Forum Discussion

Marlee's avatar
Marlee
Member
11 years ago

Surgery date and decision made

I saw my surgeon yesterday and have a surgery date - yay !!!

My last chemo will be 9/12 and surgery booked for 6th January.

After much thought and deliberation I have opted for a bilateral masectomy. The breast with the tumour will have 3 to 5 nodes checked at time of surgery and then if needed I will have a full clearance.

The healthy breast will have Sentinel node checked, in case.

I feel relieved to have made a decision and a bit terrified about having the surgery. I keep trying to imagine how I will feel with no breasts but I can't imagine it at the moment. 

I forgot to ask about how I will be checked going forward, after surgery. Do I have ultrasounds of the area? Or do they rely on self checking?

Any tips for recovery ? 

Thanks lovely ladies :)

4 Replies

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi it is always a weight lifted when you make a decision. It will be nice for you to have christmas and see the new year in before you go for surgery. It will be good to finish chemo and have a break and get yourself ready for the next step, take care

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Marlee, all bc decisions are hard aren't they.It's good to have a plan in place and even better to have a break over Christmas. I would just add to take to hospital -button down the front pjs,a loose shirt to wear home, 2 drain bags to house your probable drains, stretchy cami/singlets for when the dressing and binder comes off and you still can't wear a bra.I needed strong pain killers for 3 days and then went to Panadol.Your chest area will feel abit numb. I had a left mastectomy and when I first looked, it wasn't as bad as I thought.I won't lie,it takes awhile to adjust. Good luck with chemo. Tonya xx

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    11 years ago

    Hi Marlee, what a brave choice you have made, it's a tough one though. I have had a right sided mastectomy, and it has taken me some time to adjust to my body image thoughts and feelings. I am quite a busty lady, so have a D cup bra, so finding the temporary replacement has been a real challenge for me. I'm feeling for you with bilateral mastectomy, what a woman you are. My tips are to keep as fit as you can during the recovery period, do all the exercises that the physics give you religiously. The more you move, the better your recovery. Also keep a sensible diet during your recovery, the vitamins will keep you well. All the very warmest of wishes for your surgery. Sending you a super girl cuddle, Trace ??????

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    Well done on making a choice:) Each small step forward is a step towards the finish line!! I had a single mastectomy,and the first time I had a mammogram and ultrasound after my surgery,they did an ultrasound of the mastectomy side.But since then,they haven't done it.When I see my surgeon and oncologist( 6 monthly) they always check the scar line,and I check it too.Apparently that is all that is needed.In the beginning I thought that it wasn't enough,but now I realise that it is fine.As for your surgery,put things that you use on a daily basis,at bench height,so as you don't have to stretch in the first few days,and the other most important thing that I would say is to do the exercises that you get given,even if it is difficult in the beginning.All the best and stay in touch on here.Cheers Robyn xox