5 More Things They Don’t Tell You About Mastectomy

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 62

  • @Champ11Blue
    @Champ11Blue 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I had a double mastectomy at age 39 and chose to stay flat. Thank you for sharing your story!

    • @Champ11Blue
      @Champ11Blue 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Also I had a family member who tested for the same genetics choose to do a prophylactic double mastectomy!

  • @mmsdecorator928
    @mmsdecorator928 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I’m not sure if you are still reading comments, but thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’ve been watching you videos this week. I have also decided as part of my journey to go flat. I don’t want the reconstruction process. Thank you for normalizing this, because I definitely felt like I was alone.

    • @OlenaHeu
      @OlenaHeu  2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Thank you so much. That means a lot to me. It seems we are a rare breed and I am empowered by my flat chest and your positivity.

    • @brendabrown9220
      @brendabrown9220 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I chose not to have reconstruction, either, after my cancer diagnosis. I’m almost two years out and have no regrets!

    • @carmenrodriques8628
      @carmenrodriques8628 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I just had a bilateral mastectomy on January 22nd this year cause I had cancer in my left breast 25 yrs ago and it came back this year in the same breast. So I decided to get the bilateral mastectomy cause in my family there is lots of breast cancer my 2 sisters and also 3 maternal cousins. So I then decided to do the surgery. Also do not want reconstruction done. Listening to your videos which I just happened on it really helped me.thx

  • @signalfire6691
    @signalfire6691 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You're very smart to go without reconstruction; I've had a double mastectomy (age 64 for slow growing tumors) and the surgeon cheerfully told me I could get reconstruction 'the insurance will pay for it!' but I also worked as a medical transcriptionist for decades and I know the likelihood of needing further surgeries, chances of infection and other nasty side effects. I thought it was actually reprehensible for the surgeon to suggest it, especially in a woman my age. Being 'flat' is a relief after years of being 44DD on a 5 foot frame. Thank you for your posts on this subject as well as the Hawaii tours! I'd love to move there!

  • @allisonbingham6785
    @allisonbingham6785 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for this. I had a mastectomy about 6 months ago and am flat on one side. I refused reconstruction because I just can't face the pain!

  • @primarytrainer1
    @primarytrainer1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I just found your channel. I just found out I have cancer and I have been in and out of appointments. I am alone and 40 years old. I am really scared but seeing your recovery videos make me feel somewhat better than I'll be ok in the end.

    • @jenipiechocki6925
      @jenipiechocki6925 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I wish you the best, this is a road I wish no one had to go down. I'm 35 and was diagnosed last June, everything seemed so impossible
      But hey, you got this, one shitty f+×÷=%# day at a time.
      And of course, you will still find a few good days in between, 🌻trust the good days, trust your intuition . much love and blessing!

    • @jasmynmadison5984
      @jasmynmadison5984 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Join Facebook groups and in-person communities where you live. Trust me, you’re not alone. 🙂

    • @carolineowen7846
      @carolineowen7846 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hugs, how are you doing now?
      I have just found out I have a reoccurance, & am considering a double mastectomy, without reconstruction.
      I am alone to, & it a very lonely path to walk.
      Hope you are doing ok x

  • @colleengilmartin5115
    @colleengilmartin5115 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Thank you so much for you videos!!!! I wish I'd seen these BEFORE my bi-lateral mastectomy. I think the doctors should require their patients to see them too. Also, since I am opting out of reconstruction, you've given me some wonderful ideas on the types of dresses to try for my daughter's wedding this summer! I don't mind being "flat"...I only wish my tummy was flat like yours too! lol

  • @bethd6116
    @bethd6116 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I don’t know if you’re still reading comments, but I wanted to thank you for your videos. They helped me so much in understanding the mastectomy process and deciding to go flat. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma a year ago and your videos were such a blessing. I watched them all before my procedure and it helped me mentally and emotionally to prepare.
    I also agree with one of the other commentators that your voice is very soothing and comforting.

  • @michaelnours9710
    @michaelnours9710 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Olena, thank you very much, similar background, leading to the same decision at age 39, done in july 2019, no regrets, flat, and my scars are still changing, evolving, some stiches are still being "rejected" and brought to the surface, the body is amazing!!! i also had oopherectomy at the same time and i have to say that menopause is not scary at all, didnt suffer or turn into an old bat, i took care of myself, nutrition, homeopathy, yoga, vitamins, hydrotherapie, meditation, etc... I think its very important to own our decision, honor the space where it can be a valid option, where we turn inwards and in tune with what the body and heart are saying. I had to fight to be heard, got rejected by my obgyn, who is a surgeon too...the things i heard were so hurtful! (You're not sick, would be easier to just screen regularly, think of ur hub don't be selfish, but you have to have children otherwise you'll regret it, this isn't mcdonalds you can't just order what you like there are consequences you know? Are you transitioning to man? My job is about saving breasts not removing healthy breasts, and on top of that not replacing them!) This took about a year of fighting to be heard and respected. Then something in me flipped, i simply changed surgeon and obgyn, found someone who was respectfull, open to my arguments about flat closure. All this leading up to finding your videos while prepping for my surgery, i knew it was really recent for you (3months before mine), but your smile, and your no BS shares were such a surge of strength for me. I'm happy with my decision, and yes we are a rare breed, the breed of humans that measure "humanity" not by external features, and external opinions but rather by the strength and truth of listening to oneself louder than any other voice, and owning that beautifully, without needing a preexistent label.

  • @reginawindham2554
    @reginawindham2554 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Olena, you have been so helpful. I had Stage 0 DCIS in my left breast, found at a regular mammogram end of October 2021. (I'm almost 70 years old.) I had two surgeries (December) that attempted to remove this, but, with my surgeon's intelligent explanations, I decided to have a complete single mastectomy. I didn't want reconstruction. The only thing that's been annoying is the itching a few nights, but a cold wet washrag soothed it. I've enjoyed looking for cute clothing that masks my one breast missing, so I've made it fun -- from your inspiration. I've watched other videos that talk about "flat fashion" too.

  • @bettymiller1929
    @bettymiller1929 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I am one week postoperative ~
    It’s very shocking to see yourself at this point.
    I plan on getting a bra to add shape
    b/c I don’t want to upset my grandchildren IDK

  • @Imagi77
    @Imagi77 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello, it is such a miracle to come upon your videos advocating for women needing these kinds of operations... I've been recently diagnosed with DCIS in the left breast, and with possible outcome in the right one as well. I've yet to confirm if I am positive in the gene department, but I am currently making the hard decision to have a bilateral mastectomy eventually. I am 36 years old, and it was quite the shock to be told of this cancer. Seeing you so lovely and beautiful still is inspiring to me, that it might be the best decision to make.... Thank you~

  • @motherof1132
    @motherof1132 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You’re very brave for having a mastectomy without having cancer. I opted to go flat after double bilateral mastectomy. I had cancer.I noticed my belly sticking out more too.

  • @lindawesseler2690
    @lindawesseler2690 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had a double mascectomy 6 weeks ago after an early stage breast cancer diagnosis though I had no family history or genetic risks. Also had encapsulated 22 yr old saline implants removed. Those had previously replaced silicone ones, also encapsulated, that were implanted in 1980. Saw 3 plastic surgeons before I found one willing to do an aesthetic flat closure. One of the others was extremely disrespectful on my 2nd visit once I told him I didn't want reconstruction. We need to get the word out that flat is the safest, healthiest option not to mention the quickest and easiest. And numb Barbie doll bumps on your chest (which for most of us are only seen by one other person) are no substitute for your natural breasts, anyway.

  • @mjcody3696
    @mjcody3696 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Your videos helped me SO much before I had a preventative double mastectomy, no reconstruction, last year. Thank you so much.

  • @pachamama7370
    @pachamama7370 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Greetings.Thank you for sharing your experiences. I realize this might not be the place to share this, which is a space in support of going flat-I mean no disrespect. I had a double mastectomy in 2013 after my own journey with breast cancer. At that time I knew breast implants were not for me and was fortunate to have a pair of Dr.'s who created a method called a Goldilocks mastectomy. This specific technique would allow me to consider reconstruction at any time down the road.Not all may be candidates for the technique.Folks with ample bosoms might have this procedure and not be flat. I didn't have much fat at that time so I was flat and chose to stay flat for 8 years until I had both breasts reconstructed from my own belly flat in 2021.The same Dr. who removed my breasts also did my reconstruction.To date I have been the only patient to have stayed flat for that long.I fully support those who chose to go flat. Please share this as an option to any women having mastectomies.
    May you be well,may you feel safe,may you be at ease.

    • @sandyblack05
      @sandyblack05 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for sharing this!!! I like knowing every option available to me.

  • @HinckleyHomestead
    @HinckleyHomestead 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had my dbl mastectomy last yr 28 September 2021. You have been so so helpful in this journey.

  • @ErinNakahara
    @ErinNakahara 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Aloha Olena,
    I just had a double mastectomy and decided to go flat as well. You have such a gently and comforting way of speaking in your video, it was like talking with a friend. I noticed your opihi reference and when you used the word folks. I immediately knew you were an island girl like myself. Great huge mahalo for being brave enough to share your journey and tips for others to learn from. You are beautiful inside and out.

  • @angiepamoukian7631
    @angiepamoukian7631 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello I am so touched by your journey . I had breast cancer and I did a lumpectomy first followed by chemo and radiation and then I had it again after 4 years in the same Breast this year I decided to go flat and they convinced my with the reconstruction, which was the worst decision that I have taken in my life putting the expanders till the day of the real reconstruction. I established so many complications from hematoma where I was rushed to the hospital for another surgery. And then after two months built up fluid in the other breast where I had visited several doctors where they were convincing me to do the reconstruction quickly which is so complicated where they take tissue from the tummy area to use for your breast and the healing process is so long . I was devastated, depressed, anxious , so much in pain and completely uncomfortable for 4 months . Till I made a complete decision of being flat . I did the surgery again and removed the expanders , I am flat and happy . It has been 10 days from surgery now and happy . The only thing that is worrying me and which is my obsession is will the fluid build up again in the breast . Now the drain are out . I am so careful if not pulling and pushing. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey .

  • @Positivemindsets
    @Positivemindsets 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I will go flat in my left soon...and I will use prosthesis only.

  • @theb1ackcat967
    @theb1ackcat967 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for the video. I recently got a positive PTEN diagnosis and am thinking about a preventative mastectomy. While I'm a woman, I've never been that attached to having breasts (and bras are too expensive). I have been worried about the 'buddha belly' though because I am obese and recovering from an eating disorder. I wouldn't want reconstruction (I've had enough surgeries in my life), so knowing people of all sizes have that imbalance between their chest and stomach makes me feel kinda better about it.

  • @shegak5217
    @shegak5217 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for sharing your experience. Today is 7th day post op double mastectomy, No reconstruction....

    • @OlenaHeu
      @OlenaHeu  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bravo!!!

  • @robinowen3058
    @robinowen3058 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Having a bilateral mastectomy in three days, will not have reconstruction. I’m 77, but in good shape and general health. I want it behind me, but would give a lot to not have to do it.

  • @latanyawedlowe-banks6287
    @latanyawedlowe-banks6287 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m 3 days post surgery. No reconstruction. Not sure what to wear. I need to find a light weight padded bra: My tummy is large omg! Look crazy. I need a lightweight padded bra and a tummy tuck. I will need to join a support group. If you know of any. You do look fabulous.

  • @angieegler3660
    @angieegler3660 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you! My wife has a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in two weeks and this is helpful

  • @plumucci
    @plumucci 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Olena, thank you so much for sharing! I have cancer and am much older than you but I want the same type of surgery… and we are not weird!! Thanks to you my hubs went out yesterday and got me a recliner. At first I was not inclined to tell people (can’t stand the head patting and OMG!! comments). But when I told the furniture salesman she jumped in with both barrels and had me doing the thing with my arms pinned down to see if I could reach the buttons. Then I told the bra sales lady and two other ladies heard me and wanted to pray for me. People are so nice when you tell. 💕. I loved my breasts but am also looking forward to living without them. They be heavy, right?? Anyway thank you again. Your honesty is so helpful. 💕💕

  • @DJ-er1ub
    @DJ-er1ub ปีที่แล้ว

    Olena, Thank you for sharing your story and advocating for women who do not follow the "traditional" route. Amazing. I am a new clinical research nurse at an oncology center with soooo much to learn! I've been finding different ways to educate myself, and I came across your story. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and opinions, they are greatly appreciated.

  • @grimreefer213
    @grimreefer213 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I watched your other video and I want to say that is disheartening to hear that doctors are very encouraging of getting the reconstruction, and not letting you know that not getting the reconstruction is an option. I’m sure those procedures make them a lot of money but that is a pretty invasive procedure that will probably take a long time to recover from and complications could occur. I think it’s wise to not put any foreign objects into your body

  • @mendyboio3917
    @mendyboio3917 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mahalo for your self-love. It's contagious, and I need to surround myself with more people like you. Thank you for sharing.
    Best wishes.

  • @rosa24526
    @rosa24526 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just find out two months ago i have invasive ductal cancer HER2 negative and about to get a mastectomy on march 15 thanks for all the info.. and i decided not to have reconstructive surgery im already super scared for the mastectomy and i cant imagine having to go back for the other surgeries..thats why i decided not to get reconstructed

  • @jennybutler9643
    @jennybutler9643 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thank you. I have watch all of your previous videos. Just had my double mastectomy 6 days ago. I think the Buddha belly comes from the hormone blocking medication a lot of breast cancer patients have to take for around 5 -10 years. My cancer was an oestrogen receptor positive which means it was feeding off the oestrogen my body was producing. So I need to block oestrogen in order to starve and kill any rogue cancer cells. A side effect of these tablets is belly weight gain. But hey if it keeps me alive I’ll accept my new shape. 😊

  • @Eybar23
    @Eybar23 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing and educating.

  • @yiayiavnope2944
    @yiayiavnope2944 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tip 6- If you happen to be overweight or carry excess weight on your back, after your breast are removed you are left with some call 'back fat or bra overhang'. I've even heard that area described as 'dog ears'. You may not realize this fact until afterwards.

  • @pamknight472
    @pamknight472 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi beautiful! Thanks for your posts. Could you possibly show pix of the bras you got?

  • @lovelifeheart6389
    @lovelifeheart6389 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Im nervous they just informed me that I have breast cancer I’m scared

  • @ronaldlee3537
    @ronaldlee3537 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Olena Heu: I am male, and I understand what you are talking about when you tell people don't have cancer, but... Many people don't listen to what you say, those folks just love to hear themselves talk, it is quite aggravating talking to those kinds of people.

  • @joancoleman1228
    @joancoleman1228 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are awesome!

  • @mrsdiaz614
    @mrsdiaz614 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’m going to be getting my preventative mastectomy, but I will be getting reconstruction. That’s my personal choice. One thing I didn’t expect when coming to this decision was my own mother who is a breast cancer survivor being against my decision. She doesn’t think I should listen to the doctor’s statistics of 80% chance of cancer with my brca1 gene mutation. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I just tell her it is what it is and I change the subject.

  • @QuixoticBlackCat
    @QuixoticBlackCat ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello, thank you so much for sharing. Can you recommend a good surgeon? DId you get aesthetic flat closure? Thanks

  • @wisconsinbound2123
    @wisconsinbound2123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video thank you. I have watched this one and your day after surgery video. I have breast cancer, going to have bilateral mastectomy and remove mine both not lumpectomy. not attached to mine and going flat like you.My surgery is next month. Will post what happens. Going back to watch the other videos

  • @ny_njtrailrunnert926
    @ny_njtrailrunnert926 ปีที่แล้ว

    DIEP flap surgery does not use implants, one surgery that is both the mastectomy and the reconstruction

  • @SteadyBark96720
    @SteadyBark96720 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

  • @SunnyIlha
    @SunnyIlha 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    🙏

  • @ILIGUT
    @ILIGUT ปีที่แล้ว

    ❤🙏🏼💞😇

  • @hellemller8448
    @hellemller8448 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just say you did an Angelina Jolie .....

  • @racheltravelTheworld
    @racheltravelTheworld 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi you are a blessing to many people.. very grateful to watch your sharing. Can write email to you?

    • @OlenaHeu
      @OlenaHeu  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much! Sure, feel free to reach out or send a message on social media.

  • @vadakkayilpramod7613
    @vadakkayilpramod7613 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gorgeous🍓💋🍑💯💣💣😋💣🌹💎💎😍

  • @sarahs4387
    @sarahs4387 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Olena. These videos are wonderful. You are a lovely person. I will be having a prophylactic mastectomy for high risk family history in May. I meet with plastic surgeon soon for pre op appointment. Any words of wisdom you can provide about communicating to the surgeon about going flat and ensuring they know exactly what I want? Bring pictures? Thank you!!

  • @damcdh1390
    @damcdh1390 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I just finished your mastectomy playlist. Thank you for all the information and taking us along on your journey. It is nice to finally see someone who hasn’t done reconstruction. I am 33 and I have a genetic mutation called CDH1. I am at an elevated risk for lobular breast cancer and I have planned on doing a prophylactic double mastectomy, but trying to find a surgeon that respects my wishes along with not making me feel bad for not doing reconstruction has been a challenge! Just last week I finally found the surgeon I’ve been looking for! Hopefully in the near future I will undergo my DM and I’m hoping mine goes as smoothly as yours! Thank you again for sharing your experience, it means the world to me ( and I am sure to others as well!) I hope you are doing well, much love ❤

  • @geraldinegil469
    @geraldinegil469 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for your videos - they are really great. xx