Breast Cancer - you're kidding me!

eurek

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer (almost 3 - no, U said two!) in June 2014. I've been through eight chemo treatments, double mastectomy, 28 radiation treatments and just early May 2015 reconstructive surgery. I'm told I need a second reconstructive surgery. The radiation breast side is smaller due to muscle and skin damage with radiation. I'm seriously thinking I won't due the second surgery. I'm tired. Also, the hormone blockers is causing a lot of joint pain. I walk like I'm 80. I'm 62. Hot flashes all the time. Any advice?

AmyQ

I am very sorry to hear of your troubles. I can relate to feeling and walking like we're 80. I have recently started taking Advil gel caps to help with the joint inflammation and it helps.

I went through several reconstruction surgeries and finally had my implants removed. I'm living practically pain-free but happily flat.

Good luck to you.

Amy

debiann

I can certainly understand being done. In the past year I had a lumpectomy, a bmx with immediate diep recon and just last week "stage 2" of the recon, a breast lift and dog ear removal. While I'm sure the end results will be great, I totally broke down blubbering like a baby the day after this last surgery. Seeing my body cut up and bruised again was really difficult and I felt an odd sense of loss at having my body change yet one more time. If you are comfortable with your current condition and feel done, then by all means be done. You can always reconsider down the road when you are feeling stronger.