Lumpectomy

[bunny777]

I had a biospy done on my left breast 3/24/08 and on 3/27/08 found out the biopsy was malignant and will be going to a breast specialist on 4/4/08.  My doctor said I will need surgery and will find out the details on 4/4/08.  I have a trip planned for Calgary, Alberta on May 12 - May 28 to visit my son and family and 2 grandsons.  If I am to have the surgery done before I go to Calgary, will I still be in good enough shape to take the trip.  Perhaps the specialist will say it's okay to wait to have surgery when I return from trip.  I am so torn to what to do.  Ever since I found out about the Cancer, I have been so sick to my stomach.  Any advice...  Thank you.... Sincerely, Bunny777

[Erickamarie]

I just cancelled my 20th anniversary Hawaiian Cruise for next week.  The radiologist said it was very important to start tx w/in 5 weeks of surgery.  Then the Chemo Dr looked very concerned when I suggested taking the trip and starting chemo in week 9.  We got back the cruise $ but the airline is not cooperating with the $3000 on the flight. We have letters from the Dr and everything, but they won't even return our calls.  My husband said he'd rather get me the best and in the best time frames, and do the trip later.  I figured I wouldn't be abe to enjoy it under these circumstances anyway.  Sigh.

[mamaboulet]

Unless there are indications that it is one of the rare fast growing cancers, it seems like it would be less stressful to wait, and probably would make no difference as far as the cancer. You are only talking about a month or so wait, which isn't much for a cancer that probably took 8-10 years to grow. Talk to your doctor and surgeon to see if they have any objections to waiting an extra month. If for some reason they are uncomfortable with you waiting, then I would probably follow their advice. A lumpectomy is usually fairly simple compared to a mastectomy, which means less to heal, faster to heal.

[bunny777]

Thank you for your reply.  As far as I know I will be having a Lumpectomy and will go to the breast specialist on April 4 to find out the details.  As for the trip to Calgary, I will not be able to move it up.  I will be asking the doctor April 4 if the surgery can wait until after I return from my trip.  (bunny777)

[japdip]

It would depend on what type of surgery you are going to have done and also the possible treatment you will receive after surgery. I personally would wait until after your trip as there will be Dr.s appointments to deal with in any case. The wait of a month wouldn't make much of a difference but you should definitely take that up with your surgeon. I changed my Ins. coverage between biopsy and mastectomy which meant a little over a months delay and my surgeon said "no problem". Could you perhaps move up your trip ??