One week out from double mastectomy

Hearty Pioneer
Hearty Pioneer Member Posts: 158
edited July 2013 in Ovarian Cancer #1

Dear Ones,

Sorry I didn't post sooner, but had a very hard time gettting onto this site.

A week agao I went in for my double mastectomy, with DIEP rectonstruction and reparir of hernias.  As it turned out I did not have 2 hernias, but 3 from the ovarian debulking.  They repaired them and then placed a large sheet of mesh over the area to keep them in place. The surgery took 11 hours.  To start I had 8 drains,  2 for each breast and 4 for the belly. Saturday they removed 3 drains and sent me home. I have been sleeping on the couch and taking things easy. Today I went to the plastic surgeon and they removed two more drains.  I am now only sporting 3, and they are scheduled to come out on Friday.  In the nuclear med test and tissue testing following the mastectomy, no cancer reared it's ugly head. Yeah! My breasts went from rocks in socks look to two firm cantalopes. I went from a large belly roll to a tight flat belly.  The plastic surgeon had removed my belly button, so I have a new one, in just the right spot. Instead of 3 meals a day, I have been asked to eat 6 small meals,  to not stretch the belly. All is going well. Thank you for asking!

Comments

  • kimberly sue 63
    kimberly sue 63 Member Posts: 421 Member
    #2
    you are amazing.!!! I a

    you are amazing.!!! I a assume you did this due to a BRCA gene....i am not sure, just guessing>>> I have not kept up becase I have been in remission for 8 months and sometimes it is easier to cope not following the blog...I have the BRCA 1... i CHOSE to do survaliance with mammogram and MRI ever 6 months. So far all clear. I can not imagine mastectomies after dealing with ovca. You are brave!!! Kim

  • 123Miley
    123Miley Member Posts: 94
    #3
    Kudos to you for going

    Kudos to you for going through what you have and so glad you currently have no evidence of disease!  And, good for you for finding the silver lining in all this - aka - cantalopes and firm tight belly!  

    I too am curious if you have been tested and your family history.  My sister is a 10+ year survivor of breast cancer - double mastectomy, chemo, radiation and reconstruction.  I was idagnosed with ovarian cancer 6 years ago - we both tested and were negative for the BRACA gene.  

    So much we have learned - and so much we still don't know.  

    Congratulations!  And thanks for posting.  I know - at least for me - it really helps to read others stories.  

     

     

  • Glad to be done
    Glad to be done Member Posts: 569
    #4
    123Miley said:

    Kudos to you for going

    Kudos to you for going through what you have and so glad you currently have no evidence of disease!  And, good for you for finding the silver lining in all this - aka - cantalopes and firm tight belly!  

    I too am curious if you have been tested and your family history.  My sister is a 10+ year survivor of breast cancer - double mastectomy, chemo, radiation and reconstruction.  I was idagnosed with ovarian cancer 6 years ago - we both tested and were negative for the BRACA gene.  

    So much we have learned - and so much we still don't know.  

    Congratulations!  And thanks for posting.  I know - at least for me - it really helps to read others stories.  

     

     

    I have been wondering how you

    I have been wondering how you were doing. I am glad all went well.

     

  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #5
    So glad to hear from you

    and to also hear that you're recovering so well. Please rest up........ ((((HUGS)))))   Maria

  • lovesanimals
    lovesanimals Member Posts: 1,366 Member
    #6
    Mwee said:

    So glad to hear from you

    and to also hear that you're recovering so well. Please rest up........ ((((HUGS)))))   Maria

    So glad

    that you came through the 11 hour surgery with what sounds like flying colors, and no cancer!  Be sure to follow doctor's orders and get lots of rest and eat those six small meals per day.  Slow and easy does it!

    Kelly

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #7
    lovesanimals said:

    So glad

    that you came through the 11 hour surgery with what sounds like flying colors, and no cancer!  Be sure to follow doctor's orders and get lots of rest and eat those six small meals per day.  Slow and easy does it!

    Kelly

    Very happy cancer is gone

    and glad it is over .you are an inspiration to me. Rest up and stay strong...val

    2013-07-03

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #8
    I am very happy that everything went well

    It sounds like a very long and complicated surgery and you came out a winner and solved all problems in one shot. Congratulaltions!!!

    A few months of healing and you will be flaunting your new and improved figure. And most importantly - no cancer.

    P.S. I have a fake belly button too.

    Hugs!!!

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