Just diagnosed last month :(

l.aura
l.aura Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone;
I was just diagnosed last month with Breast Cancer. I have to say that it really overwhelmed me. My radiologist saw a suspicious area on my regular mammogram and thought it was worth looking at. Well, after a steriotactic core biopsy and an excisional biopsy, I have extensive DCIS and stage 1 invasive ductal cancer in my left breast. I am EXTREMELY fortunate that they have found this so early. However, it is cancer none the less and is very difficult to grasp- it just feels surreal. After much discussions with a few surgical oncologists we have decided to go forward with the double mastectomy. My aunt died of breast cancer at the age of 40.

I was wondering if anyone out there could give me some guidance as to the recovery from a double mastectomy? I have decided to go with the implants over the DIEP.
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Comments

  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #2
    It is indeed a blessing to
    It is indeed a blessing to have such an early stage cancer~ you have a LONG HEALTHY LIFE awaiting you! I did not have your experience, I am stage 2B with node involvement and had a lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiation. I took Arimidex for 5 years and have been Ca Free for over 6 years now.

    But...there are lots of sisters here who have had mastectomies and reconstruction, and they will be more than happy to share their stories with you!

    I simply wanted to welcome you to our family, and assure you that you will get through this...we walk with you and are great buffers!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #3
    Hi Laura and Welcome to the
    Hi Laura and Welcome to the site! I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation, so, I can't speak directly to your questions. But, many on here will be able to give you that information. Your cancer was caught early and that is great! But, as you said, it is still cancer. But, you sound strong and I know will sail thru this just fine. Good luck!

    Hugs, Noel
  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #4
    Pull up a chair....
    and get comfortable, hun. You are about to be surrounded by more love and support and wit and wisdom than you ever thought possible.
    Nobody is going to tell you this is a Sunday picnic, but they are going to help you find the positive, the lovely, the humorous, and the ridiculous along the way.
    And when the going gets tough...well we just hug a little more gently, but no less lovingly.
    I lost both breasts at different times (1 1/2 years apart) and did not have recon so I can not address your specific issues, but I can tell you this. I was 38 when first diagnosed, I turned 61 last month, and there is life after cancer, and it is GOOD.
    So get you ducks in a row, marshal your troops, or whatever you need to do, and hit this thing head on and let it know who is boss.
    God bless. Keep posting.
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #5
    zahalene said:

    Pull up a chair....
    and get comfortable, hun. You are about to be surrounded by more love and support and wit and wisdom than you ever thought possible.
    Nobody is going to tell you this is a Sunday picnic, but they are going to help you find the positive, the lovely, the humorous, and the ridiculous along the way.
    And when the going gets tough...well we just hug a little more gently, but no less lovingly.
    I lost both breasts at different times (1 1/2 years apart) and did not have recon so I can not address your specific issues, but I can tell you this. I was 38 when first diagnosed, I turned 61 last month, and there is life after cancer, and it is GOOD.
    So get you ducks in a row, marshal your troops, or whatever you need to do, and hit this thing head on and let it know who is boss.
    God bless. Keep posting.

    Just welcoming you as the
    Just welcoming you as the others have already! I love what Zahlene wrote to you and second it! There is life after cancer and it is GOOD, very GOOD!

    Good luck, Kristin
  • lolad
    lolad Member Posts: 670
    #6
    Kristin N said:

    Just welcoming you as the
    Just welcoming you as the others have already! I love what Zahlene wrote to you and second it! There is life after cancer and it is GOOD, very GOOD!

    Good luck, Kristin

    LAURA
    First i want to say welcome and let you know how wonderful this site has been for me. I am five weeks out from a double mastectomy and had tissue exspanders placed in at same time. I start my fills next week. The recovery for me has been hard. I have had pain that is just now subsiding. I have had muscle spasms as well. Everyone is different though. I can only tell you how it has been for me. I have also been very tired. Just keep plugging into the site, keep as much outside support as you can, and know that you will get through it. Keep faith in god. That had helped me alot through all this. You are in my prayers

    laura
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #7
    Hi Laura! I would like to
    Hi Laura! I would like to welcome you as the others have. Breast cancer is overwhelming, the diagnosis, the treatment, your feelings. But, we got thru it and you will too. We will help you, ok? Stay tough!

    Hugs, Susie
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #8
    susie09 said:

    Hi Laura! I would like to
    Hi Laura! I would like to welcome you as the others have. Breast cancer is overwhelming, the diagnosis, the treatment, your feelings. But, we got thru it and you will too. We will help you, ok? Stay tough!

    Hugs, Susie

    Hi Laura
    I am glad you found us here, I am keeping you in my prayers.
    hugs, jackie
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #9
    Welcome, l.aura
    We're all here to support and encourage each. My surgery was lumpectomy, so I cannot specifically address your question.

    Best wishes to you.
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #10
    adding my welcome
    l.aura, you have already found out that this is a great group of survivors, ready to help in any way possible. Hope it all goes as well as possible for you. Let us know how your surgery goes.
    Cat
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #11
    cats_toy said:

    adding my welcome
    l.aura, you have already found out that this is a great group of survivors, ready to help in any way possible. Hope it all goes as well as possible for you. Let us know how your surgery goes.
    Cat

    Welcome
    Laura,
    Welcome to our family.
    I had a double mastectomy with tissue expanders in February. Everyone's recovery is different. I did not have any pain during recovery period. I have had chemo treatments since 3/10 and my last one is Thursday. I have tolerated the chemo treatments well--I have not been sick--this is another part of treatment where everyone reacts differently.

    Welcome,
    Margo
  • arbojenn
    arbojenn Member Posts: 118
    #12
    First, I am so sorry you had
    First, I am so sorry you had to join the sisterhood, but you do have a lot of support.
    Second: Are you having your reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy? I had them at different times. The mastectomy didn't take too long to recover, though the surgeons insisted on a six week recovery time. The reconstruction was harder on me than the mastecomy: I had a procedure taking tissue and skin from my back along with an implant. (No expanders, so I can't speak to them. I don't even quite understand those.) I was in the hospital overnight for the mast., but at least five days for the recon. The recon was worth it, even though I now have to "lose" that too. Recovery time was much longer, though I felt okay once the drains came out about three weeks after the procedure.
    Best of luck and I hope you keep us posted as to how things are going and when you are having your procedures. I don't post much, but I read what others write every day: gives me hope, plus it is fun. There are really upbeat people on this site with a hilarious sense of humor that I love!
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #13
    Welcome....
    Hi, just wanted to add my heartfelt welcome. You are very fortunate it was caught early although it doesn't make going through treatment any easier. Hang in there, we are here for you and will be 24/7......:) Pammy
  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    #14
    Welcome
    To the group. Sorry for the reason you are here, but rest assured these ladies will keep you going. It isn't an easy road to walk, and there will be days (like I'm having today) when you just feel so overwhelmed and cry at the drop of a hat. These gals will cheer you up in a New York minute! I had the lumpectomy followed by 6 rounds of chemo and 36 rads so I cannot offer help on your upcoming mastectomy, but have faith in your surgeon and yourself and you will get through this. God Bless You!
    Pat
  • jikaras
    jikaras Member Posts: 58
    #15
    New
    Hi, I had the double and the implants. I was also diagnosed with DCIS but mine was stage 0. I did not have chemo or radiation, as it was caught real early.

    I had the sentinel node biopsy done and they took 17 lymp nodes, 11 from the right side and 6 from the left.

    Had the surgery done in January. Did the double mast, then the reconstruction after the surgery. It was harder on my family, being in surgery for 6+ hours. There really wasn't much pain from the surgery, other than the drain tubes. I had to keep mine in for 4 weeks, and they really should have kept them in another week or 2. I can still feel that I have fluid that isn't moving.

    The healing from the reconstruction was a bit difficult. The extenders are very awkward; just remember that it's not permenent.....I had the actual implants put in in May; much easier. I did not have water filled in the implants.....I actually went about a size smaller than before cancer...

    I wish you luck; remember to ask lots of questions and check this site regularily. It's a good source and you're in good company.

    Jill
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #16
    lolad said:

    LAURA
    First i want to say welcome and let you know how wonderful this site has been for me. I am five weeks out from a double mastectomy and had tissue exspanders placed in at same time. I start my fills next week. The recovery for me has been hard. I have had pain that is just now subsiding. I have had muscle spasms as well. Everyone is different though. I can only tell you how it has been for me. I have also been very tired. Just keep plugging into the site, keep as much outside support as you can, and know that you will get through it. Keep faith in god. That had helped me alot through all this. You are in my prayers

    laura

    Hi! Just want to welcome
    Hi! Just want to welcome you as the others have already too! And, to let you know that we are all here to support and to encourage you! Please keep us updated on you!

    Hugs to you, Diane
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #17
    jikaras said:

    New
    Hi, I had the double and the implants. I was also diagnosed with DCIS but mine was stage 0. I did not have chemo or radiation, as it was caught real early.

    I had the sentinel node biopsy done and they took 17 lymp nodes, 11 from the right side and 6 from the left.

    Had the surgery done in January. Did the double mast, then the reconstruction after the surgery. It was harder on my family, being in surgery for 6+ hours. There really wasn't much pain from the surgery, other than the drain tubes. I had to keep mine in for 4 weeks, and they really should have kept them in another week or 2. I can still feel that I have fluid that isn't moving.

    The healing from the reconstruction was a bit difficult. The extenders are very awkward; just remember that it's not permenent.....I had the actual implants put in in May; much easier. I did not have water filled in the implants.....I actually went about a size smaller than before cancer...

    I wish you luck; remember to ask lots of questions and check this site regularily. It's a good source and you're in good company.

    Jill

    Hi Jill and welcome to you
    Hi Jill and welcome to you too! You really sound like you have it all together. I wish you good luck and hope to see you posting more about yourself and your progress!

    Good luck to you

    Susie :)
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #18
    susie09 said:

    Hi Jill and welcome to you
    Hi Jill and welcome to you too! You really sound like you have it all together. I wish you good luck and hope to see you posting more about yourself and your progress!

    Good luck to you

    Susie :)

    Hi Laura and Jill, I had a

    Hi Laura and Jill, I had a bilateral mastectomy and immediate DIEP reconstruction in April. I didn't have a lot of pain in my breasts: my pain was focused in my abdomen because of the tummy tuck part of the procedure. I was not a candidate for the implant because my breast had been radiated when I was treated for breast cancer nine years ago.

    If you can have immediate reconstruction, Laura, I would advise it because it's one less surgery that you have to recover from. I still get tired (12 weeks out) but I'm am so much better than a month ago. I went back to work full time after eight weeks.

    Hope your surgery and reocovery go well, Laura, and I hope your recovery becomes easy, Jill.

    Joyce
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #19
    So sorry Laura that you have
    So sorry Laura that you have bc. But, welcome to the site. And, they caught it early, so, that is great too! I had a lumpectomy so I can't answer your question about the DIEP. But, good luck to you! Keep us updated on your decision and your progress!

    Hugs, Leeza
  • l.aura
    l.aura Member Posts: 4
    #20
    So Happy for the Great Support!!
    Thank you all for sharing your stories with me. I truly appreciate hearing from everyone else and knowing that this site can offer emotional support and knowledge from personal experiences. I have to say that I am at peace with my decision for the double mast- however, I am PETRIFIED. I am sure that everything will be fine and I certainly will post again after the surgery to let everyone know how I did. Please say a prayer for clear nodes!

    Did any of you go to Massachusetts General? That is where I am having my surgery.

    Thanks again to all of you :)
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #21
    l.aura said:

    So Happy for the Great Support!!
    Thank you all for sharing your stories with me. I truly appreciate hearing from everyone else and knowing that this site can offer emotional support and knowledge from personal experiences. I have to say that I am at peace with my decision for the double mast- however, I am PETRIFIED. I am sure that everything will be fine and I certainly will post again after the surgery to let everyone know how I did. Please say a prayer for clear nodes!

    Did any of you go to Massachusetts General? That is where I am having my surgery.

    Thanks again to all of you :)

    Just wishing you good luck
    Just wishing you good luck with your future surgery Laura! And, I will pray for clean nodes for you!

    Hugs, Lex

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