Mastectomy

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nanc512
nanc512 Member Posts: 98
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
Hello:

I have posted in other forums here, but due to my decision to have a mastectomy I thought I would start researching here. I had a lumpectomy on 7/5, SNB came back clear during surgery, came back as microscopic after the final path report. I was scheduled for port, axillary node dissection and a re-excision three weeks ago. Tumor board cancelled it because path report didn't show info on the smaller of the two tumors. I was sent out of town to get a detailed MRI, which took a few weeks. I met with the oncologist last week and the surgeon yesterday. The suspicious area is bigger than we thought, since he already took 1/4, by the time he takes the suspicious area and clean margins, I would have half a breast, which isn't okay.

The oncologist wants me to consider reconstruction and the surgeon says I have time to make that decision. I really don't want it at this point. I am so tired of surgeries, tests and appointments and losing one breast isn't going to change me or make me less of a woman.

I would like some input on what I need right after surgery. I read a great thread about ideas for immediate post op. The surgeon said something about in two weeks getting a bra and prothesis. I have seen camisoles and other products. Do I need something immediate post op?

I work at home, but do go out shopping and am very active at church. I am the only driver at home (my elderly mom lives with me, she has macular degeneration and my son is 19 with a connective tissue disease and low vision), so I am trying to get prepared before Monday.

I will keep reading, thanks for being here!

Nancy
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  • purplemb
    purplemb Member Posts: 1,542
    edited August 2007
    Nancy...there is NO rush to make your decision....please take your time, reconstruction can be done at anytime...I had immediate const after my left mast... .only to have 2 implants fail...(which took about 2 years of my time)...now instead I have a beautiful tattoo covering the scar and I wear a proth...when I feel like it....so please know there are lots of options...I was lucky to feel very good a few days after the surg...I could have gone back to work but took the full 2 weeks off...found a yoga instructor to help me stretch..which is VERY important...
    good luck..PM if you want
    MB
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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited August 2007
    Hi Nancy,

    I am sure others will be along but have you checked out Barbara's new website? www.breastfree.org
    Several of us have posted our personal stories there so you may find that helpful. Also, there is a section about post-op issues.

    I felt exactly like you do and have been so happy without recon. Had a right mast. a little over a year ago and cannot imagine ever wanting to reconstruct. Of course, that option is always there should I choose to do it. For me I had to have radiation after my mast. so I was forced into waiting anyway and I am glad I did. Saved me several additional surgeries.
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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited August 2007
    Madalyn,

    I have a question for you about the Still You Illusions. I'm a bilateral and I have a pair. They feel and look great, except for one thing: the way they're shaped, they are kind of oval and come to a point at each end. That little pointy part sometimes shows through my bra when I'm wearing a tee shirt. Perhaps you've found a bra that works better than the ones I've found. Any suggestions would be appreciated, since I love the way they feel. They have almost no weight, but just enough to hold my bra in place. And no perspiring!

    Barbara
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  • Steph54
    Steph54 Member Posts: 26
    edited August 2007
    Barbara, I am just about to send you a PM because I can't get "copy" and "paste" to work here ...maybe it isn't supposed to!
    Be back later,

    Steph
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  • nanc512
    nanc512 Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2007
    Thank you so much for the great info. I went to Barbara's site and read the stories and the articles. That was a huge help. I am really concerned about possible reconstruction going wrong, the extra recovery, traveling to the plastic surgeon and the usual concerns. We have one ps in town and I think I would probably go out of town to someone who does this on a regular basis.

    Since I am having a unilateral mastectomy, my concern was how clothing would look, too. I am a good C cup, but I am confident I can get bras and prothesis to work. My surgeon and oncologist are both great and easy to talk to. We do have a nice new cancer center at our hospital, so my chemo will be done locally and I have met most of the staff.

    The hospital called with instructions and it was one of my Reach to Recovery mentors, the other is the chief nursing officer at the hospital. I was able to ask questions about the stay and she gave me great tips. I didn't have much pain from the lumpectomy and the SNB, just a bad reaction to Ambien. He gives Ambien for three nights and I had a carry over affect really bad. I didn't realize it til the day after I "didn't" take one and I felt much better. So, no Ambien for me this time!

    I am feeling better about this decision. If I am not going to do reconstruction for me, then I don't need to do it for anyone else. I am single, have been divorced for 17 years, so any future hubby will just have to put up with it. :-)

    Nancy
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    Like you, I chose not to have reconstruction. I can change my mind if I want, but for now, I believe, two years since my mastectomy.

    I'm not sure how long you have to wait before you can drive.
    Therefore, you may need to line someone up to do the driving for you in the beginning. Also, you could buy imperishable foods early on so you won't need those.

    Also, if you have a recliner most women find it to be more comfortable sleeping in it. I put a king size pillow behind my back and slept pretty good. By sleeping in a recliner you don't have to "struggle" to get up. If you don't have a recliner perhaps one of those "wedge" pillows would work.

    Here is a great site to look over. Are you going to have drains? This site has camisoles and some post op with drain pockets. I wish I had bought one. The drains are a pain in the rear.

    http://www.tlcdirect.org/depts/MastectomyProducts.html

    Good luck!
    Shirley
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  • nanc512
    nanc512 Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2007
    I got my Softee today and it is awesome, there are "inserts" I can use. My mom said "those are huge," but you can take some of the fiberfill out. There is a pocket on the inside for the two drains.

    I didn't have a recliner, so I bought a nice LazBoy micro fiber recliner for the family room. They brought it today and it is awesome. I stocked up on stool softner, gauze and tape. Doing grocery shopping this weekend to get stocked up. Church is doing meals all next week, so that is taken care of.

    I feel prepared for this, just wish some of my siblings could be here for mom and my son. My brother just went back to DC yesterday and my sister was here earlier in the week. I do have one brother that lives nearby, so it's up to him!

    Thank you!

    Nancy
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