Thank you for this information. My emotion has been up and down since I found out. Was at work today trying to fight back tears. It’s hard going through this.
I hear you with the emotions! It's definitely a roller coaster...still is actually. Nothing you can really prepare for and hard for others to really understand what you're going through. Hope you're able to find the things that will help you through surgery and treatment!
Thanks Courtney! I think it’s pretty common to feel the weight of everything once you’re done treatment. It would be challenging to do all of the treatment if you were fully processing it along the way.
Google helped me so much. It made me feel so much better to hear what other women had experienced. BUT yes! If you look too far ahead it can be overwhelming for sure.
I stumbled upon your videos and as a cancer survivor myself, right side mastectomy, first stage of reconstruction, I felt I met a friend. Thank you for sharing your journey. Take care
Thank you so much! Iim 3 weeks post single mastectomy. Ready to do some mre serious movement for rehabing. You came just in time, because I'm to go back to work in 11 days and needed something to focus me. Im also finding i need emotional support now where I didn't before. I had a social worker reach out to me yesterday, and i have an hospital breast cancer advocate I've talked to twice and really like. Your video reminded me she called, and i didn't remember to get back to her. There is a sense at the moment with my recent activity level that i am healed, but i did too much today, so, need to slow down. Breast Cancer brings on a whole new sense and exploration of self care. Probably why i got cancer to begin with, self love deficit. Your videos are so very clearly communicated and reassuring. Thank you for your vulnerability and sensitivity, its palpable. I am a massage therapist, nutritionist, and Complex PTSD coach, and still find myself lacking what I need. Thank you for your timely guidance.
Thank you for your feedback and kind words. Paying it forward with these videos is helping me too. Let this video be a sign to follow up for some additional support! I'm sure we could all use more of that.
Just listened to segment regarding 'emotions' experienced. I have literally wondered why I am not upset after having my DCIS dx. Possibly the tests and decisions are not emotional. The surgery and future is! I actually was wondering if something was wrong with me not being upset, scared, crying. Thank you for telling your experience. So helpful.
Yes, the timing of our emotions aren't always what we expect! Being more stoic during diagnosis/treatment is a great protective response to cope with this crazy experience. All of my friends/family were surprised with how well I was doing during treatment...then they saw what happened when I was "done"! Hope your recovery goes well.
Glad to hear it was so helpful...and also that you found this channel at the beginning stages of your treatment. Lots more info to help you along the way!
Thank you for this video. I just finished chemo and will be undergoing double mastectomy in a few weeks. I had to advocate for my choice to go flat. Mostly with friends and family, my surgeon has been great. I agree with your "I'm done" points, too. I'm not even done with active treatment and I'm wondering if I will ever feel "done."
I didn't even think of needing to advocate going flat with friends/family. That's great your surgeon is on-board. I'm hoping I'll feel "more done" as time progresses. All the best with your mastectomy recovery coming up!
I’m waiting for a mastectomy too. No date yet. My consultant has set the expectation a few days ago in a phone call but he needs to talk my options through with me in a face to face meeting. It’s all the waiting I’m finding so difficult. I bumped into this video accidentally and found it so helpful.
Super helpful. I will have a mastectomy in 10 days. My gem would be informing friends, family, colleagues in written. I find it much easier to talk about it when I don’t have to break the news and manage their reaction. I prioritize exercise, especially low intensity cardio (I prefer weightlifting normally) as that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Will try journaling. So happy I found your channel ❤️
Great gem. I actually did the same thing with emailing people ahead of time and told them they needed to have their holy sh** moment on their own and not in front of me! Managing how others react is definitely a thing. All the best with your upcoming surgery and recovery.
I'm going to have a single mastectomy on Oct. 10th. I definitely feel pressured from my breast surgeon and the nurses at the breast center to have reconstruction. I feel like I was talked into having it, when initially, I didn't want reconstruction. I'm really conflicted about having it done.
Agnes, I can see how you would feel conflicted going into the consult not wanting reconstruction and then coming out with that as the plan. There are options to have delayed reconstruction rather than immediate so it may be helpful to look into that, at least for peace of mind. Wishing you well with your decision and upcoming surgery!
Have just had bilateral BC diagnosed and 1 side has 3 tumors.The surgeon has given me the choice of lumpectomy both sides or a mastectomy 1 side and not the other or a double mastectomy. Then there's the decision about reconstruction.Honestly ,it's so overwhelming.I am an indecisive person at the best of times about trivial stuff.I think I have the decision about mastectomy but am really not sure which way to go with reconstruction.Don't really want to have to worry about exchanging implants in 10 years or so but on the other hand the fat removal looks quite brutal.
Yes, so many decisions at this stage! Not just about cancer surgery but reconstruction too. I was fortunate to be so decisive. You may not get that decisive YES for one option….but just a feeling that once option makes a bit more sense than another. Hoping you get some clarity soon!
Thank you! I actually feel pretty comfortable in a bathing suit. The animation deformity with my implants being under the muscle sometimes annoys me but other than that I’m happy to be in a bikini. One of the reasons why I wanted reconstruction is I’m often in workout clothes and bathing suits. Using prosthetics or having flat closure wasn’t my preference.
The decision to do a lumpectomy/radiation for DCIS vs a mastectomy is outside my area of expertise. Your surgeon would be the best person to answer this question.
As an Areola Tattoo Artist, I find your videos SO helpful and Educational. So much to learn and being knowledgeable on these subjects beyond just Skin and Ink is extremely important for me. I plan on sharing some of your videos and information on my social media. Thank you❤
Awesome, thank you! I'm going to do a video about areola tattoos post-mastectomy eventually. Is there anything that you do differently in terms of alignment when a woman has radiation on one side? The radiated side tends to stay put but the non-radiated side lowers over time.
How do I get people to help me / support me?😢 mentality, em😅and physically? Where to reach out for gas or getting vehicle fixed so it's safe to drive to Appointments, or if there's any funds out there to help get a vehicle that's safe? Thank so much for these videos. Also Is there any exercises for the lower back being sitting down a lot?
If you don’t have any immediate family/friends to support you, you may find value in joining a support group. Discussing the mental toll that a cancer diagnosis and treatment take is helpful with people who “get it“. Also, check with your hospital about services that help with transportation for your appointments. I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with that. I haven’t done a video on back pain yet, but it’s on my list! Until then, these things can help - reducing sitting, lots of walking, and have a look at the core/lower body rehab videos that I did.
What gems can you pass along to other women before their mastectomy/breast cancer experience?
Thank you for this information. My emotion has been up and down since I found out. Was at work today trying to fight back tears. It’s hard going through this.
I hear you with the emotions! It's definitely a roller coaster...still is actually. Nothing you can really prepare for and hard for others to really understand what you're going through. Hope you're able to find the things that will help you through surgery and treatment!
Erica these videos are priceless. My emotional track is in line with what you experienced. Thank you for creating these videos
Thanks Courtney! I think it’s pretty common to feel the weight of everything once you’re done treatment. It would be challenging to do all of the treatment if you were fully processing it along the way.
Google helped me so much. It made me feel so much better to hear what other women had experienced. BUT yes! If you look too far ahead it can be overwhelming for sure.
I was similar to you. More information was always better, especially hearing the experiences of other women.
I stumbled upon your videos and as a cancer survivor myself, right side mastectomy, first stage of reconstruction, I felt I met a friend.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Take care
Thank you!! It’s been helpful for my own recovery to share all of this info with others.
You are a very inspiring person and I can appreciate your honesty and grace sharing this experience.
Once again,thank you!
Greetings from Greece
I am having a double mastectomy on April 9th. This is the third of your videos that I am watching and all have been super helpful!
I’m glad the videos have been helpful! All the best with your recovery after surgery and the rest of your treatment.
I am also scheduled April 9th for my double. Prayers and blessings for healing and strength to you!🌷
@@sheila771 Good luck with your surgery! Lots of info on the channel to help with your recovery.
How long ago did your journey start, I found out in February about the lumps, and I get scheduled tomorrow...just wondering how far out is the wait
Thank you so much! Iim 3 weeks post single mastectomy. Ready to do some mre serious movement for rehabing. You came just in time, because I'm to go back to work in 11 days and needed something to focus me. Im also finding i need emotional support now where I didn't before. I had a social worker reach out to me yesterday, and i have an hospital breast cancer advocate I've talked to twice and really like. Your video reminded me she called, and i didn't remember to get back to her.
There is a sense at the moment with my recent activity level that i am healed, but i did too much today, so, need to slow down. Breast Cancer brings on a whole new sense and exploration of self care. Probably why i got cancer to begin with, self love deficit.
Your videos are so very clearly communicated and reassuring.
Thank you for your vulnerability and sensitivity, its palpable.
I am a massage therapist, nutritionist, and Complex PTSD coach, and still find myself lacking what I need. Thank you for your timely guidance.
Thank you for your feedback and kind words. Paying it forward with these videos is helping me too. Let this video be a sign to follow up for some additional support! I'm sure we could all use more of that.
Just listened to segment regarding 'emotions' experienced. I have literally wondered why I am not upset after having my DCIS dx. Possibly the tests and decisions are not emotional. The surgery and future is! I actually was wondering if something was wrong with me not being upset, scared, crying. Thank you for telling your experience. So helpful.
Yes, the timing of our emotions aren't always what we expect! Being more stoic during diagnosis/treatment is a great protective response to cope with this crazy experience. All of my friends/family were surprised with how well I was doing during treatment...then they saw what happened when I was "done"! Hope your recovery goes well.
Thank you thank you thank you ❤
You're welcome!
Very helpful Thank you❤❤
You're welcome!
Thank you so much for this video. It's helped a lot to calm my fears and make me feel prepared for the road ahead.
Glad to hear it was so helpful...and also that you found this channel at the beginning stages of your treatment. Lots more info to help you along the way!
Thank you for this video. I just finished chemo and will be undergoing double mastectomy in a few weeks. I had to advocate for my choice to go flat. Mostly with friends and family, my surgeon has been great. I agree with your "I'm done" points, too. I'm not even done with active treatment and I'm wondering if I will ever feel "done."
I didn't even think of needing to advocate going flat with friends/family. That's great your surgeon is on-board. I'm hoping I'll feel "more done" as time progresses. All the best with your mastectomy recovery coming up!
Waiting for a date to have mastectomy & DIEP reconstruction, this is so helpful. Thank you so so much for taking the time to create this ❤❤❤❤
Glad it was helpful! All the best with your upcoming surgery. There's lots of info on the channel to help with your recovery.
I’m waiting for a mastectomy too. No date yet. My consultant has set the expectation a few days ago in a phone call but he needs to talk my options through with me in a face to face meeting. It’s all the waiting I’m finding so difficult.
I bumped into this video accidentally and found it so helpful.
Yes, the waiting is so tough! Lots of time for anxiety to creep in. Hope your face to face meeting gives you some clarity.
It's good to know how you felt at the end of your active treatment.
Yes, tears were definitely flowing!
Super helpful. I will have a mastectomy in 10 days.
My gem would be informing friends, family, colleagues in written. I find it much easier to talk about it when I don’t have to break the news and manage their reaction.
I prioritize exercise, especially low intensity cardio (I prefer weightlifting normally) as that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Will try journaling. So happy I found your channel ❤️
Great gem. I actually did the same thing with emailing people ahead of time and told them they needed to have their holy sh** moment on their own and not in front of me! Managing how others react is definitely a thing. All the best with your upcoming surgery and recovery.
I'm going to have a single mastectomy on Oct. 10th. I definitely feel pressured from my breast surgeon and the nurses at the breast center to have reconstruction. I feel like I was talked into having it, when initially, I didn't want reconstruction. I'm really conflicted about having it done.
Agnes, I can see how you would feel conflicted going into the consult not wanting reconstruction and then coming out with that as the plan. There are options to have delayed reconstruction rather than immediate so it may be helpful to look into that, at least for peace of mind. Wishing you well with your decision and upcoming surgery!
Have just had bilateral BC diagnosed and 1 side has 3 tumors.The surgeon has given me the choice of lumpectomy both sides or a mastectomy 1 side and not the other or a double mastectomy. Then there's the decision about reconstruction.Honestly ,it's so overwhelming.I am an indecisive person at the best of times about trivial stuff.I think I have the decision about mastectomy but am really not sure which way to go with reconstruction.Don't really want to have to worry about exchanging implants in 10 years or so but on the other hand the fat removal looks quite brutal.
Yes, so many decisions at this stage! Not just about cancer surgery but reconstruction too. I was fortunate to be so decisive. You may not get that decisive YES for one option….but just a feeling that once option makes a bit more sense than another. Hoping you get some clarity soon!
I’m having my surgery soon and I’m hoping to get over the muscle because I’m afraid of the impact on my shoulder.
Hope you're able to get that! Over the muscle was my preference but I wasn't a candidate. Good luck with your surgery.
Your videos are 100% informational, thank you so much!!!!
My question to you, how do you feel in a bathing suit?
Thank you! I actually feel pretty comfortable in a bathing suit. The animation deformity with my implants being under the muscle sometimes annoys me but other than that I’m happy to be in a bikini. One of the reasons why I wanted reconstruction is I’m often in workout clothes and bathing suits. Using prosthetics or having flat closure wasn’t my preference.
Why in early stage of breast cancer, radiaton for the DICS spot instead of remove the breast, why?
The decision to do a lumpectomy/radiation for DCIS vs a mastectomy is outside my area of expertise. Your surgeon would be the best person to answer this question.
As an Areola Tattoo Artist, I find your videos SO helpful and Educational. So much to learn and being knowledgeable on these subjects beyond just Skin and Ink is extremely important for me. I plan on sharing some of your videos and information on my social media. Thank you❤
Awesome, thank you! I'm going to do a video about areola tattoos post-mastectomy eventually. Is there anything that you do differently in terms of alignment when a woman has radiation on one side? The radiated side tends to stay put but the non-radiated side lowers over time.
How do I get people to help me / support me?😢 mentality, em😅and physically? Where to reach out for gas or getting vehicle fixed so it's safe to drive to Appointments, or if there's any funds out there to help get a vehicle that's safe? Thank so much for these videos. Also Is there any exercises for the lower back being sitting down a lot?
If you don’t have any immediate family/friends to support you, you may find value in joining a support group. Discussing the mental toll that a cancer diagnosis and treatment take is helpful with people who “get it“. Also, check with your hospital about services that help with transportation for your appointments. I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with that. I haven’t done a video on back pain yet, but it’s on my list! Until then, these things can help - reducing sitting, lots of walking, and have a look at the core/lower body rehab videos that I did.
I disagree I research all the time
Me too!