After months of trying to decide what to do, and finally getting around to making a booking, the day is nearly here. On Wednesday afternoon, I will be going to hospital and having boob number 2 removed and the insertion of tissue expanders on both sides. After finalising my booking about 6 weeks ago, I had a breast cancer scare in this remaining boob, so I know that this is the right thing for me to do. However, I'm still very nervous about this procedure and am becoming more scared as the day approaches. This time it should be easy, as I won't have the breast cancer fear hanging over my head, like I did last December when I had, first a lumpectomy, and then a mastectomy 3 weeks later. This surgery is purely elective, so short of them finding a nasty little surprise lurking within, it should all be pretty straight forward. I will let you all know how the surgery goes. I'm a bit paranoid about getting sick and having to cancel it, as I have only just recovered from a very heavy cold that lasted about a month. There is still so much illness around, and I hope to avoid it. Love Chris xx

I think any surgery makes you nervous.There is no getting around it,just stay busy ++till wednesday.I think you are very brave having the other boob off but it will be peace of mind in the long run and no more mammograms.I think I'd be abit anxious about having reconstruction of any sort but at least the expanders are a quick operation.I can't have them cos I've had radiation in the past and my skin hasn't much elastic.I'd have to have the Diep recon.and that scares me.It's 16mths since my mastectomy and I still find it hard to come to terms with a missing boob.I hope all goes well for you on Wednesday and that you end up with nice boobs -you deserve it.Will be thinking of you so let us know how you go. Tonya xx

Hi Tonya, I looked into the DIEP and even saw Professor Pennington from RPA. That procedure gives pretty impressive new boobs, but like you, I was rather freaked out by the massive size of the operation, not to mention the length of the anaesthetic. Also, like you, I'm a nurse and as a nurse I understand the complications that could happen from such long surgery. I was very lucky to be spared needing radiotherapy, and due to only fairly small boobs now, B cup, and having 2 mastectomies, I was a good candidate for the implants. I'm still nervous though, and wonder what I'd be like if I had decided to go for the DIEP instead. Probably be a complete nervous wreck by now. Thanks for your good wishes. Chris xxx

When it comes to reconstruction perhaps ignorance is bliss! Being a nurse does not always go in your favour.I can understand how you must feel but you just have to keep reminding yourself that to get to this point you must have carefully thought it through.I'm sure you did your"homework",weighed it all up,found good surgeons etc.I think it's hard knowing that this is not the final operation and that there's more to come.When it comes to breast cancer, it seems that any decision you have to make is a torturous one.If you don't have recon.then you have to live with an awful scar to remind you and continue mammograms and worry for the other boob.You look too young to have to do that.You'll be o.k -you're a breast cancer surviver AND a nurse so you are one gutsy chick! Tonya xx

Chris, wishing you all the best for your surgery. Like you I am going to have the other breast off next year and implants. The thought of the other and being under for so long really sacred me,as I get so sick from it just for a few hrs. I am going to my GP on Monday, as I have had constant pain in my left breast and under the arm , no lump. I will be glad to get it off as it is such a worry. Big hugs Deb.

Breast reconstruction begins on Wednesday

28 Replies

Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Debbie, how did you go at the doctors on Monday about your breast pain? Love Chris xx
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Debbie, how did you go at the doctors on Monday about your breast pain? Love Chris xx
JJoy
Member
14 years ago
Hi Chris, all the best for you my dear. I haven't thought of that far ahead for myself - with all the scars I have (sporting a new one on my face from recent skin cancer surgery) I have given up, I have walked around for 52 of my 59 years with a big scar on my chest (quite visible) from childhood heart surgery - so minus a boob and scars all over the place, I just 'go with the flow' (something like that) any way I admire you, good girl and I hope it is all good from here on! x Josie
JJoy
Member
14 years ago
Hi Chris, all the best for you my dear. I haven't thought of that far ahead for myself - with all the scars I have (sporting a new one on my face from recent skin cancer surgery) I have given up, I have walked around for 52 of my 59 years with a big scar on my chest (quite visible) from childhood heart surgery - so minus a boob and scars all over the place, I just 'go with the flow' (something like that) any way I admire you, good girl and I hope it is all good from here on! x Josie
JJoy
Member
14 years ago
Hi Chris, all the best for you my dear. I haven't thought of that far ahead for myself - with all the scars I have (sporting a new one on my face from recent skin cancer surgery) I have given up, I have walked around for 52 of my 59 years with a big scar on my chest (quite visible) from childhood heart surgery - so minus a boob and scars all over the place, I just 'go with the flow' (something like that) any way I admire you, good girl and I hope it is all good from here on! x Josie
TonyaM
Member
14 years ago
Good to see you are back from the darkside and that all went well. Yes,those drains are like familiar old buddies.Won't it be weird/good to see those little mounds turn into boobs.You are one brave lady.Hope recovery is quick for you.

Tonya xx
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi, I've now had my mastectomy and the start of reconstruction. Operation went well, but a lot more painful than the mastectomy alone. All my rib and back muscles are very tender. Mind you, it probably had more to do with the narrow hard flat operating table, and the funny position I was in with my head back and low and my arms both outstretched. That position alone would make me stiff. I already have 2 little breast mounds as the doctor has added 200mls of saline into both. I've been detached from my calf stimulators and my drip has been removed, so now it is just me and my drains. Love Chris xxx
Debbie_J
Member
14 years ago
Did you have implants or tummy one?. I am having my other breast off next year and reconstruction.

Deb
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Thanks Lizzy and Imelda, I will let you know how it all goes. Love Chris xx
imelda_sarmient
Member
14 years ago
Hi Chris...All the best :-) ....you will be ok :-) You are a survivor! Hugs!

imelda

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Breast reconstruction begins on Wednesday

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