Topic information for: mastectomy
Beyond The Shock® Educational Video
Inflammatory Breast Cancer is another uncommon but aggressive form of cancer, in which abnormal cells infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. This type of...
Real Stories from people
-
Patsy06:36
Related Questions
-
Is there an expected phase of depression after a lumpectomy or mastectomy? During or after chemo?
Asked by Catherine Nodurft
Family Member or Loved One- View all 14 answers
-
sandy glisman
Survivor since 2011
I'm only four weeks out of surgery but i already know i will never be the same. Not physically or emotionally!! It forever changes you but not all bad. Alot of wonderful things have come from this!! I have learned to be more patient, not sweat the small things, appreciate things i took for...
11 comments 13I'm only four weeks out of surgery but i already know i will never be the same. Not physically or emotionally!! It forever changes you but not all bad. Alot of wonderful things have come from this!! I have learned to be more patient, not sweat the small things, appreciate things i took for granted, found kindness where i never knew it existed, and met amazing courageous ladies, like all of you!! I get depressed, but i try to focus on the good things that have happened. We just all have to find and accept our new "normal" We can do it, with each others help!!! Us pink ladies ROCK!!! Stay strong and focused!!
-
Lisa Cefaratti
Survivor since 2009
I am a BC survivor. Diagnosed in August of 2009. Had single total mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. As I was going through everything I was sort-of in a holding pattern. Just doing everything day by day as I needed to, but once the chemo was finished I felt this overwhelming sense of...
7 comments 8I am a BC survivor. Diagnosed in August of 2009. Had single total mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. As I was going through everything I was sort-of in a holding pattern. Just doing everything day by day as I needed to, but once the chemo was finished I felt this overwhelming sense of depression. I felt lost, left at the side of the road. There were no more treatment appointments, doctor's appointments went to every 3 months then every 6, and I really felt like...ok, it's time for me to pick up the pieces now. But I didn't know how. I didn't know how to feel, what to feel, or what to do for that matter. On top of all that, my body decided that it was time to launch me into menopause. Now, almost 2 years later, the depression has pretty much subsided, thanks to taking walks with my dogs. I do have a very bad case of extreme exhaustion, which has been very challenging. I can sleep from 10pm until 4 or 5pm the next day sometimes. I find I have to force myself to get up, and even then, my legs feel like they are lead. I am back to work part-time, and it is getting a little easier as time goes on. I found that most of my depression came from guilt. I felt that I should be able to bounce right back into my life. I don't think after breast cancer you ever bounce back into your life. For me, anyway, it's a somewhat "different" life. You look at things differently, you will notice that many things don't matter anymore...little things, that shouldn't have mattered before. You will also see people in a different light. I noticed the triteness in many people. People who take their lives for granted, and are focused on what they have and are going to get, rather than if they are kind to other people, and accepting of other's mistakes. Anyways, I digress. I guess in a nutshell, you very well may experience depression, but there are a whole lot of other emotions you will also experience. Just learn to take the bad with the good, and know that it WILL get better! Good luck to all you women who have yet to start on this journey. It really is a journey of the body, mind, and spirit. So, be good to all of them, because this journey really never ends...you will always be a survivor!
-
 downloaded pics 077.jpg?1303503327)
If you have bilateral mastectomy, how long does it take to recover from the surgery? I hear about the tubes for drainage - how long are they kept in you? What are extenders if you have reconstruction surgery?
Asked by Ethel Brooks
Stage 0 Patient-
Cheri Davis Johnson
Survivor since 2009
I had an unilateral mastectomy in 09. I also had a tissue expander. My drain tubes were in place for almost 2 weeks. They really were annoying! Didn't hurt, but just bothersome. I used a mastectomy cami and it was wonderful. It had a pouch in front to stuff the drain tubes in. I wore...
8 comments 5I had an unilateral mastectomy in 09. I also had a tissue expander. My drain tubes were in place for almost 2 weeks. They really were annoying! Didn't hurt, but just bothersome. I used a mastectomy cami and it was wonderful. It had a pouch in front to stuff the drain tubes in. I wore bagging, button down or zipper up tops and it was fine. The tissue expander is not fun though. It is a hard, implant like thing that has a magnet in it. The magnet is for the fills. The doc fills a syringe with saline and with the magnet guides the needle to the right spot and then he pokes your skin and into the expander. How long you have to have the expander in all depends on how big you want and how long it takes for you body to stretch. It didn't hurt at all except for the stretching of the muscles. My neck and back would ache for a few days. I was lucky, it only took 2 months before I was ready for the permanent implants. Over-all it isn't a horrible surgery as far as surgery goes. I have had worse for sure!! And I was only in the hospital 1 night too.
-
Pam Johmson
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had bilateral mastectomies 8 months ago. Stage I invasive but very small. Genetic testing negative. Sentinel Lymph node negative. Estrogen progesterone positive. Post menopausal. Age 56. I had tissue expanders for silicone gel implants for only 3 weeks before implant exchange. Drain tubes...
Comment 0I had bilateral mastectomies 8 months ago. Stage I invasive but very small. Genetic testing negative. Sentinel Lymph node negative. Estrogen progesterone positive. Post menopausal. Age 56. I had tissue expanders for silicone gel implants for only 3 weeks before implant exchange. Drain tubes for almost the whole 3 weeks. They are annoying but not horrible. I wore my surgical bras and loose tops. Not a huge issue, really, but was ready for them to come out! The exchange surgery was quick and not a big deal. Went to opening home game of OU football 2 days after!! Made it thru half! Taking Arimidex ...no chemo needed. Doing fantastic'nnb
-
-
3 weeks after mastectomy, I still have scabs... is that normal?
Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2011-
anonymous
Survivor since 2009
Hi.
I suggest you visit with your doctor about the scabs after the mastectomy. I would think that different bodies heal at different rates. To have scabs 3 weeks after a mastectomy does not sound unreasonable to me, but then I'm not a doctor or a health care provider.
Hang in there and good...3 comments 0Hi.
I suggest you visit with your doctor about the scabs after the mastectomy. I would think that different bodies heal at different rates. To have scabs 3 weeks after a mastectomy does not sound unreasonable to me, but then I'm not a doctor or a health care provider.
Hang in there and good luck.
~ Jo Ann, survivor since 2009
-
-
Will it increase my chances for breast cancer coming back if i have a lumpectomy or will it decrease if i have mastectomy?
Asked by misty wilbanks
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
-
sandy glisman
Survivor since 2011
My breast surgeon gave me a choice because of my type of cancer. Could've done lumpectomy or mastectomy, and he kept saying the outcome, or chances of recurrence were exactly the same statistically. Hope i helped!!!
Comment 1 -
Becky card swerdloff
Survivor since 2009
there is no right answer. Some women take the brac test and have their breast removed in fear of getting cancer. Unfortunately, I learned that even if you have your breasts removed you can get breast cancer. Remember cancer is in each one of us. Whether hormones, change of llfe body changes,...
4 comments 1there is no right answer. Some women take the brac test and have their breast removed in fear of getting cancer. Unfortunately, I learned that even if you have your breasts removed you can get breast cancer. Remember cancer is in each one of us. Whether hormones, change of llfe body changes, food, plastic, stress can trigger cancer. If there are cancer cells floating on your chest bone, you will still get breast cancer. Some suggest a super diet, less stress, prayer and hormone regulation will help. I was told by Dr. Cox in tampa that my type of lumpectomy breast cancer should not reoccur for at least 10 years. I am not taking any tamoxifin or other cancer preventative drugs. If I have 10 years left, I want to be drug free.
-
Is it okay to use a "bioidentical" progesterone cream for menopause symptoms after diagnosed with breast cancer that was hormone fed by estrogen and progesterone, after a mastectomy? (There was no cancer found in lymph nodes)
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
Does it hurt after having a mastectomy?
Asked by Lindzey Ward
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 7 answers
-
Surf Momma
Learning About Breast Cancer
I would like to know also
1 comment 1 -
Kris Shortridge
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had a mastectomy 2 1/2 yes ago. It didn't really hurt, but the drains caused some discomfort. Once those were removed, I was fine. Just don't try to do too much too soon
Comment 0
-
I am waiting on biopsy of my breast. Has anyone had double mastectomy with reconstruction? I was thinking implants. Wanted to think about treatment options. Is it a good idea to take everything out to save my life and prevent recurrence ?
Asked by Sheila Anderson
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
-
Ana Naluh Andrade
Learning About Breast Cancer
That's exactly what I did. Both surgeons, oncologist and plastic, working together, at the same surgery. I had expanders put on. It's really uncomfortable, but they're temporary. Now I'm done, with the right implants on, niples and tattoos! No regrets at all!!
1 comment 2 -
Janice Baker
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had Expanders put in after my surgery. My right side was radiated therefore having trouble with swelling! If I had to do it over I would not of had expanders but I'm not finished maybe I'll change my mind!
Comment 0
-
Someone I know has had a double mastectomy and has a hard time finding a comfortable bra. Does anyone know where she could get a bra specially made for her? Is it possible to get a bra with the prosthesis already in it?
Asked by anonymous
Family Member or Loved One- View all 9 answers
-
Janice Baker
Learning About Breast Cancer
I've had a double mastectomy and I wear sports bras. They seem to be the most comfortable.
Comment 0 -
Sally Zosky
Learning About Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society can help her if her surgeon doesn't have that information. Usually a home medical equipment company has someone that does this. The surgeon will write a rx when she's able to wear one but just make sure whoever fits her is trained. Good luck, I just recently got...
Comment 0The American Cancer Society can help her if her surgeon doesn't have that information. Usually a home medical equipment company has someone that does this. The surgeon will write a rx when she's able to wear one but just make sure whoever fits her is trained. Good luck, I just recently got mine and have to stop wearing it while I go thru radiation. Not a bad thing to not have to wear a bra in the summer...silver lining!
-
I dont know whether I should have a Bilateral mastectomy or just single mastectomy? I have DCIS in my left breast. I do not have the BRCA1 or 2 gene so that is why I dont know what to do??? Any advice please?
Asked by Cynthia Flexen
Stage 0 Patient- View all 4 answers
-
Diana Foster
Survivor since 2012
Hi Cynthia, have you spoken to your Breast Surgeon about their opinion? That's very good news you don't have either of the BRACA genes. I will have my test performed this week. That's a tough decision, whether to remove both breasts. I have Stage IIIc IDC. It's a later stage plus my...
1 comment 5Hi Cynthia, have you spoken to your Breast Surgeon about their opinion? That's very good news you don't have either of the BRACA genes. I will have my test performed this week. That's a tough decision, whether to remove both breasts. I have Stage IIIc IDC. It's a later stage plus my non-cancerous breast has several calcifications and a fluid filled cyst. Trouble brewing there. So I've chosen to have both removed. It's such a personal choice I can only relate my story to you. A good medical site to go to with fact based research is breastcancer.org. Or the book "Dr Susan Love's Breast Book". both has so much helpful info. Thinking of you on your journey,
Diana
-
Jessica Fisher
Stage 3A Patient
I am 29 diagnosed stage 3 dci and having the same prob as u though I'm leaning tapers a double mastectomy with reconstrution because of my increased risk of a 2nd cancer and the thought of going through this again terrifies me I also am braca negative
4 comments 0
-
I'm 26 and I have been diagnosed with stage 2. Do I need a mastectomy??
Asked by Mona Assadi
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Tiffani Warila
Learning About Breast Cancer
I am 29 and based on the Size of the lump during ultrasound am borderline stage 1-2. I am doing 8 rounds of chemo before surgery in hopes of shrinking the tumor. Then only a lumpectomy will be needed. There are many different factors to consider though. Genetic testing to see if you are brca1 or...
Comment 3I am 29 and based on the Size of the lump during ultrasound am borderline stage 1-2. I am doing 8 rounds of chemo before surgery in hopes of shrinking the tumor. Then only a lumpectomy will be needed. There are many different factors to consider though. Genetic testing to see if you are brca1 or brca2 positive, if there is more than one tumor, etc. Your doctor would be able to tell you if chemo first would be a good option for you. If you have any other questions feel free to ask me. I am more than willing to to help!
-
Joan Rosov
Stage 3A Patient
I have had breast cancer twice. Both times I had genetic testing The results really helped in the decision process.
Comment 0
-
Related Topics
Looking for another topic? Use the search box in the top right.
“ An Early Detection Plan (EDP) significantly increases the chances of surviving breast cancer. ”
spread the wordAbout Beyond The Shock®
Beyond The Shock is a comprehensive online guide to understanding breast cancer.
It is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a place for loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease, and a tool for doctors to share information.
Beyond The Shock is a collaborative breast cancer guide created by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) with the support of the finest medical experts, doctors, and researchers in the world. NBCF utilized ground-breaking technology and the resources of the global medical community to create an accessible platform for understanding a diagnosis of breast cancer.
More Information
Terms of Service
|
Privacy Policy
|
Sitemap
|
Medical Disclaimer
Copyright © 2011 - BeyondTheShock.com ® . All Rights Reserved. BeyondTheShock.com ® is operated by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. , a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Oven Bits