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Michelle16's avatar
Michelle16
Member
15 years ago

Off they come !!

Hi

Well I am starting to feel a little nervous - I am having a bi lateral masectomy on the 10th Feb 2011. This being due to the first attempt with a wide local didnt get all the cancer. The Dr said as far as they can tell I have very wide spread DCIS

I would really like to hear all the bad and good ppl can share with me about this operation and I am to get expanders put in at the same time and than further down the track the implants.

I kind of feel like Im walking blind and I hate this feeling of the unknown.

They have told me to be prepared for at least 7 - 10 days in hospital.

At this stage they are un sure if I need chemo it will depend on the final test results.

So if any of you wonderful inspiring ladies would share with me I am all ears and eyes as well for that matter.

Thank you so much

Michelle

4 Replies

  • Tanya's avatar
    Tanya
    Member
    15 years ago

    Sorry you have to have more surgery.  I have had a bi lateral mastecomy and tissue expander on the left and skin sparing on the right with immediate implant.

    I did not do the exercises with the second mastecomy, but did have to do them following the first because they did an ancillary clearance (removed all the lymph nodes).  I was only in hospital for a couple of days but left with a drain bag on each side, I had no dramas with the bags, only the inconvenience of carring them around for 10 days!!  which seemed like forever.

    I am having my expander exchange surgery later this month. 

    Hope we have answered some of your questions, feel free to ask anything.

    Tanya

     

  • Tanya's avatar
    Tanya
    Member
    15 years ago

    Sorry you have to have more surgery.  I have had a bi lateral mastecomy and tissue expander on the left and skin sparing on the right with immediate implant.

    I did not do the exercises with the second mastecomy, but did have to do them following the first because they did an ancillary clearance (removed all the lymph nodes).  I was only in hospital for a couple of days but left with a drain bag on each side, I had no dramas with the bags, only the inconvenience of carring them around for 10 days!!  which seemed like forever.

    I am having my expander exchange surgery later this month. 

    Hope we have answered some of your questions, feel free to ask anything.

    Tanya

     

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    15 years ago

    Welcome to the site.  I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through this.  I  hope that you have lots of support around you.  You sound pretty positive - that's by far the best starting point.  I myself am about to commence radiation therapy for the second time (had bc just over 4 years ago) and then will continue my treatment with chemo.  I have not had a mastectomy but have many friends who have.  I will leave the "experienced" ladies on the site to offer you their stories.  I just wanted to offer you my good wishes.  Best of luck with your treatment.  I'm sorry that I couldn't answer any of your questions but will keep checking the site to see if you get some answers.  Will have you in my thoughts XLeonie

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    15 years ago

    Welcome to the site.  I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through this.  I  hope that you have lots of support around you.  You sound pretty positive - that's by far the best starting point.  I myself am about to commence radiation therapy for the second time (had bc just over 4 years ago) and then will continue my treatment with chemo.  I have not had a mastectomy but have many friends who have.  I will leave the "experienced" ladies on the site to offer you their stories.  I just wanted to offer you my good wishes.  Best of luck with your treatment.  I'm sorry that I couldn't answer any of your questions but will keep checking the site to see if you get some answers.  Will have you in my thoughts XLeonie