34 Yr Old Recently Diagnosed - Stage 1 BC

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JackieMom
JackieMom Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

Hello all.  I am hoping for some feedback about what to expect after a bilateral mastectomy?

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited January 2011

    Hi Jackie,

    When is your surgery? The waiting is killer. But it will all be over with in no time! They had me arrive two hours early (time stood still) and obviously no coffee before surgery. After surgery I was dying for a caffeine fix. I was walking the halls that evening in the hospital and couldn't sleep. The bed was too high to get in and out of. The PS closed me up and glued me shut. I had this burning sensation where my breasts were.

    There will be numbness and you will lose range of motion. My range of motion is pretty much improved but not at 100%, and I still have some numbness in places.

    I had four drains. Not sure if you know about these. The drains capture the fluid that builds up after surgery. You're supposed to empty the drains at regular intervals for a few days. They are a pain but time goes by quickly.

    I experienced a loss after losing my breasts. Surgeons must either be loved (no cancer!) or hated (no breasts!). I think my surgeon is afraid of me lol.

    Check out the surgery forum. There is a thread about a shopping list and how to prepare. I would have been lost without that thread. And also in that forum, there's usually a thread dedicated for each month for women who are having surgery in the respective month. You'll find many friends and support there.

    It's doable. You'll be okay! 

    Mindy xxx

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  • JackieMom
    JackieMom Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    Mindy,

     Thank you for the realistic explanations.  I should have a date set by the end of this week.  I will meet with a PS on Thursday.  If he is a good 'fit' I will call my surgical team to schedule surgery.  I notice you opted for No reconstruction.  Any thoughts as to why?

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited January 2011

    I have my surgery tomorrow.  I will be continuing to blog my physical and emotional progress.  My blog is listed below.  Good luck.....sorry you are joining our club.  HUGS!

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited January 2011

    I didn't mean to be such a downer, it really isn't as hard as it sounds. Once you get it done, you will have this huge sense of relief and the fear and anxiety is gone! It's all doable.

    I opted no reconstruction because it would entail more dr visits and possibly more surgeries to fix potential problems thus the copays. I have limited funds. I didn't know it at the time but I did need a PS in the beginning because of the dog ears. Now I need more surgery to fix this, thus more dr visits thus the hospital copay. I am scheduled for surgery on Mar 3rd for this revision. Oh well, PS it is. Not reconstruction btw.

    Reconstruction is a personal thing. Check out the two forums, one for going breast free and the other for reconstruction. You can get better answers from these ladies.

    You both are in my thoughts!

    Mindy xxx

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  • JackieMom
    JackieMom Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    mdg - thinking about you!  Good luck with your surgery! 

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  • JackieMom
    JackieMom Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    Mindy - thank you for the information.  You absolutely weren't a downer!!  I attended my first 'meeting' at a local breast cancer coalition group.  Very interesting.  I was def the youngest in attendance with bc.  Thank you for the advice.  I am still a bit from a surgery plan, but it's soon!

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited January 2011

    Glad I wasn't too negative. I didn't want to frighten you!

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  • JackieMom
    JackieMom Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    I gave up being modest and frightened a few weeks ago! Kiss 

    I have to ask - what are dog ears?

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  • Christine5
    Christine5 Member Posts: 78
    edited January 2011

    Good luck! I hope it goes well for you, the waiting really is a tough time. I am 3 1/2 weeks post surgery and find that each day I feel stronger, have more stamina and less pain. Some days are more emotional than others but try to allow people to help you. If they say, is there anything I can do, allow them to provide meals, do laundry, errands or even house or yard work. It is hard but you can do it! My heart has been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity I have experienced. Hang in there!

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited January 2011

    Ahhh, modesty, what a concept! I'm not shy about any procedure anymore. I recently had my first colonoscopy and no prob lol. Dog ears is a fleshy part on your sides after mx/BMX. Some women get these while others don't. Even if you opt for no recon, consult a PS anyway. Wish I had.



    Maria I am thinking of you!



    Mindy xxx

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  • JackieMom
    JackieMom Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    Mindy,

     Thank you for being candid.  I went to my second support group meeting.  Very interesting.  I am used to working through things on my own....these women actually support each other very well!  I am sure I want recon and have spoken to a great PS.  I should set a date sometime next week with my surgeons! (Hope my husband doesn't mind)

    Angie

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