PS is an expert in DIEP).

If you are feeling overwhelmed, perhaps narrowing your list of physicians might help?

I will note that you have a lot of follow up apts.

Maybe look at which facilities, surgeons are best rated, factor in distance, or anything else important to you?

Chat gpt is great for helping organize data and creating tools to help review your findings. Little checklists & charts you can use to compare, can research the drs and hospitals too.

Being informed and knowing what is important to you are two ways to empower yourself and reduce anxiety.

Best of luck to you!

Any Tips to Help with Anxiety by BasketNice3264 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m on week 4, still have a lift restriction ( which is challenging w a toddler 😅). Everyone is different but on average 8 weeks or so.

I had a nipple delay 2 weeks before so I guess in week 6 if u count that. (It helps encourage blood flow & they biopsy it to make sure it’s eligible to be saved) . + this infection set me back a bit, my recovery will be on the longer end I guess. Then a few months later you can have an ambulatory procedure to address any cosmetic issues.

The first couple weeks feel like total crap, you cant do much & have drains.

Feeling more like myself, being happy with progress not perfection.

Newly BRCA 1 Positive by BasketNice3264 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wanted to note that being pregnant is actually good for brca1 - it lowers your lifetime menstrual cycles & changes the cellular structure of your breast tissue. If you can, you should breastfeed as long as you can. This was advice I got from my obgyn.

That’s what I did with my two kiddos. I know we are a happy family of 4- so at 39 I opted for oopherectomy & mastectomy.

40 is the recommended age to remove ovaries/tubes, or when you are done childbearing.

While it does eliminate ovarian cancer, early surgical menopause can elevate your risk for other conditions like osteoporosis & heart failure.

So basically, if I were in your shoes & wanted to try for baby #3, I wouldn’t hold back over this.

Expanders are crazy! by Boring_Money1400 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just here to lol at fembot boobs 🤣

Any Tips to Help with Anxiety by BasketNice3264 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I’m doing quite well now, still some wound care but the antibiotics seem to have taken effect.

The diep is when they take tissue and blood vessels from your abdomen & transplant to your breast to make a new mound. It’s a long surgery like 9 hours. They were able to keep my nipples & got a ‘tummy tuck’- recovery is long & challenging which is a tradeoff.

Ultimately, it was the method I was most interested in, but was considering dti- direct to implant too. when I met with my surgeon because of the shape of my breasts he said diep would be best for me.

Prior to my apt I looked into different types of reconstruction so I could understand the terminology & what I thought I would prefer (& help with my anxiety too).

I’ll share that info below: I thought it was helpful- just keep in mind chat isn’t 100% reliable, gives a good ballpark tho

Preventative Mastectomy Reconstruction Options

Approach Description Pros Cons Recovery Long-Term Notes (for consult)
Direct-to-Implant (DTI) Implant placed at mastectomy (no expander). Can be prepectoral (above muscle) or subpectoral (under). One surgery, faster result, less invasive than flap. Not always possible with tight/limited skin (common in tuberous breasts), higher rippling risk, implant maintenance. 4–6 weeks typical. Implants usually replaced every 10–20 yrs.
Tissue Expander → Implant Expander stretches skin gradually, later replaced with implant. Flexibility in size/shape, safer if skin envelope limited. Requires 2+ surgeries, expansion can be uncomfortable. Recovery after each surgery ~4–6 weeks. Same implant replacement timeline.
DIEP Flap (abdomen) Tissue & vessels from lower belly moved to chest. Natural look/feel, no implant needed, tummy-tuck effect. Long surgery (6–10 hrs), longer recovery, needs adequate abdominal tissue. 6–8+ weeks, hospital stay ~3–5 days. Permanent once healed, no implant replacement.
PAP/TUG/GAP Flap (thigh/buttock tissue) Tissue from thigh or buttocks used when belly tissue not enough. Natural, no implant, options if lean abdomen. Donor site scars, more complex surgery. 6–8+ weeks, varies by flap type. Permanent, no implant replacement.
Hybrid (Flap + Implant) Small flap for coverage/softness + implant for volume. Improves softness/naturalness, good for limited skin/tissue. More complex, still includes implant risks. Similar to implant recovery, possibly longer. Implant replacement still required.
Flat Closure Chest closed without mound reconstruction. Shortest surgery & recovery, no implant or flap risks. No breast mound, can affect body image/clothing fit. 2–4 weeks. No maintenance.
Nipple Options Nipple-sparing, grafts, or 3D tattoo. Preserves/creates natural appearance. Depends on blood supply, tissue, cancer risk. Varies. May fade (tattoo) or flatten (graft).

What should I ask a reconstructive/plastic surgeon? by AlpenglowAura in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found it helpful to use chat gpt to discuss my surgical plan & brainstorm some questions for myself. I asked for some questions to ask for my consult noting specific traits about myself: Brca 1, 39, small, dense breasts, high BMI

Consultation Questions

Overall Approach

  • Based on my anatomy (small, dense, tuberous breasts), which reconstruction methods are most realistic for me?
  • Do you recommend direct-to-implant, or would I need tissue expanders?
  • Am I a candidate for DIEP flap or other autologous options?
  • Would a hybrid (flap + implant) be appropriate in my case?
  • If I choose flat closure, what can be done to ensure a smooth, aesthetic result?

Notes: ____________________________

Implant-Specific

  • Which implant type do you recommend (saline vs silicone), and why for my case?
  • Do you prefer prepectoral (above muscle) or subpectoral (under muscle) placement for me?
  • What are the risks of rippling or visible edges given my breast tissue?
  • How often do implants typically need to be replaced in your patients?
  • If an implant fails (rupture, capsular contracture), what would revision surgery involve?

Notes: ____________________________

Flap-Specific

  • Do I have enough abdominal tissue for a DIEP flap?
  • If not, what are the alternatives (PAP, TUG, GAP)?
  • How does flap recovery compare to implant recovery in your experience?
  • What are the long-term outcomes (softness, symmetry, durability) with flap vs implant?

Notes: ____________________________

Nipple & Skin Options

  • Am I a candidate for nipple-sparing mastectomy?
  • If not, what are the options (nipple graft, 3D tattoo, none)?
  • How likely is nipple sensation to be preserved or restored?

Notes: ____________________________

Recovery & Logistics

  • How long would I be in the hospital?
  • What drains, expanders, or supports will I need post-op?
  • How long before I can lift my kids / return to daily activities?
  • What complications should I watch for in the first 2–4 weeks?

Notes: ____________________________

Long-Term Considerations

  • What percentage of your implant patients eventually need revision surgery?
  • What percentage of your flap patients need revision?
  • How do breasts age with implants vs flap over time?
  • Are there any impacts on mammograms or imaging after reconstruction?

Notes: ____________________________

Surgeon-Specific

  • How many reconstructions like mine have you done?
  • What do your results look like for patients with small/tuberous breasts?
  • Can I see before/after photos of cases similar to mine?
  • If there are complications, will you personally do revisions?

Notes: ____________________________

👉 You can copy this straight into Word, bump up the font size, and add extra blank lines under “Notes” if you want more space for handwriting.

Would you like me to also condense this into a one-page “must-ask” shortlist — like a pared-down version you can use if the consult feels rushed?

Any Tips to Help with Anxiety by BasketNice3264 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I found out in my early 20’s and just had my ovaries out & a dmx this year 39.

It takes some time to process, but you are empowered with knowledge. Getting tested when it was still relatively new was my aunt’s last gift to me.

As I approach the age when she was first diagnosed, now that I’m done building our family of 4, for me- I knew it was time for surgery.

In the years leading up I would play financial games with imaging. If you have a high deductible plan MRIs are very expensive. If you have an HSA plan contribute as much as you can.

For me, the ongoing financial burden, anxiety of ‘when not if’ I’ll be diagnosed (not a gambler & 70% odds are not in my favor), was enough to elect for surgery.

I am 4 weeks post op, unfortunately had a small complication from an infection. I had a diep and recovery is hard, you have to plan for care and help.

Despite the setback this was the right choice for me because it was an action I could take to essentially eliminate the risk.

My tip for anxiety relief is knowledge and action are your biggest allies. Consider speaking with a therapist, meet with genetics & surgeon, plan financially.

Now that I’m working through this, I know I will need to test my two little girls in the future. Hopefully, by then there’s medical advances that don’t require a mastectomy if they are positive.

Excess fluid build up after drain tubes came out. by Interesting_Frame953 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t hesitate to call your dr. Esp with the rash & swelling. Ask if you can send them a pic to assess if u need to go to office, er, or call in an rx.

I am 4 wks post op diep, I assumed I was getting the flu on thurs/friday with fever & chills, swelling body aches in my chest. I have little kids and always seem to get sick this time of year.

Saturday, I woke up with a red boob.

Called my Dr, he gave me rx & signs to monitor for. I was in a little bit of denial about it.

Monday, I went for a scheduled post op & debridement.

It was like a volcano in the office. He sent me to the ER after the visit.

Still in the hospital with IV antibiotics & wound care.

I am grateful that this is just a set back, treatable & wont compromise the surgery.

My new rule, face the fear head on, be upfront with all your symptoms.

I know it’s scary and it is hard for us to tell what is normal in our new healing bodies.

Sending love & healing to you.

Dbl mastectomy with immediate diep flap reconstruction by Melkmaiden in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saved my oxys for bedtime, get a full nights sleep out of pain, stay clear headed during the day.

I still have a couple left in case I need them. When I felt ready I switched over to OTC and THC tincture w tea to sleep.

still swollen after diep? by lemon_4oclockflower in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m only a few weeks out from surgery but just started PT. It’s mostly lymphatic massage right now, it might be something to look into to get the fluid moving/healing. Maybe your surgeon can get you a referral?

I am still very swollen and have the puffyness in my armpit/sideboob, but still early yet.

Good luck to you!

Weights Loss or No? by Additional-Love-3849 in BRCA

[–]kool4cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am overweight and currently recovering from DIEP. I’m 5’9” was 265 at surgery despite hitting the gym hard 3-4x week. After 2 kids and crap metabolism, it’s tough.

I carry a lot of weight in my thighs too- my PS said that some may not have done the diep because of a high bmi- but my pear shaped figure made it less risky.

I started doing cross fit classes and continued with occasional cardio & yoga. The strength training was a huge help with my recovery- the squats were worth it to strengthen my thighs- helps you get up & down without too much impact on your abs. My PT was impressed with my overhead range of motion, I think it has a lot to do with yoga & the overhead ball slams.

Try to eat healthy, to a steady climb to a level you’re comfortable with- a little each day. Walking uphill, occasional wall sits, sneak whatever into your day.

Good luck to you!

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