Recovery from double mastectomy

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Molly2019
Molly2019 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello everyone. I’m new to the group, this is my 2nd bout of breast cancer. My 1st was aug 2007 when I was 37yrs old. My treatment consisted of lumpectomy with chemo & radiation. That went good and I ha e been cancer free until December 2018. I actually just went in to my doctor for some routine blood work caz I had been feeling drained and thought my thyroid was out of whake. Well she starts asking about my cancer and I’m like yes 11 years. And she’s like so nothing is going on, ? Well actually I just just noticed a lump in my left breast (same breast as cancer was in before) and really didn’t think a lot about it caz I had just had a mammogram in May and it was fine. Well she immediately says it’s full and definitely needs to be checked out. So ultrasound. Mammo. Biopsy.

CANCER!!!!!! AGAIN!!!!!

I was completely in shock. Of course this time my only option for the left breast is mastectomy so I decided to just go ahead and have both done and reconstruction at the same time. So here I set tonight, 1 week post op with 2 drains out and 2 drains still in.

Today has been a very emotional day for me. I guess it’s all just getting a little overwhelming so I got online to look for some help. Anybody that can offer some words of support would be appreciated. I know I should be strong and know what to expect but I let my emotions get the best of me today. I just had to vent some I guess and I know that someone that’s been there can understand so I’m reaching out to y’all.

Thanks !!!!

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  • Motheroftwo36
    Motheroftwo36 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2019

    I’m sorry you are going through this. I have a double mastectomy planned next month and I’m sure we are all emotional at that stage. Just seeing ourselves in a different way is emotional enough. I hope u have lots of support. I’m 32 and have two toddlers and never did I imagine I’d be going through this. I try to look at the positive though. So thankful for how treatable breast cancer is now, new boobs aren’t necessarily a horrible thing (in my case) , and pretty soon this will just be a memory that can only make u stronger. Lots of love and reach out whenever u need it.

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  • Irishlove
    Irishlove Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2019

    Hi Molly. I'm so sorry that you have to endure this nightmare again. It's been 17 days since my Mastectomy so I sure can empathize with you. Vent all you need and want. That's what we are here for. This group of folks has been very supporting, informative and welcoming to me. Being a newbie, it's my first chance to pay it forward. You learn quickly that these folks have your back.

    Do you have your plan in place going forward? I know that helped me. Confidence in my team has made a huge difference. SIngle mastectomy and no reconstruction as I have MS and the neuro and surgeon agreed it would be a more intense recovery.

    So let yourself vent, grieve, cry. No need to put on a front. I hope you have a supportive family and friends and add us to the list to help you.

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  • Molly2019
    Molly2019 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2019

    Irishlove, yes I have my reconstruction plan moving forward. We are going to start my 1st post op injections on Monday if everything goes as planned I appreciate the support and I have a huge support team at home but sometimes it seems like you just need to talk to someone that's actually been where you are. My family has been catering to my every need and my church family makes sure I don't have to worry about food at all. They are all so very caring supportive and loving. They have my back and support my decision completely. I've had my friend taking care of my drains so I don't even have to worry about measuring or “milking" them. I'm very thankful to have my support team and now to have this wonderful support system of survivors that can relate to my fears and emotions that I may not even understand at times

    Thanks again!!!

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  • Molly2019
    Molly2019 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2019

    motheroftwo36. I’m sorry you are facing this dreadful fear. I was so afraid up until my surgery. Things could not have gone any better. I had wonderful surgeons that were very concerned and made sure I understood everything. They also make sure you are very comfortable before and after surgery. I have 3 small grandchildren and that’s very hard on me to not be able to hold them and love on them but I know if I wanna be here to see them grow up this is a necessary part of that. I hope everything goes well with your surgery and recovery. Prayers definitely going up for you.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited March 2019

    Molly2019 hang in there. I am 9 months out from my BMX with immediate reconstruction. Give your self time to heal and know a big part of that process is acknowledging the emotions and fears that result from this type of diagnosis and surgery. I am so thankful to hear you describe the support system that surrounds you. It is humbling to realize how many people care for you, one of the few "gifts" we receive when we are touched by this disease. My very best to you for a speedy recovery .

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  • lila3357
    lila3357 Member Posts: 36
    edited March 2019

    Hi, just joining in on this thread. Heading to the plastic surgeon this afternoon. Scheduled for BMX with reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy on April 3. This is my second time in the same situation. Last time, had lumpectomy and radiation. Both times high grade DCIS, Multiple biopsies with ADH, LCIS, etc in between. Struggled with my decision...but here I am... and feeling quite anxious. Starting to make a plan and learning a lot from all of you!! Thankful to have a place to "listen" and learn.



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  • Molly2019
    Molly2019 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2019

    Well ladies I got my drains out yesterday & the 2nd set weren’t near as bad as the first set. They opted to wait another week to start my injections so I’m anxious to see how that goes. My friends and family are all still bringing supper every night so we definitely aren’t going hungry. I’m still sleeping in the recliner but thinking seriously about going to bed tonight 🤞🏻

    I got the results from the spot that was found on the mri they did before the mastectomy & turns out it was a 2nd cancer also so therefore I’m headed to see my oncologist next week as well. I’m hoping she doesn’t wanna do chemo again, that was rough the 1st go around. But on a good note they took 5 lymph nodes and they all tested clear so I’m thankful for that. Just wanted to post an update caz y’all are so awesome to give me encouragement.

    Also I’ve only had 1 more breakdown since my bad day Saturday

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  • DesertPup
    DesertPup Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2019

    Hi Molly!

    That's great news on the drains! Had my BMX in January and now I'm on my radiations for 3 more weeks. My lymph nodes were clear so no chemo necessary. Keep resting and walking and resting and walking. Fresh air, sun on your face and bed. And good TV, books. And cravings! Let yourself have a few cravings. There's this 8 layer chocolate cake at this gourmet grocer down the road? I buy a piece at a time and it's so HUGE and rich I eat it all week :) It helps.Hang in there and just try let the adventure unfold. Each day brings new strength and new obstacles too. It's a journey so take the time. So glad you have people around you making it easier.

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