Double mastectomy scheduled for 3/16.
Comments
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Welcome youngnana--you are
Welcome youngnana--you are probably still overwhelmed and in a state of shock. Take a deep breath and hang in there. This is a journey none of us asked to go on. Ask your dr for something to reduce your anxiety if you need it. I had bilateral mastetomy with Latissimus flap reconstruction with expanders in Sept-09. I was in the hospital for 2 days. When I first woke up I had catheter in and was still numb so was not in a whole lot of pain. I was able to get up early the next morning. My family was here with me the first couple of days. Getting in and out of the bed and up and down was the worst for me. With their support and the help of the painkillers time passed and this is my new normal life. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you. Take care. Marilyn0 -
You will do fine
Hi YA I had a double mast. this past June w/ imd. reconst. I'd never been in the hosp. other then to have my son, I even asked my P.S. if anyone had died during this surgery.... NO. They gave me a med. pump use as needed I was not in any bad pain discomfort, some but they make sure you are not hurting. I was walking the halls the next day. I think I was in for 3 days, surgery on Friday, came home on Sunday. Oh, I also had a lat tram flap. I was really scared,I wrote my child cards for each day I thought I'd be gone.It really was not hard at all. I came home and started making coffee for myself the next am. You will do fine and be fine. Prayers are with you. Angel0 -
The day after
Youngnana - I had bilateral mastectomy - no reconstruction yet - 10/14. Visited that evening with my husband, enjoyed having my morphine pump throughout the night, no real pain with the medications, next day I was sitting up in a chair playing cards! You'll feel numb all over your chest because they have to cut through some nerves to do the surgery. I'm now numb only at the actual mastectomy sites. You will have drains for about a week after your surgery which have to be emptied carefully and measured. This was the most unpleasant thing for me. I ended up sleeping in a recliner after my 24 hours in the hospital. I didn't want to roll over on the drain and pull at it. Once the drains are out, you feel SO much better! All in all, the surgery - although spoken of as "major" was not huge for me. I had range of motion with my arms right away and have healed very well. You may have been told about the "phantom pain" that you'll experience - like what an amputee feels when a limb is lost. You will feel sensations where your breasts were. For me it was like the feeling of my milk coming in prior to breastfeeding. I found that touching another spot higher up on my chest would trick my mind into refocusing on something else and the sensation at the site would go away. Eventually that phantom pain goes away altogether. Please let us know how you did after you get through with the surgery and get back to your computer!
Blessings!
Beth0 -
Youngnana
Just wanted to add my welcome...i didn't have a mastectomy, so can't help you there. But do know that the fears and denial and everything that your feeling are all very normal. You have come to a great place, there are lots of women here who can help you thru your journey. Will pray for peace before your surgery and a rapid recovery...God Bless...
Julie0 -
Thanks so much for the well
Thanks so much for the well wishes. I am so relieved to be able to talk with other women who have gone through this, and are so aware of just how I feel. This has been a blessing. I dont know anyone, no friends or relatives who have made these choices. I find myself feeling like I have to be strong, even when I feel so uncertain. If I falter even just a little, my family falters also, they take their clue from me. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, stage 1. I cried much of that first day. Then, made the rounds of doctors and plastic surgeon, and now the waiting this last week for the surgery is difficult. I find my mind wandering, always back to this, and not sleeping well. I have anxiety about the outcome of the sentinal node biopsy, and have such a fear of chemo.0 -
Hi youngnana welcome to the
Hi youngnana welcome to the sight, however sorry for why you are here. I am fairly new also but it has been a wonderful source of information, encouragement and overall knowledge of what to others are going through before us and what to expect.
I had a mammogram and ultrasound on Friday Jan 15th. 2 weeks later I was having a double mastectomy with centile node removal on the right side (no signs of cancer on left but decided it was best in my case to go with a double). No reconstruction, still down the road. I had never been in the hospital before, no surgergies, so in general I was kind of a mess also. However everything went fine, I was at an out patient surgery center so I went home 1st thing the next morning. Best advice I have is to take pain meds as directed. As stated the worst part was definately the drains! I am still sleeping in the recliner and on the sofa though. I tried the bed last night but kept my husband up all night. I had my 1st of 6 chemo treatments today and still feeling pretty good, so I guess I see in a few days, really nervous of the side effects though. I thought waking up without boobs would be terrible, but I am now over that and have prothsesis, so this is the next huge hurdle. I still have numbness and stiffness on the right side, DR says will take some time to get better. I hope some of my story has helped. Best of luck and hugs to you and believe that you really are stronger than all this!
Karen0 -
Thanks so much, your wordskms3566 said:Hi youngnana welcome to the
Hi youngnana welcome to the sight, however sorry for why you are here. I am fairly new also but it has been a wonderful source of information, encouragement and overall knowledge of what to others are going through before us and what to expect.
I had a mammogram and ultrasound on Friday Jan 15th. 2 weeks later I was having a double mastectomy with centile node removal on the right side (no signs of cancer on left but decided it was best in my case to go with a double). No reconstruction, still down the road. I had never been in the hospital before, no surgergies, so in general I was kind of a mess also. However everything went fine, I was at an out patient surgery center so I went home 1st thing the next morning. Best advice I have is to take pain meds as directed. As stated the worst part was definately the drains! I am still sleeping in the recliner and on the sofa though. I tried the bed last night but kept my husband up all night. I had my 1st of 6 chemo treatments today and still feeling pretty good, so I guess I see in a few days, really nervous of the side effects though. I thought waking up without boobs would be terrible, but I am now over that and have prothsesis, so this is the next huge hurdle. I still have numbness and stiffness on the right side, DR says will take some time to get better. I hope some of my story has helped. Best of luck and hugs to you and believe that you really are stronger than all this!
Karen
Thanks so much, your words expressed exactly what I have been feeling, How terrible it will be to wake up, and have them gone. I dont want to look, Did you cry? By the way, I am also karen.0 -
Hi Youngnana. I wasyoungnana said:Thanks so much for the well
Thanks so much for the well wishes. I am so relieved to be able to talk with other women who have gone through this, and are so aware of just how I feel. This has been a blessing. I dont know anyone, no friends or relatives who have made these choices. I find myself feeling like I have to be strong, even when I feel so uncertain. If I falter even just a little, my family falters also, they take their clue from me. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, stage 1. I cried much of that first day. Then, made the rounds of doctors and plastic surgeon, and now the waiting this last week for the surgery is difficult. I find my mind wandering, always back to this, and not sleeping well. I have anxiety about the outcome of the sentinal node biopsy, and have such a fear of chemo.
Hi Youngnana. I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 weeks ago also. My biopsy only showed Papilloma ( precancerous) but after removing it, pathology found a cancer attached to it. I can relate to all your comments. I've come a long way in a short time, and my outlook has completely changed. The biggest breakthrough for me was the revelation that I don't HAVE to do ANYTHING! It's my decision what I do next and when I do it. It helps not to feel so helpless and out of control. I'm praying for God to give you clear direction about where you should go from here, and to give you peace so that you won't make your decisions out of fear.
Be blessed!
Angie0 -
OOPS!youngnana said:Thanks so much, your words
Thanks so much, your words expressed exactly what I have been feeling, How terrible it will be to wake up, and have them gone. I dont want to look, Did you cry? By the way, I am also karen.
My comment didn't show up at the end, but above the last comment. Hope you don't miss it!:)0 -
Hi Karen, Yes I did cry,youngnana said:Thanks so much, your words
Thanks so much, your words expressed exactly what I have been feeling, How terrible it will be to wake up, and have them gone. I dont want to look, Did you cry? By the way, I am also karen.
Hi Karen, Yes I did cry, especially a few days later when I could take the bandages off to shower, still hard to look at and trying to find the right clothes to wear. There are days I think I am in a dream and I will wake up from all this and life is normal again. However, this sight has been a great help to me. I read so much, I think I received more info here and it really helped me to know what questions to ask the doctors. I wish you all the best and feel free to PM me if you would like.0 -
I can't believe
In my initial phase I kept repeating over and over in my head the phrase "I can't believe I am giving permission to lop off my breast". This would make me very sad and depressed.
About 3 days before my mastectomy, I had to shake off these thoughts, and changed my mantra to: "I am so glad I am getting rid of this cancer". Over and over in my mind, my surgery did not change, my diagnosis did not change, only my inner thoughts changed. This was very helpful to me as I was preparing for surgery.
When I woke up I did not remember anything, I remember the lights in the room, I remember the nurse introducing me to the scrub tech, but I don't remember the anesthesiologist, I don't remember going to sleep, I don't remember the surgeon, I even asked the anesthesiologist "Are you sure you were there?" (I did tell them I was very worried about nausea/vomiting, and they told me I would get a double dose).
I had immediate expander placement for reconstruction, and was very pleased with the way my scar looked. It was inverted T shaped, with the plastic surgeon closing with sutures. I only vomited once, and did not really have pain. The drain was the only bothersome item, like lots of others have stated.
Overall, it would not be an experience I would choose, but I was not as bad as I had imagined.
Sorry you have to join this group, but know you are not alone in your journey.
Please change your inner thoughts to positive ones, and you will do great. Best of Luck -Carrie0 -
CryingCarrWilson said:I can't believe
In my initial phase I kept repeating over and over in my head the phrase "I can't believe I am giving permission to lop off my breast". This would make me very sad and depressed.
About 3 days before my mastectomy, I had to shake off these thoughts, and changed my mantra to: "I am so glad I am getting rid of this cancer". Over and over in my mind, my surgery did not change, my diagnosis did not change, only my inner thoughts changed. This was very helpful to me as I was preparing for surgery.
When I woke up I did not remember anything, I remember the lights in the room, I remember the nurse introducing me to the scrub tech, but I don't remember the anesthesiologist, I don't remember going to sleep, I don't remember the surgeon, I even asked the anesthesiologist "Are you sure you were there?" (I did tell them I was very worried about nausea/vomiting, and they told me I would get a double dose).
I had immediate expander placement for reconstruction, and was very pleased with the way my scar looked. It was inverted T shaped, with the plastic surgeon closing with sutures. I only vomited once, and did not really have pain. The drain was the only bothersome item, like lots of others have stated.
Overall, it would not be an experience I would choose, but I was not as bad as I had imagined.
Sorry you have to join this group, but know you are not alone in your journey.
Please change your inner thoughts to positive ones, and you will do great. Best of Luck -Carrie
Youngana - Yes, I did cry! If you don't you're not human
! I took the first look when the surgeon checked me out the next morning. They wrapped me up with a huge ace bandage - like a tube top and he peeked down the tube. I did as well. I read that your first look at your chest/scars should be not in the mirror but down at yourself. It didn't look so bad. After I got home, I looked in the mirror and that was more of a stunning look. I got into the shower and had a good cry. Then, as a friend of mine who went through the same thing said, "I cried for a little bit and then moved on with my LIFE!" I haven't opted for reconstruction yet - will determine that if/when I feel so moved to do so. I guess I was less affected as my mom had prophylactic mastectomy in her 40s and I grew up with the fact that she was different physically but it didn't matter. She was an amazingly strong woman! She, unfortunately, suffered with thyroid cancer at 48 and died of colon cancer at 64. I've been extra vigilant about getting those things checked out but never dreamed I'd actually deal with BC!
I'll be praying for you Tuesday, Youngana! You'll do so well. Just let yourself feel everything you're feeling! I had my little cry (venting) about once a day for weeks. It's important to vent those feelings - for your own health and healing!
Beth0 -
Welcome, Karen/youngnanayoungnana said:Thanks so much for the well
Thanks so much for the well wishes. I am so relieved to be able to talk with other women who have gone through this, and are so aware of just how I feel. This has been a blessing. I dont know anyone, no friends or relatives who have made these choices. I find myself feeling like I have to be strong, even when I feel so uncertain. If I falter even just a little, my family falters also, they take their clue from me. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, stage 1. I cried much of that first day. Then, made the rounds of doctors and plastic surgeon, and now the waiting this last week for the surgery is difficult. I find my mind wandering, always back to this, and not sleeping well. I have anxiety about the outcome of the sentinal node biopsy, and have such a fear of chemo.
My surgery was lumpectomy, quite different than yours. Your emotions are quite normal. The waiting is difficult, to put it mildly.
Advice: try to focus on one step at a time (as my own doctors taught me upfront, many years ago). For now, getting through your upcoming surgery. You won't know if chemo is recommended until afterwards - please, try not to stress about it just yet.
The journey can only be travelled one step at a time. And we will be here, to walk it with you.
With best wishes that all goes well on the 16th.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
I echo these excellent comments
I echo the excellent comments here. The few times I've posted, I always warn about avoiding constipation -- I guess that's just my "thing." You really, really, don't want that added discomfort and stress. As m-star said, take stool softeners/laxatives if they offer them in hospital. Medicines, surgery, inactivity all contribute to constipation. We purchased Dulcolax tablets before surgery, and I started taking them as soon as I got home. When stools got too soft, I switched to Metamucil-type of capsules, which I'm still taking 6 weeks after my double mastectomy. The valium that relaxes the muscles around my expanders is constipating. Drink lots of water and walk around as soon as you can, which helps keep things moving along too.
After surgery, I had little pain, plenty of discomfort that's easily controlled by ibuprofen and valium, shock and dismay at my scars that has become acceptance, days of crying, more days of joy at being alive and getting closer to beating the cancer. I wish the best for you, youngnana!0 -
Welcome youngnana, so sorry
Welcome youngnana, so sorry you had to join this sight yet so happy to have you Welcome to the world of warriors. I had a double mastectomy one month ago today (2-11-10). Here is my experience and advice, along with all of the wonderful advice that has already been given. I did awake in a lot of pain so I did use the pain pump often. I had a lattisimus flap reconstruction, along with both ovaries removed. The surgery took seven hours, I was in the hospital for five days. The biggest pain in the butt.... the drains! I did have a catheter when I woke up but it was removed the next day. As stated, exercise those lungs...I had a terrible time getting my lungs to work (i was a smoker of 25 years before surgery) I have quit now, one month today. I wound up in the emergency room because of my lungs about two weeks post surgery, I'm still recovering from some sort of infection. Definitely take some stool softeners or laxatives, it was eleven days after my surgery before I had a bowel movement, don't let this happen to you...no fun!! Sounds like a nightmare, and I don't want to scare you just don't want you to go through any un-necessary discomforts. It was kind of hard to look at my chest...I did cry, but I'm getting used to it, I start radiation on Monday and I have had two fills in my expanders, so things are "perking up" All in all, the surgery and everything I have endured afterwards is not near as bad as I had expected, I'm getting better every day and I take it one day at a time, don't over do it and take care of you, you'll be just fine, we are all here for you and please come often. My thoughts and prayers are with you, stay tough youngnana warrior and please post as soon as you can after your surgery to let us all know how you are doing.
Mountains of Love and Big Hugs,
~Kari0 -
I remember that blur. I had
I remember that blur. I had a single mastectomy last year. Found a book after the fact, Why I Wore Lipstick To My Mastectomy. I loved this book. It was so wonderful to know that someone could relate. It was at my library. It's a short read. I don't remember the author, though. You'll do great. My prayers are with you. Beth0 -
Good luck with your surgery!marilyndbk said:Welcome youngnana--you are
Welcome youngnana--you are probably still overwhelmed and in a state of shock. Take a deep breath and hang in there. This is a journey none of us asked to go on. Ask your dr for something to reduce your anxiety if you need it. I had bilateral mastetomy with Latissimus flap reconstruction with expanders in Sept-09. I was in the hospital for 2 days. When I first woke up I had catheter in and was still numb so was not in a whole lot of pain. I was able to get up early the next morning. My family was here with me the first couple of days. Getting in and out of the bed and up and down was the worst for me. With their support and the help of the painkillers time passed and this is my new normal life. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you. Take care. Marilyn
Good luck with your surgery! Sending you prayers and hugs!0
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