new here and just got the news last month :(

barbara32068

Was dig. with IDC and having dense breast I am opting for a bilateral mastectomy. I'm scared Dr told me it was going to be an 8 hr surgery will be going under the knife on march 13th ,,just asking for prayer ,never had major surgery

Moderators

Dear barabara32068, we are glad you found us but sorry about your Dx of IDC.

We wish you well with your surgery on March 13 and hope it all goes well. Yes, it is scary but you'll be surprised at how well you'll cope once you are into it. Many have very little pain, but recon can cause discomfort. Provided you read the hints on here and prepare for post surgery, you will be better able to deal with the recovery period. Just be careful and not try too much, too soon.

With regards to your BMx (bilateral mastectomy), if you are going for reconstruction, now or later read the Reconstruction stories and Breast Reconstruction on BCO Forums and ask questions.

You may consider not reconstructing and going flat, so read Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy. If you decide to go flat, be clear with your surgeon that you don't want recon or skin saving, but want to be "flat".

There are many issues to consider and many variables in all treatments depending upon location, surgeon, your body's responses and your Dx.

We understand that it is confusing, often overwhelming and there is so much information to read and consider but there is no easy way as YOU have to make the decision as to what is done to YOUR BODY.

Holeinone

Barbara,

Just wanted to say hello, weekends are slow around here. I had a lumpectomy, so no advice on your surgery. Good Luck !

Ariom

Hey Barbara, so sorry to hear you are joining us here, but glad you have found us.

I know how scary a prospect all this is. I am a Uni, one breast remaining, after a mastectomy. I didn't reconstruct and the surgery was so much easier than I expected. I actually went shopping for shoes, the morning after my surgery, on the way home from the Hospital:)

It is quiet here at the moment, but there will be others who will come and share their experiences with you. Are you having reconstruction? The links the Mods have given you are worth taking a look at, so you get an idea what to expect.

There is a thread here which has all the tips about what to take to the Hospital, my main tips are to take throat lozenges, my throat was so dry and raspy from the breathing tube. I woke up ravenous and couldn't swallow the sandwich they gave me to eat. You also need to take a small pillow to protect the chest from the seat belt in the car. I had a cloth shoulder bag which held my drain, but others will give you more ideas about drain holders, since you are having a BMX.

I wish you all the very best, you'll do fine!

Let us know how you get on!

Kalonis52

Hi honey, So sorry about your Diagnosis. However, you did come to the right place for some support. My surgery was long too. It is a long procedure. You will be fine. There is nothing to be scared about. You just keep strong. You will get thru it. Keep us updated honey.

Good Luck,

Kaloni 

Bren58

Barbara, I am sorry for your dx, but glad you found the amazing ladies on these boards!

I too had dense breasts and decided to do a bilateral mastectomy (BMX) with my dx back in 2000. It is a decision I never regretted. Mine too was a long surgery as I had both the breast surgeon (BS) and plastic surgeon (PS) in the room because I had expanders placed at the time of surgery. I know it is scary, but you will get through this. Make sure you have a number of tops that either zip, snap or button all the way down the front as those are the only ones you will be able to get into for a couple weeks after surgery. ((((hugs))))

I will pray for you. Lean on Him.

Bren

PS Just so you don't feel alone, here is the link to the March surgery sisters

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/...