Hi there all you wonderful ladies (and some gents)
Not posted for what seams like forever, but never a day goes by without me checking in and reading posts.
Anyway, on Thursday, my birthday, I underwent an operation in preparation for a double mastectomy later this year. This is purely preventative as I have the brca gene and may seam drastic to a few of you, but I personally didn't want the risk of getting breast cancer after already having ovarian cancer.
I have had my nipples moved and have had a breast reduction. From a droopy c to a pert full b. The wounds are sore but it's not as painful as I thought it might be.
So far I'm glad I made this choice. Just wanted to share if anyone else is having to make this decision.
Hope you are all doing as well as can be.
Love and hugs to you all.
Mandy,xx
Written by
Millie-c
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You are very brave Mandy and I'm so pleased you are not in too much pain. Having once had a breast abscess I know how painful the boobies can be. Well done xx
I did had 5 litres drained. U feel much better when they drain it away. It's a bit unpleasant as they do it while ur awake just local anesthetic, but what you've already dealt with in the past I'm sure it won't bother you. The taxol should help it though too. Xx
I remember it being painful. I struggled to sit up straight because it was that high and pushing on my chest. Felt 9 months pregnant waddling about. It's just so uncomfortable. I did get back ache and struggled to take a deep breath in. It did mean an overnight stay in hospital but felt so much relief after they had done it. Let me know how u get on beautiful. Xx
Hi Millie. I've not had to make that decision but arfter reading your post you made a brave decision to have the mastectomy, I'm glad all went well and you are feeling better.
Hi Mandy, sending you wishes for speedy recovery. Am scheduled for double mastectomy in November (BRCA1+) not keeping the nipples but am having implants. Very nervous but know it is the right choice for me. Hope your recovery for both ops goes smoothly. Stay strong x x
My sister had a double mastectomy in April last year due to brca gene so I have to say seeing her going through it and seeing the outcome I am not quite as nervous as I was having my other surgeries. It's not nice at anytime having an operation, but I just know I have to reduce the risk. Good luck for November. Xx
Wow you are brave and seem to be coping well? You’ve been through a lot.
I might be going through the procedure and went through all the motions... but then my OC came back and the mastectomy took a back seat for a while. I know it’s a big operation and brave for you to share your story to help others. Are you back doing things yet, or is it early days?
I have been resting but equally when I wanted a cup of tea or go to the loo etc... I have just got on with it. I made dinner today for everyone, just took it steady. Not thinking of doing things like ironing or hoovering but have been told things get pretty much back to normal in a few weeks which when you think what I have just put myself through is amazing really.
What point are you at now with your recurrence? Hope things are going well for you.
Good to hear things are stable. I feel achy and tired much more now than before the oc. I keep hoping it will get better in time. I just take things a bit slower which to be fair is a good thing for me cos my life pre cancer was rush rush rush. I sometimes think it is a recurrence and start to panic then I have to think this is maybe my new normal. It doesn't stop me doing anything but I think it would do if I let it. Fingers crossed for the parp inhibitor. It's amazing the treatments that are available. Xxx
You are a really brave lady, I really do understand why you’ve done this and I think I would seriously consider the same myself in your position. I have to have regular mammograms as I’m a cysty person (who knew 😬), my left ovary which was the naughty cancerous one was encased in a huge cyst, my liver has lots of cysts in it and my breasts are full of cysts lots of which have calcified. They monitor me regularly because of the ovarian one in case any of the others decides to be naughty too. If it transpires I need further surgery in order to head off anything else dreadful I can’t see any reason that would stop me from going ahead with it. It’s really good it’s not as sore as you anticipated and now have more peace of mind.
Hi Mandy, wishing you a speedy recovery, I am brca2, when I finally got my results myself and my husband discussed weather I should have the double mastectomy, so when I finally got to see the consultant I was a bit deflated after making the decision in my head all geared up, he told me that because I was only eight months after chemo he would rather see me clear for a couple of years, (16months now) before he would consider the OP, do you mind me asking how long you were off chemo before your surgery.... Loren xx
I finished chemo October 2016. I had an appointment Jan 2017 to see about the mastectomy as like you I had made my decision. I was at the time on avastin which was predicted to finish oct 2017 so it was decided I would return Jan 2018 and if I was still sure arrangements would be made to go ahead. Luckily a cancellation became available for this first op so I took it.
So 1 year 3 months from finishing chemo. If it is playing on your mind and you want to get on with it maybe make another appointment to see the surgeon. Doesn't hurt to ask.
Glad you posted Mandy as I’m in the same boat being Brca2 and also contemplating risk reducing surgery. I’m pleased to hear you are recovering okay and pain isn’t as bad as you thought... Is you op in two stages with the rest of it been completed later in the year? We’re you in hospital long?
Loren I had similar experience, first surgeon I saw was reluctant due to risk of oca returning as I was only 5 months post chemo at the time. I’ve since been advised if I’m clear 2 years after treatment that it could be considered. I’m thinking of having it done next year but feel apprehensive having already had major debulking surgery.
Hope you continue to recover well Mandy and plan a nice treat when you feel better been as you had surgery on your birthday. Best wishes, Jo xx
yes it's in two stages. It was only Day case for this first part so no hospital stay thank goodness. When I have the actual mastectomy in 2-3 months time it will just be overnight.
In comparison to debulking surgery so far it doesn't even compare. This is so much more manageable. Of course it's still surgery and with that can come side effects but touch wood all is good so far.
I think because this time I'm not on chemo and feel more in control it just seams better all round. Come next year you may decide it's for you but if not there is no rush either. Just do what you feel is right for you.
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