Hi girls, Saw the surgeon tonight. It is bilateral mastectomy on Monday, then a course of chemo to follow. It is all happening so fast. I am relieved, but some words of encouragement would be much appreciated - can't believe the speed of all this!! Feeling a bit nervous, but know many of you have been there before me, and sound so positive I draw strength from your posts - thank you my lovely new friends, Michelle x

Hi Michelle I can truly understand how you must be feeling at this difficult time. I was diagnosed in October last year with multiple cancers both breasts and both breasts were removed within two weeks. I then had a bilateral node clearance two weeks after that. I was still getting my head around the fact I had cancer and all these decisions were made for me. I felt like I had lost all control over my life but I quickly decided I needed to put my life in the experts hands. From day one I feared chemo more than anything. I found the masectomy to be alot easier on both my mind and my body than I had imagined. I cried once in hospital when I saw my cut that extends from under my left arm to behind my right arm due to trouble removing my nodes. I sat on the floor of the shower and cried with one of the nurses. She was only 25 and in remission from blood cancer. She gave me incredible strength and I believe our paths were meant to cross. My advice to you is put yourself first, ask questions no matter how silly they seem, rest when you need to, speak about your feelings to your family, remember your loved ones will still love you after your breasts are gone. You are giving yourself the best chance of a great outcome. I look at my scar now and see it as part of me.I'm very proud of it as it reminds me how strong I am and how much I've done to beat this and be there for my children. I decided right now reconstruction is not for me.. I bought prosthesis but have only worn them twice.. They are comfy etc but just not for me now. Speak up and tell your care team if something doesn't feel right whether it's your drain site, cut etc. I hope the next few days aren't too stressful for you. It is doable and you will look back and say wow I went through all that. Take care Sending you lots of healing hugs Mel xxx

Good luck for your operation! I had a lumpectomy in 2002 followed by chemo and radiation. Then in August last year, I found a new little lump which required a mastectomy and chemo again. I'm seeing my surgeon in May to arrange a mastectomy on the other side and a double reconstruction. I'm not nervous at all, because I found the recovery from the previous surgeries to be really straight forward. I also had my ovaries out in January to get my high estrogen levels down. Instant menopause at 44! But after all I've been through, I'm feeling really happy and healthy again. I've lost my hair and grown it back twice, but I always kept my sense of humor and took things one day at a time. Nothing will happen to you that you can't handle, it just seems scary because it's all so serious and unknown. Just remember to laugh a lot and do things that make you happy! All the best xx Jane

Hi Mel, You understand exactly - thank you for your cheering message - I read it twice and it meant so much to me. I have decided against reconstruction also - just want it gone and healed in the shortest possible time. There are so many forms to fill out, and so much reading to get through, that the weekend will pass quickly I hope - the My Journey kit was such a help, and I could talk to the surgeon with at least a bit of knowledge and not sound too stupid. Thank you for the hugs! I needed that. Michelle xxx

Hi Jane, Thank you for the advice and support - I really appreciate it. Will take things one day at a time and remember to laugh - and be grateful for the wonderful care from my breastcare team. All the best for next month for your surgery - I will follow your progress posts. Michelle xx

Best wishes for your surgery. The girls have given you some wonderful advice. My motto during my treatment (was given to me by my elder daughter who is just so intelligent) was "Just go with the flow". It really worked for me. Don't be too hard on yourself and be open to assistance from those who offer it. This is now your time to be thinking of only YOU. It is always good to have a "mediator" who can intercept phone calls and also pass on information when you are not feeling up to communicating. Everyone wants to know how you are and this is lovely but they don't understand that they may be the 100th caller of the day!!!!!!! Will be thinking of you. XLeonie

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24 Replies

Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle, my beautiful dog is half German Shephard and half Kelpie. He is really special and we found him at the RSPCA. Someone had surrendered him, for reasons we will never know, but it is our gain and their loss. Again, good luck with your surgery. Love Chris xx
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Hi Chris,

Thanks for your message - it really helps to hear stories like yours that have had such a great outcome. Having peace of mind was a huge factor for me, too, as my cancer came from nowhere and hadn't been picked up in mammograms, USS's or check-ups - same as yours. Heaved a huge sigh of relief that my surgeon could take the risk of recurrence away - or at least over 90% - by removing both breasts. He felt it was absolutely the right way to go.

The book you mention sounds good to me - I will order it today. Thanks for the good advice and the encouragement - both much appreciated.

Love, Michelle xx (PS Your dog is lovely - has to be part German Shepherd - great face.)
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Thanks, Di

I intend to make the most of both days of the weekend! This time next week the surgery will be over and done with. Thank you for your message -

Michelle xx
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle, will be thinking of you on Monday. It is a big day, and the start of a journey I am sure you'd rather not take. Hang in there, as the time does pass, surprisingly quickly. I am now 18 months down the track. I have had a bilateral mastectomy too, but did mine in 2 stages. I have also had chemo, and have now completed reconstruction with implants. I am delighted with my two new boobs. I opted for my second mastectomy, as my first cancer had been completely missed on mammogram, and even when diagnosed, and a repeat mammogram done, nothing showed. This unnerved me, and with meeting many women who had had more than one breast cancer, I decided to go the double, and have had absolutely no regrets about this decision. It has given me peace of mind. My very wise daughter made the comment, that because we don't know what caused my cancer, how do we know what to do differently to prevent another one coming. I was also in the low risk category, with no family history, having had 4 kids in my 20's and breast feeding all of them, not over weight or a smoker or drinker,etc. It was the right choice for me. There is a very good book written by Professor John Boyages called Breast Cancer, Taking control. I bought this from Dimmocks in Chatswood last year. It has only been published for just over a year, and a very good read. It is written in easy to understand terms, and will make a lot of sense when you have your treatment plan. He goes through all of these things. The book costs about $34. It is also available online. Good luck. Love Chris xx
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle, will be thinking of you on Monday. It is a big day, and the start of a journey I am sure you'd rather not take. Hang in there, as the time does pass, surprisingly quickly. I am now 18 months down the track. I have had a bilateral mastectomy too, but did mine in 2 stages. I have also had chemo, and have now completed reconstruction with implants. I am delighted with my two new boobs. I opted for my second mastectomy, as my first cancer had been completely missed on mammogram, and even when diagnosed, and a repeat mammogram done, nothing showed. This unnerved me, and with meeting many women who had had more than one breast cancer, I decided to go the double, and have had absolutely no regrets about this decision. It has given me peace of mind. My very wise daughter made the comment, that because we don't know what caused my cancer, how do we know what to do differently to prevent another one coming. I was also in the low risk category, with no family history, having had 4 kids in my 20's and breast feeding all of them, not over weight or a smoker or drinker,etc. It was the right choice for me. There is a very good book written by Professor John Boyages called Breast Cancer, Taking control. I bought this from Dimmocks in Chatswood last year. It has only been published for just over a year, and a very good read. It is written in easy to understand terms, and will make a lot of sense when you have your treatment plan. He goes through all of these things. The book costs about $34. It is also available online. Good luck. Love Chris xx
Di_BCNA
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle -- best wishes for your surgery on Monday. One day at a time is a great motto, hope you have two lovely ones over the weekend. :)

Di
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Hi Leonie,

Your daughter is so right - will just go with the flow and take one day at a time. My Messagebank is working full-time, and I have been emailing thank-you's, which works well at this stage. Thank you for your good wishes - they are like a lovely warm coat on a cold day! The advice from all of you is brilliant, and I am taking it all -

Michelle xx
Leonie_Moore
Member
14 years ago
Best wishes for your surgery. The girls have given you some wonderful advice. My motto during my treatment (was given to me by my elder daughter who is just so intelligent) was "Just go with the flow". It really worked for me. Don't be too hard on yourself and be open to assistance from those who offer it. This is now your time to be thinking of only YOU. It is always good to have a "mediator" who can intercept phone calls and also pass on information when you are not feeling up to communicating. Everyone wants to know how you are and this is lovely but they don't understand that they may be the 100th caller of the day!!!!!!! Will be thinking of you. XLeonie
Leonie_Moore
Member
14 years ago
Best wishes for your surgery. The girls have given you some wonderful advice. My motto during my treatment (was given to me by my elder daughter who is just so intelligent) was "Just go with the flow". It really worked for me. Don't be too hard on yourself and be open to assistance from those who offer it. This is now your time to be thinking of only YOU. It is always good to have a "mediator" who can intercept phone calls and also pass on information when you are not feeling up to communicating. Everyone wants to know how you are and this is lovely but they don't understand that they may be the 100th caller of the day!!!!!!! Will be thinking of you. XLeonie
Leonie_Moore
Member
14 years ago
Best wishes for your surgery. The girls have given you some wonderful advice. My motto during my treatment (was given to me by my elder daughter who is just so intelligent) was "Just go with the flow". It really worked for me. Don't be too hard on yourself and be open to assistance from those who offer it. This is now your time to be thinking of only YOU. It is always good to have a "mediator" who can intercept phone calls and also pass on information when you are not feeling up to communicating. Everyone wants to know how you are and this is lovely but they don't understand that they may be the 100th caller of the day!!!!!!! Will be thinking of you. XLeonie

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