Breast cancer and more

Traceylee
Traceylee Member Posts: 33
edited December 2013 in Day to day
A year ago I received my diagnosis and before I knew it I was in hospital and had had a total right mastectomy. Twenty four years ago I had cervical cancer and had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 26. All through these challenges I have been suffering with an autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis (MG) which causes fatigue throughout my whole body. Surgery is a challenge with this disease and the older I get the worse and more risk I have with surgery.
My surgeon, whom is great, tries to play down your risk of reoccurrence but he can't say for certain it won't come back. So, I agonise about the 'what if'.... If it comes back and I am not well enough for surgery, what then. Having this fear to deal with on top if the fear of breast cancer coming back is sometimes too much to bear.
So for me there is only one decision so on February 11 2014 I will be having my other breast removed in hope that it will decrease my risk in the future. My MG has controlled my life and the decisions one makes through life, having children,holidays, where you live, what you eat, other health decisions for 26 years.
No one wants to loose a breast especially one that at the moment is clear but for me it isn't something I can ignore.
I hope that others who are dealing with other health issues and breast cancer all the best.

Comments

  • Traceylee
    Traceylee Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2015
    The support of others really helps you get through your journey a little bit easier. Thank you for your kind thoughts. I agree that you just have to 'roll with the punches' and sometimes you roll the wrong way and get a black eye but you get back up and roll again.
    Love to you.
    Tracey
  • Bearteggie
    Bearteggie Member Posts: 326
    edited March 2015

    Hi Tracey,  You have had more than you share of challenges and I am sure that your decision would have been a hard one to make.  I have just been diagnosed with TBNC after having a right mastectomy.  When I see my surgeon on the 10th I am going to talk to him about having my other breast removed after I have finished chemo for the same reason.  I don't want this hanging over my head as I am at higher risk of recurrence.  I don't need breasts at 60 :) 

    You sound like a very brave women and I wish you all the very best with your surgery on the 11/2.

    Love and hugs to you.

    Joy xx

  • Traceylee
    Traceylee Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2015
    Thank you Joy for your encouraging words. It is such a challenge being a woman but I am glad that like you we can make the hard decisions, deal with the challenges, have our down days but come through the long tunnel the same remarkable women we are. Best of luck to you also. Happy 2014.
    Xx Tracey
  • Traceylee
    Traceylee Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2015
    Thanks Hazel, it is always nice to know you are not alone.
    Happy new year to you. All the best
    Tracey
  • Traceylee
    Traceylee Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2015
    It is a comfort to not have the added stress of worrying about reoccurrence. I unfortunately won't be able to have reconstruction as each operation will just put added risks to me so flat chested I will live.. The only decision I regret is that I did not have a double mastectomy right from the beginning. Would have made the mental and emotional recovery easier. Never mind, onwards we go. All the best and thank you.
    Tracey
  • Traceylee
    Traceylee Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2015
    Goodness me, so much for such a young person to deal with. How remarkable. So sad for you mum, so young to leave you. I hope you have had someone special to help you through your journey.
    Thank you for your support. Strength within can be surprising where you find it.
    Take care and best wishes for you.
    Xx Tracey

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