Boobies Be Gone!

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Kristen81
Kristen81 Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

I hate to see these puppies go, but I know it's for the best! I'm scared and nervous and my stomach is in knots....I just can't wait for this to be done.

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  • theresa45
    theresa45 Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2014

    Hi Kristen,  I just wanted to wish you an easy surgery and recovery. I had a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction four years ago.  The surgery and recovery were easier than I expected.  The hardest part was walking into the surgery center. I remember the scared, nervous, stomach in knots feeling.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Everyone is different, but I can tell you that I have not regretted my decision.  

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  • Marie715
    Marie715 Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2014

    Hi Kristen,

       I'm with theresa45.  I had my bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction in Feb. 2014 and I am so happy that I did not chose reconstruction. For me, honest to God, there was very little pain after surgery.  I think I took a total of 3 pain killers!  My surgeon explained that since it is not an invasive surgery where they are removing organs, it is an easier recovery.  For me, the hardest part of the entire breast cancer treatment plan is the mental anguish we go through.

       Good luck to you.  Stay in touch on the boards.

    Marie

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  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited June 2014

    Hi Kristen:  I support the two previous women.  I only had a unilateral mx, but also experienced very little pain.  Left hospital three hours post surgery and only used extra strength Tylenol at night.  I do believe it is the reconstruction that is so painful.  Anticipating the mastectomy was awful.  Mine was a week before Xmas and as everyone was shopping for gifts, I was shopping for tops that opened at the front, etc. and was completely overwhelmed and probably in shock.  I felt so much better immediately after the surgery.  The anticipation is far worse. It is soon going to be so much easier.  All the best to you! 

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  • auroaya200882
    auroaya200882 Member Posts: 942
    edited June 2014

    Hi Kristen, I too had a UNI without reconstruction. Two weeks after I was released from the hospital (3 day stay) I flew to Miami from Houston for my daughter's college graduation and I still had the drains!! Felt fine on the plane and back so for me it was easy too. I chose no reconstruction and wore a prothesis for a while. Now that I'm retired on disability I don't even bother with the proth and I feel fine. I still have my mojo and attract gentleman's affection. Like someone said each person is different but I wish you a speedy recovery and no major discomfort.

    Aurora

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited June 2014

    I agree with everyone above and have a very similar story to TB, I am a Uni too, no recon and I had my surgery at Christmas the year before her. The anticipation is definitely worse, than the reality of the surgery. 

    I was very surprised by the lack of pain after the surgery. I spent the night walking the halls, having cups of tea and chatting with the Nurses. I didn't need any pain meds at all. I had a broken toe at the time and it gave me far more grief, than the Mx....go figure!

    I have to say, your name for the thread is a good one "Boobies Be Gone!", I actually spoke to my right breast the night before my surgery, told it that it had let me down and had to go! I know it sounds nuts, but it really helped me feel a lot more calm and in control.

    I wish you all the very best and look forward to hearing how you're doing when you're on this side of the surgery! Take it easy! M x

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  • belleb
    belleb Member Posts: 170
    edited June 2014

    Hope all goes well with your surgery. I'm a month behind you - will have my BMX with no recon July 25. I have conflicting feelings - sometimes I'm like "omg I ONLY have a month left with breasts" and other times I think "omg I wish these things were GONE!". When I had the appt with my surgeon a few weeks ago he did a breast exam and I realized that it was the first time anyone (including myself!) had touched my breasts since I'd been diagnosed - it's like I'm terrified of them and what they might be hiding. I think the peace of mind will be well worth it once it's done, but I am stressed about the whole procedure in general. Trying not to let it preoccupy me, though! Check in when you can and let us know how it went :)

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