Sunday, August 10, 2008

Bye Bye Boobies...

What a summer this has been. I decided after three years of living in terror that I would have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I was hardly prepared for the change, let alone the pain and trauma I experienced. I am still not sure I can say "I'm glad I did it". But, I feel grateful that my risk of both a recurrence or another primary breast cancer has been significantly reduced! I think if I would have known before hand what difficult these surgeries have been...I know I wouldn't have done it. Maybe my ignorance was a blessing is disguise.

For most of my teenage and adult life I have needed a breast reduction. After treatment for breast cancer I also needed reconstruction to even out the size of my breasts. After much deliberation with my oncologist, my surgeon and my plastic surgeon...We came to the conclusion that If I was going to have reconstruction and a reduction....why not take out all the breast tissue and build from the ground up. I have truly been living in terror of getting caner again. Anyone who has had it can testify about the fear that lingers in the back of your mind and strikes at times with the greatest of force. The fear can be immobilizing.

Although I realize that by having bilateral mastectomies has not reduced my risk of a distant recurrence, I feel like I have done everything I can possible do. I also had a hysterectomy with ovaries this past February. By not having ovaries also reduces my risk of cancer. It has been a hard year on my body. I have one more surgery to remove the spacers and put in the final implants. I am dreading it...trying to block it off. But I know I've got to do it!
There are so many things I want to write about, but I need to get some sleep! Goodnight.

14 comments:

Ashlee said...

HEY DANA! It's me Ashlee...ya know the crazy wacky world gym reject!:) I saw your blog on Tricia's so I thought I would say howdy! I'm sorry to hear that you're still having to deal with things related to your cancer. My mom found out a month or so ago that she has lymphoma. She just had her 2nd round of chemo, and it has been VERY difficult for her. Cancer isn't new to her though. She had thyroid cancer 17 yrs. ago, but she only had to go through radiation- not chemo. What a difference!!!! I hope you've recovered well from the latest, and it will be fun to keep in touch. Come check out my blog at ashleeandersen.blogspot.com

teh4 said...

Hi Dana,

I'm so sorry you've lost your breasts, but you will gain a great pair that are so high and perky you never have to wear a bra. I just spoke with two women who are single and have had reconstruction, who said that you will make it a bigger deal than any significant other. You're going to look great.

Taylor-Riley said...

Hi Dana - I stumbled across your blog. I definately feel your pain with the mastectomy issue! I found out in February of this year that I had breast cancer and had a double mastectomy after chemo. I'm having "immediate delayed reconstruction". They put tissue expanders in at the time of the mastectomy and I'm having a free flap tissue transfer next year. I wish you all the luck with your reconstruction!!

MonicaW42 said...

Hi Dana,

Found your blog. My mom was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and will be getting a mastectomy in two weeks and then going through radiation and chemotherapy. I wish you a successful recovery.

readmyblog said...

My story is uncannily similar to yours including now doing patient advocacy. not sure if you can see my e mail or not or if I can post it here so I will try. Please contact me. Interested in idea exchange

Jennie said...

Dana,I can't believe I haven't thought to google your name before this.
I can't count the number of times I have thought of you since I saw you 3 years ago. I'm so sorry.
I'm still here is Idaho Falls. Get in touch with me if you can.
Good Luck!
Jennie Porter Bohrer

raffi@breastalliance.org said...

I think this information might interest you or your readers. BreezeComfort has teamed up with nonprofit My Hope Chest to support uninsured women battling breast cancer. The lingerie brand will donate 50% of proceeds from each sale made on breezecomfort.com during the month of October to My Hope Chest, the only nonprofit helping breast cancer survivors without insurance afford reconstructive surgery.
http://www.myhopechest.org/breezecomfort-helps-bring-boobies-back

breast reduction surgery said...

It is better that you have braved it out to do the surgeries and I am sure the chances will reduce after the surgery,wish you a healthy journey ahead.

tahera said...

Nice share and a very useful tip you mentioned here was to take off all the breast tissues and build from the ground up. Hope this solution brings the best results. Great job ! Breast cancer Treatment

Cosmetic Surgeries said...

You can take great credit for publishing about this.Theres a heap of important info on the internet.Youve got a lot of that info here on your site.Im impressed I try to keep a couple blogs fairly up-to-date,but it can be difficult every now and then.You have done a fantastic job with this one.How do you do it?

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About Me

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Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States
I am a 36 year old woman, married to a great guy, and together we have three beautiful daughters. I am a three and a half year breast cancer survivor. This past year I have become active in the cause of helping those who are batteling cancer!