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new and having surgery today
kjrpcb
CSN Member Posts: 41
I have been lurking in the background and finally have worked up the courage to post. It's still early and the family is sleeping. I am having surgery in just a few hours. I am 51 and was diagnosed with BC on my birthday. A real bummer. I have an extensive history on BC in my family. Many aunts, cousins, sisters and my mom died from BC when I was young. I guess BC has always been something I have thought about. I was very good about doing breast checks and yearly mammos. I just knew something was not right and sure enough it was confirmed by BX. I have decided to have a bilat mastectomy (prophylactic on the right side). I just want this thing gone and I want to reduce the chances of recurrence. Most likely I will have chemo and possibly rads. I feel ready for today. I have hired a housekeeper. I did last minute grocery shopping, I did my reading. I love my surgeon and had my consult with my plastic surgeon. I don't think I'm missing anything but it's just something about the,house being dark and quiet,I'm putting that last load of wash in the machine. I peeked in my daughters bedroom and they are asleep, the husband is snoring,my grandson is sound asleep with his stuffed animals,the dog wants to cuddle. I'm a little irritated that shoes were left in the living room. All is well. All of the sudden the tears started flowing and I got really scared. Not for the surgery that I can handle but I want this thing called my life, irritations and all to be the same and go on forever but I know I have changed and so has my family and the future is somewhat hazy. So that led me to this post. I wrote a letter to my girls to give to them before surgery. I just wanted to give them some measure of comfort and I wanted to them to know that mom wasn't going anywhere and I was going to be around to kick *** for a long time. Is that weird? Well I really do appreciate your listening. I just checked my email and have lots of encouraging words from friends and family so here I go! I am a breast cancer survivor. Prayers to all.
Comments
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Hello
I'm glad you found us.....I just wanted to welcome you and wish you luck on your upcoming surgery... we will all be here waiting for you to report back and let us know how you are doing.... there are many wonderful women on this site that are always ready to answer questions or just lend their support.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....
Best,
Dot -
Keeping you in my prayers . . .
praying that all goes well for you. I am glad you posted here . . . I feel like this is such a safe place to talk about everything . . . and to know that you have LOTS of people here who will be thinking of you & praying for you today and in the future. Please keep posting and let us know how you're doing after surgery.
Blessings . . .
♥ Lynn ♥ -
Of course you know from
Of course you know from "lurking" that we are a strong, supportive bond of sisters ( and some awesome brothers) who really do walk in your shoes, and embrace you with love.
I am happy that you feel you are in good hands, surgically speaking, and that you capatured so perfectly the look and feel of your home and it surroundings in the calm before your personal storm.
You are correct~ you are indeed a Survivor! Post again when you can and feel up to it...as you have come to know, someone is always here...
Hugs,
Chen♥ -
I have gotten so muchchenheart said:Of course you know from
Of course you know from "lurking" that we are a strong, supportive bond of sisters ( and some awesome brothers) who really do walk in your shoes, and embrace you with love.
I am happy that you feel you are in good hands, surgically speaking, and that you capatured so perfectly the look and feel of your home and it surroundings in the calm before your personal storm.
You are correct~ you are indeed a Survivor! Post again when you can and feel up to it...as you have come to know, someone is always here...
Hugs,
Chen♥
I have gotten so much comfort from this site. I know you will too. No question is to trivial to ask. These ladies are great.
Try to rely on help from others. It's hard to relinquish control over things but it's time to take care of yourself.
Take care
Cindy -
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Welcome
Welcome. As I read your post, it brought me back to that very moment with you. I was diagnosed 4 months ago at age 50, also on the right side, and elected for the bi-lateral mastectomy for the same reasons as you. I had immediate reconstruction, tissue expanders, which I just had replaced with silicone implants last Wednesday. I have never regretted my decision. It was so very hard at the time to accept, and grieve for the loss of my breasts. I had nursed my babies and has such cherished memories, but then realized those memories would never change with their loss. Then, I just wanted it done. I am guessing they will do a sentinal node biopsy. I was blessed, and fortunate that chemo and radiation would not be beneficial for me, so am on the Femara 5year plan since I was postmenopausal. The surgery is not bad, the breast area is numb so no surgery pain. Are you having reconstruction? If so, you will experience muscle pain, and will likely have 2 drains, they are uncomfortable, I had mine for 2 weeks, and they dont hurt when they are removed.
I pray for strength and comfort for you and your family, and sending angels to be right there with you during surgery.
Karen -
Praying For You
Welcome from another new survivor. My surgery was five days ago and I'm feeling very well now. Waiting for the pathology report isn't easy but I'm dealing with the waiting well. Yes, this is a great place to get support from others who know what you are going through. Keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers. -
Myself like youngnana .. found out I had bc in leftGrandmaMir said:Praying For You
Welcome from another new survivor. My surgery was five days ago and I'm feeling very well now. Waiting for the pathology report isn't easy but I'm dealing with the waiting well. Yes, this is a great place to get support from others who know what you are going through. Keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
breast -- opted for bi-lateral. Chemo first in my case, mac'tmy and reconstruction followed.
Welcome to our sisterhood ! We are a wonderful, loving and resourceful site.
Best of Luck ..
Vicki Sam -
Welcome
Hope your surgery went well. Keep us updated. I was 51 earlier this year when I was diagnosed. First had a lumpectomy, but my margins didn't come back clear. Therefore, I had a mastectomy with reconstruction on May 4th. Turned 52 in June. My birthday present from my oncologist was 4 chemo treatments. Have my second tomorrow. I too, was very scared. But everything is fine and I survived. Found lots of comfort and had lots of questions answered here. Unfortunately, didn't find this site until June. Wished that I had found all my wonderful breast cancer sistas before that. Take care. Hugs, Jean -
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Your surgery
Your surgery is over and I hope all went well. Visit here when you're up to it. There is a wealth of info from all fellow bc sisters. Many have been exactly where you are now. I had bilateral mastectomies 3 weeks ago today. I'm still sore and waiting for the steri strips to fall off but doing ok. I was advised not to start reconstruction until after rads and now that I know that I don't need chemo or rads I've decided not to have any more surgery. I'm 61 and can live with prostheses. I'm praying for your speedy recovery.
Char -
First of all, WELCOME to the
First of all, WELCOME to the site you probably never wanted to join but will be very glad you did. The women on here are wonderful, we all share in a common bond and we all get each other through the toughest time in our lives. I'll send a prayer up for your surgery to go well and please keep us posted as to how you are doing. Hang in there and keep that survivor attitude, you will kick cancers a$$.
Hugs,
Kari -
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Welcoming you too to thisDot53 said:Hello
I'm glad you found us.....I just wanted to welcome you and wish you luck on your upcoming surgery... we will all be here waiting for you to report back and let us know how you are doing.... there are many wonderful women on this site that are always ready to answer questions or just lend their support.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....
Best,
Dot
Welcoming you too to this great site, full of support and encouragement.
Best wishes for your surgery! Post when you feel like it.
Hugs, Megan
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