Forum Discussion

LeanneI's avatar
LeanneI
Member
15 years ago

Countdown to Mastectomy

Well I have started the countdown to my double mastectomy!  Is on 23rd July and have worked out that tonight is 12 sleeps to go!  Feel like a kid counting down to Christmas although know that the outcome will not be quite the same!!  Although in some ways I feel like I have received the biggest present I could have - the oppportunity to take control of my own destiny!!

My decision to have them removed becomes clearer each day and feel like I have a weight off my shoulders already.  

I have lived with the family history consciously hanging over my head for the past 21 years since Mum's last breast cancer (although in reality i was 12 when Mum had her 1st breast cancer - so probably in fact has been in my world for 34 years!)  After being diagnosed myself this year at 45 I don't want to continually wonder when it is coming back!!!

People say I am amazing and brave doing what I am doing, but I don't feel I am being brave, I figure it is a small price to pay for not having to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life and to have the opportunity to be around 34 years later as my mother still is!!

Will see what emotions next week brings............

 

 

  • Denise's avatar
    Denise
    Member
    15 years ago
    I had a bilateral mastectomy and transflap reconstruction in January this year. Except for a few minor things I am happy with the result, Has anyone who has had this op had nipples tattooed on their new breasts ? I don't mind not having any and I wasn't interested in the ones the plastic surgeon could make but am now debating about tattoos. Any help would be great.
  • Jo_L_'s avatar
    Jo_L_
    Member
    15 years ago
    Good Luck with your surgery and heres to a speedy recovery!
  • Jo_L_'s avatar
    Jo_L_
    Member
    15 years ago
    Good Luck with your surgery and heres to a speedy recovery!
  • Tanya's avatar
    Tanya
    Member
    15 years ago
    Hi Leanne Not long to go now!! I had my left off in 2007 and only chose to have my right breast (healthy) off in May of this year. With silicone implant and expander. I am happy with my decision as well. Good luck, hope all goes well. Tanya
  • amikeda's avatar
    amikeda
    Member
    15 years ago

    hello all,

    Hope you are all well and recovered from your surgery.

    I am new to this website and is slightly nervous for my mastectomy on right breast scheduled next week. I have decided to have a reconstruction at the same time with an expander/implant.

    It is because I am worried with the complicated surgery using flap method.

    However, I would like to hear your feedback on both implants and flap if you have any.

    Thanks

    Ami

     

     

     

  • LeanneI's avatar
    LeanneI
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Ami - have just seen your message - didn't realise it was there.

    Good luck with your surgery next week.

    I didn't really have an option with my recon - mainly because I had a double mastectomy and reconstructing 2 with the other methods was just going to be too big a procedure. 

    My right side - which has always been the "good" side has been fantastic. The "evil" left side not quite so - I got an infection after the mastectomy and had to have the expander taken out 4 weeks later.  BUT i had it put back in last friday and seems to be doing just what it is supposed to. 

    The tightness is probably the most weird part - feels like you have either a brick on your chest or a steel band constantly tight around your chest.

    I will send you a private message with my phone number if you would like to have a chat - is sometimes easier than trying to type it all down!!

    Bye for now

    Leanne