The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

One more step done

lulu1010
lulu1010 CSN Member Posts: 367
in Ovarian Cancer #1
As many of you know I was identified as BRCA-2 positive. I chose to have prophylactic double mastectomies and had the surgery on Tuesday. Everyone with this gene has to make their own decision of the course they want to take. I am told that the majority chose to have more frequent monitoring. I just felt I needed to take the prospect of breast cancer off the table so I can concentrate on fighting the PPC (ovarian).
I really did struggle with the decision but now that it is done I am ok with it and ready to move on. The pain and immopbility has not been near as bad as I expected.
Dont tell anyone but I needed something from the yarn store so I was there on Friday! The rest of the time I am at home tryig to get a little sympathy. I think I have gotten about as much of that as I can squeeze out so I need to get back to a normal life.
I have had some bowel issues since before the surgery. I did not even want the surgery till they were resolved but the surgery is done and now they will have to address the abdomen. I had a CT scan and bloodwork 6 weeks before the surgery and all was fine. The doctor mentioned he may want to repeat the CT scan or some such thing this week. I see him on Tuesday. They did do an Obstructive Series while I was in the hospital but it was negative. Maybe it has all been nerves but I find that hard to believe. I just had the symptoms and pain of my original diagnosis and it has been scary. If the bowel issues are benign I will be one happy camper and excited to move on from all this.
Like Care

Comments

  • JoWin615
    JoWin615 CSN Member Posts: 150 Member
    #2
    I applaud your decision
    It must have been difficult, but I'm sure you are relieved now... I, too, am BRCA 2 positive. I chose the intensive screening option because of my age (68), but if I had been younger when I got tested, I definitely would have gone your route. Now I have to work really hard at not obsessing about the fact that if I had gotten the test earlier, I could have had my ovaries removed and AVOIDED the whole ovca experience.

    Good luck with your scan results.

    Jo
    Like Care
  • TiggersDoBounce
    TiggersDoBounce CSN Member Posts: 408
    #3
    Lulu
    Sending well wishes and prayers for your healing from surgery....You have a great spirit which makes all the difference...

    Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us...

    Laurie
    Like Care
  • clamryn
    clamryn CSN Member Posts: 508
    #4
    My inspiration
    Lulu, you are my inspiration. It is so hard to decide what to do when we have choices to make. I know that you made the right decision and I so admire you.

    (((hugs))))
    Linda
    Like Care
  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 CSN Member Posts: 735 Member
    #5
    I am happy you are well
    You are so brave to do what you had to do,heal quickly so you can enjoy your life !
    Colleen
    Like Care
  • kikz
    kikz CSN Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #6
    Cafewoman53 said:

    I am happy you are well
    You are so brave to do what you had to do,heal quickly so you can enjoy your life !
    Colleen

    Lulu
    I'm glad you are doing well. I know what you mean about the sympathy. I was treated like a piece of crystal while I was going through treatment. Oh well it is good to go back to normal...good old mom, etc.

    Karen
    Like Care

Discussion Boards