My journey

[violetb143]

Hello Share,

I am Violetta, but I go by Violet. I am 31 years old, I've been married to my amazing husband for almost 12 years (together for almost 14 years), and we have an awesome trouble maker 10 year old son and fantastic artist 7 year old daughter.

My cancerous lump was accidentally discovered during my first exam with my new gyno. That was on Dec. 14, 2016. I then got the mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy all done on Jan. 3, 2017. I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in the lower left quadrant of my left breast on Jan. 5th, 2016. Given my age and family history of all cancers just a lumpectomy wasn't the proper action to take but instead a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction was better fitting. Feb. 2, 2017 my surgery was completed. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights. Due to the fact that I'm highly allergic to most narcotics it is super difficult because i can only take the lowest dose of pain meds possible with the highest dose of benedryl possible and am still in extreme pain and am itching like a poor dog infested with fleas. When I'm sitting or laying in my recliner and staying on top of the pain meds my pain is semi manageable but when I have to stand and walk at all the top half of my body shakes uncontrollably from the amount of pain I'm experiencing. Mentally I'm at peace with this whole thing and have been for most of the time. But physically I'm not much more my body can handle. In the last 17 years I've had 3 minor and 4 major stomach surgeries (with the last one being 6 years ago) and the pain from this surgery is by far the worst pain I've ever experienced. I may have torn some stitches at my drainage sites because it is burning like someone is stabbing and twisting a hot poker in both sides.

Now that I've got that out of the way I am completely blessed during this whole thing. My husband took 3 weeks off from work and he and our kids super helpful almost won't let me do anything. Also, our community, family, friends have totally amazing too. One of my friends set up a meal train account for our family for dinners to cover the next month💗. This is such a blessing because I really don't need my rock (husband) to crumble from all the pressure of all of this. I totally appreciate you all for reading this lengthy sorry, so thank you💗 Have a blessed day!

[Bubba_6]

God bless you and pray for a speedy recovery!

[violetb143 in reply to Bubba_6]

Thank you hun.💗

[Biggrinn63]

Hang in there...I had my bilateral almost a year and a half ago..for DCIS and what I later found out was also a few spots of Stage 1,Triple Negative Cancer in my left breast. I must say that my pain wasnt too bad, it was more the bandages that really bothered me. I did have one tube on my right side that was extra painful, it may have been the stitches. Just make sure that you are doing breathing excercises and moving around as much as possible..sometimes you can develop a pneumonia, which almost happened to me.

You will get past it and move on and appreciate life more than ever!! I try not to let negative thoughts consume me..but they will come...stay POSITIVE and hang in there!!

[violetb143 in reply to Biggrinn63]

Thank you so much hun. 💗. I have nothing but faith that it will all be ok... It's just the process from here to there that sucks royally! Have a blessed day hun.

[missa13]

violetb143 , thanks so much for sharing your story! I'm sorry to hear you're in such pain, hopefully someone will be able to recommend something to help! But it's wonderful that you have a solid support system in place-- that's critical. All the best <3

[violetb143 in reply to missa13]

Thank you hun.