Hi there, and welcome! I've recently had quite the breast cancer and double mastectomy journey. I've learned a lot and can only hope that I can help others who face similar things. Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions. And remember, while you can hopefully learn from my journey, EVERY journey is different and every woman needs to make the decisions that are right for her. So here's my story!
I was 43 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my world changed quickly. It started with a mammogram callback on Jan 2 saying they wanted to take a closer look. Then the diagnostic mammogram, the biopsy, and the phone call saying 'You have Breast Cancer'. Um, what?
Then came the whirlwind of action, research, information, and decisions. I'm talking, firehose of information! First met the Breast Oncology surgeon, then genetic testing counselor, and telling friends and family, then a breast MRI, then the plastic surgeon. I had DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 1, 4-5 cm in size. Then a second opinion, and third opinions. All along the way completely overwhelmed with new terminology and really learning a whole new language - and fast! It seemed like there were endless options - how was I supposed to know which one to choose when I didn't even know these words a week ago!? That led to meticulous note taking, recording appointments, and extensive research. And more questions. And more research. Then meeting with a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist. And more research.
Then came a LOT of thinking so I could make the best decision for me. Which turned out to be a bilateral mastectomy (aka double mastectomy). I was making the decision to mutilate my body and cut off my boobs - for many reasons, but mainly because I wanted it out for good, and boobs are just boobs. But it's important to know that mine was a personal decision, not a medical decision. No doctor told me I had to, or even strongly recommended it. I could have chosen a lumpectomy. I was right in the middle and it's true - it really was a personal decision, not a medical decision. It came down to what I wanted to live with. My life, my choice. I will never judge another person's choice - another person could have the exact same thing I did and choose a lumpectomy, and as long as they feel good about the decision, that's all I ask. And I don't believe you can really know what you'd choose until you have to make the decision.
Then came the Toast to the Ta-Tas! They've been with me for 43 years, they deserved a proper farewell!
Then came the big surgery - the double mastectomy. Get that cancer OUT! And yes, then quite a bit of pain for a short while, and having tissue expanders in for 4 months, which I don't wish on anyone. Getting fills weekly so they expand. Then, only a while after all of this, did the emotional toll really set in. So much to set in, deconstruct, and understand. I"m still working on that. Then the reconstruction surgery 4 months later, to replace the expanders with implants. Then a revision surgery 9 months later.
I've never once regretted my decision to have a bilateral mastectomy. Not once. I would make the decision 1000x again. It's been a long road with a lot of ups and downs, but one thing that has been constant is I've remained grateful throughout the entire journey!
My blog here was written along the way for my friends and family, because I couldn't maneuver my way through all of this and give the same recaps over and over. I decided to open it up because so many other women are and will have to go through it. 1 in 8 women are diagnosed, ladies. All I want to do is be able to help others that get that same phone call I did. I'd be happy to talk to anyone or answer questions!