Preparing for Masectomy

Hi,

I was 42 and my ILC was found on my first ever mammogram! I opted for a double mastectomy since my tumor area looked pretty big and my boobs were not large enough to look normal after a lumpectomy. I also wanted those traitors off my chest!

For me, the biggest issue was the stress associated with waiting. I couldn't stand that!

Everything else was totally do-able for me. The BMX was a relief after all that waiting. The pain was not really too bad. It is only in short bursts- like getting out of bed. OMG! Burning lightning in my sternum for the frist week. I had figure out ways to avoid using my abs a little while! I tried to do as much as I could on my own. I could have woken my DH to help me out of bed, but I wanted to do it myself! It took gumption, but I felt achievement from it. That pain was strong at first, but again, only when I was doing something. Laughing, OUCH. Sneezing, Holy cow, don't do that!

I think I stopped all narcotics after the first few days and then went on Tylenol/Ibuprofen, plus Gabapentin. I had no pain when I was sitting still, and I also had no energy at first, so laying around was great. It took me about a month to feel normal and energetic again. Gentle walks, and then gentle hikes helped me a lot.

I opted for chemo after my BMX, and that was not a big deal. Chemo day was long because I cold capped, and I felt sick for a few days after Neulasta, but I basically lived my life. As chemo progressed, I got tired easily, and walking up hills and working in the sun were rough, but it was fine. I was able to do desk work and ride my horse all through chemo, although I sometimes had to ask for help with things when I got tired or too hot.

The tissue expanders were very uncomfortable, and I blame that on them filling them too quickly. I wanted it slow and they rushed a bit, and it hurt a lot. I have had a subsequent infection, and my second TE was expanded much slower and there was no pain associated with it. If you get a TE, I recommend that as soon as it feels tight you ask them to stop filling. Dragging out the fills can really make it more comfortable.

Since you are ER+ I assume you'll do either Tamoxifen or OS + AI. I am on OS + AI. It was a pain in the butt for the first 3-4 months. I felt like I was 200 years old. But as usual, I just kept living my life as always, and I feel good now. Don't get me wrong, I have about 10 things I could complain about, but in the overall balance I'm very happy!

Each of us has a different lens for how we perceive the difficulties of cancer treatment. I sort of take things as they come and try to focus on the next steps. I also find great joy in thinking of how much worse things could be. That makes me o grateful for what I have. My cancer could have been much worse, I could have been hit by a car and be paralyzed, etc.

Just remember that tons of women have gone through this and there is nothing you can't handle!