I had to have a second surgery after my mastectomy due to the damage from prior radiation did not let it heal. I also did not have good folow up from first surgeon. The second group were wonderful. I had a debridement and another drain. I had a lumpectomy and radiation 6 years prior. I was so fortunate to have a rapid biopsy process and quick diagnosis both times. I used the same surgeon both times but the second time he was with a different group who were not kind or very concerned. Also the surgeon not available at my follow-up which annoyed me. I am a retired RN but I had questions for him not them. I am a senior 66 and 72 at diagnosis. I wish I had a mastectomy the first time. If I really knew radiation might cause healing problems if I needed future surgery which I did I would have made a different decision. Of course at my age no reconstruction. It is so unfair for young people. I wish you the best.❤
I had a double in Nov last year…was super sore for 4-6 weeks (first 2-4 were super tough). Didn’t drive for prob 4-5 weeks. Needed an implant replaced (I had over the muscle) cuz the skin wasn’t healing…that was super simple. No issues. Underwent chemo Jan-Mar - developed cellulitis. All that to say, it def takes a toll on your plans and your life. Don’t worry - you will get there. As long as there’s no infection risk, give body time to settle. I usually saw PAs - not PS. They would take pics and report. Lymphedema can develop anywhere from weeks to years after surgery, so unless it’s something happening now l wouldn’t stress about that. It’s a long haul- but sounds like you’re taking it in stride. Keep the faith sis - you got this! 💕
Keep your head up, you will get through this (actually we will). I had my surgery on July 25th, I had a partial mastectomy and breast reduction. I had a complete pathological response to the chemotherapy, I have had my 2nd Immunotherapy shot. I have met with my plastic surgeon, breast surgeon/oncologist and my oncologist since my surgery and have an appt on the 16th with the Doctor for the radiation. I was torn between the double mastectomy or a partial but decided on the partial (lumpectomy) and reduction in both breast. I have to say I have an amazing group of doctors (Southern Cancer Center) and thankful for them, but it has been tough! Still have healing to do. I have you on my prayer list and soon this will be behind you, stay strong!
This is one journey we don't have any control over. everything. Is in the hands of our doctors , once we get cancer, everything changes, it's about saving our life not trying to make sure we think ever step is going to be perfect, you will get there , I had my first mastectomy 16 years ago no reconstruction, I'm having my second mastectomy tomorrow again with no reconstruction, I trust the doctors and am thankfull for tham, but even they can't be perfect ,thay are just saving our life,things will be a bit of a crooler cost ride ,you will get there in the end, good luck
Sorry to hear you have to have further surgery, that’s not fun! and as you say can affect your ongoing radiation/ treatment. In the Uk we do not get to choose which surgeon treats us whether that is a good or bad thing I don’t know. I have to say though that at least it takes all of the stress out of wondering if we’ve made the right choice or not. I have to say I had the most wonderful surgeon 😊 I too had a complete pathological response to chemotherapy which made that whole journey so worth while. I’m 4 years years on from diagnosis and am so grateful for every single day 😊 Good luck with the rest of your treatment xx
Oh I so feel for you, diagnosed Her2+ stage 3 ( I have Crohns disease as well) and I'm only starting treatment now. This is a difficult journey, my thoughts and prayers are with you WARRIOR! ❤
I’m HER 2 positive as well, invasive ductal carcinoma ER/PR negative stage 2. I have round 4 this Wednesday August 14th. I’m 36 years old too and found it myself.
I am so sorry you're having such a tough time. Trust me, if you have necrosis, there is no way to get around it. Your team is not suggesting another surgery to be difficult or because you have any choice in the matter. I had the same thing happen to me. Less than two weeks after the initial mastectomy I was in emergency surgery because the necrosis went from bad to worse really fast and they felt I was in danger. The more necrosis, the more skin they have to remove at the wound site and the more potential issues you can have with that. Necrosis can get out of hand quickly, so dealing with it now is important. You can lose a lot more skin and muscle, and closing up the wound can be difficult. Do it now before it gets worse. After my emergency surgery, the wound healed up perfectly within 2 weeks or so
Thanks for the updates!!! You have a very observant husband!!! I hope u soon can hold your little boy and pray that all goes well with your procedure u might have to have!!🙏☀️🙏☀️🙏
Not seeing your surgeon is not normal. My surgeon came in on every appointment. Both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. As far as expanders mine are wonky as well. I am not worried about that. I bought some "cutlets" from amazon to wear in my bra (Shapermint). The bra I have works without the cutlets as well without denting. I am sorry you may have to have a second surgery. I was warned that it does happen. That is why you will have a lot of follow-up appointments following surgery. If you have surgery it will be at least a month to six weeks to have radiation. You have to be able to put your arm above your head at a certain angle. Don't let that stress you out. My radiation oncologist said that since I had a complete response to chemo (like you) that radiation is important but now there are studies questioning the efficacy of it in cases like ours. I am glad you were able to take FMLA. I work from home running my own web design business. I worked from bed when I could.
I wouldn't have surgery without the surgeon seeing me. I am out of treatment, NED right now. I am lucky because I love my Oncologist's PA. Saying prayers. 🙏
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I have had many of same thoughts. Scary and confusion of making best decisions.(Them and yourself) As you say, they are people too...skilled? knowledgeable? Sure, but still, everything is new to us. I will be thinking of you and hoping for the absolute best! 🌺🩷
Praying for you from Auburn Alabama. Thanks for the update. Keep doing what you’re doing.
We’ve got you covered in Alabama! Praying from Gadsden. Love you sweet girl. Give your mom a big hug from me! ♥️
I had to have a second surgery after my mastectomy due to the damage from prior radiation did not let it heal. I also did not have good folow up from first surgeon. The second group were wonderful. I had a debridement and another drain. I had a lumpectomy and radiation 6 years prior. I was so fortunate to have a rapid biopsy process and quick diagnosis both times. I used the same surgeon both times but the second time he was with a different group who were not kind or very concerned. Also the surgeon not available at my follow-up which annoyed me. I am a retired RN but I had questions for him not them. I am a senior 66 and 72 at diagnosis. I wish I had a mastectomy the first time. If I really knew radiation might cause healing problems if I needed future surgery which I did I would have made a different decision. Of course at my age no reconstruction. It is so unfair for young people. I wish you the best.❤
I had a double in Nov last year…was super sore for 4-6 weeks (first 2-4 were super tough). Didn’t drive for prob 4-5 weeks. Needed an implant replaced (I had over the muscle) cuz the skin wasn’t healing…that was super simple. No issues. Underwent chemo Jan-Mar - developed cellulitis. All that to say, it def takes a toll on your plans and your life. Don’t worry - you will get there. As long as there’s no infection risk, give body time to settle. I usually saw PAs - not PS. They would take pics and report. Lymphedema can develop anywhere from weeks to years after surgery, so unless it’s something happening now l wouldn’t stress about that. It’s a long haul- but sounds like you’re taking it in stride. Keep the faith sis - you got this! 💕
I understand and agree about not seeing, discussing, learning from your surgeon. Stay with what YOU believe!! 👍🙏
Keep your head up, you will get through this (actually we will). I had my surgery on July 25th, I had a partial mastectomy and breast reduction. I had a complete pathological response to the chemotherapy, I have had my 2nd Immunotherapy shot. I have met with my plastic surgeon, breast surgeon/oncologist and my oncologist since my surgery and have an appt on the 16th with the Doctor for the radiation. I was torn between the double mastectomy or a partial but decided on the partial (lumpectomy) and reduction in both breast. I have to say I have an amazing group of doctors (Southern Cancer Center) and thankful for them, but it has been tough! Still have healing to do. I have you on my prayer list and soon this will be behind you, stay strong!
❤🙏
This is one journey we don't have any control over. everything. Is in the hands of our doctors , once we get cancer, everything changes, it's about saving our life not trying to make sure we think ever step is going to be perfect, you will get there , I had my first mastectomy 16 years ago no reconstruction, I'm having my second mastectomy tomorrow again with no reconstruction, I trust the doctors and am thankfull for tham, but even they can't be perfect ,thay are just saving our life,things will be a bit of a crooler cost ride ,you will get there in the end, good luck
Sorry to hear you have to have further surgery, that’s not fun! and as you say can affect your ongoing radiation/ treatment. In the Uk we do not get to choose which surgeon treats us whether that is a good or bad thing I don’t know. I have to say though that at least it takes all of the stress out of wondering if we’ve made the right choice or not. I have to say I had the most wonderful surgeon 😊 I too had a complete pathological response to chemotherapy which made that whole journey so worth while.
I’m 4 years years on from diagnosis and am so grateful for every single day 😊
Good luck with the rest of your treatment xx
Oh I so feel for you, diagnosed Her2+ stage 3 ( I have Crohns disease as well) and I'm only starting treatment now. This is a difficult journey, my thoughts and prayers are with you WARRIOR! ❤
I’m HER 2 positive as well, invasive ductal carcinoma ER/PR negative stage 2. I have round 4 this Wednesday August 14th. I’m 36 years old too and found it myself.
@@amberwilder5033 Wishing you all the best fellow WARRIOR. We've got this, will keep you in my thoughts and prayers too. Let's do it. ❤
@@hillarylopes7557 are you ER/PR negative also?
@@amberwilder5033 No I'm Her2 positive, stage 3.
@@hillarylopes7557 ER and PR are the hormone factors. Estrogen and progesterone. Mine are negative but HER 2 positive.
I am so sorry you're having such a tough time.
Trust me, if you have necrosis, there is no way to get around it. Your team is not suggesting another surgery to be difficult or because you have any choice in the matter. I had the same thing happen to me. Less than two weeks after the initial mastectomy I was in emergency surgery because the necrosis went from bad to worse really fast and they felt I was in danger. The more necrosis, the more skin they have to remove at the wound site and the more potential issues you can have with that. Necrosis can get out of hand quickly, so dealing with it now is important. You can lose a lot more skin and muscle, and closing up the wound can be difficult. Do it now before it gets worse. After my emergency surgery, the wound healed up perfectly within 2 weeks or so
Stay strong thank you for sharing
Thanks for the updates!!! You have a very observant husband!!! I hope u soon can hold your little boy and pray that all goes well with your procedure u might have to have!!🙏☀️🙏☀️🙏
Sending hugs and prayers for you ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏
Ask your Dr about HBOT for wound healing. Your insurance will cover if a wound is not healing.
Thanks for the update.. 🙏🙏🙏
I just found out today that I have Triple Negative Breast cancer. I have to go through Chemo first and then get a double mastectomy.
Praying 🙏
Not seeing your surgeon is not normal. My surgeon came in on every appointment. Both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. As far as expanders mine are wonky as well. I am not worried about that. I bought some "cutlets" from amazon to wear in my bra (Shapermint). The bra I have works without the cutlets as well without denting.
I am sorry you may have to have a second surgery. I was warned that it does happen. That is why you will have a lot of follow-up appointments following surgery. If you have surgery it will be at least a month to six weeks to have radiation. You have to be able to put your arm above your head at a certain angle. Don't let that stress you out. My radiation oncologist said that since I had a complete response to chemo (like you) that radiation is important but now there are studies questioning the efficacy of it in cases like ours.
I am glad you were able to take FMLA. I work from home running my own web design business. I worked from bed when I could.
❤🙏
What screwups
I wouldn't have surgery without the surgeon seeing me. I am out of treatment, NED right now. I am lucky because I love my Oncologist's PA. Saying prayers. 🙏
First
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I have had many of same thoughts. Scary and confusion of making best decisions.(Them and yourself) As you say, they are people too...skilled? knowledgeable? Sure, but still, everything is new to us. I will be thinking of you and hoping for the absolute best! 🌺🩷