Comments on: Things No-one Tells You About Having a Mastectomy

By: Josie Kelsh

Josie Kelsh — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:29:42 +0000

In reply to Jodie Turner. Oh, such a struggle. Sending you healing vibes from now on.

By: Jodie Turner

Jodie Turner — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:45:14 +0000

I recently had left masectomy and 15 lymph nodes removed from armpit, 6 weeks post op and the cavity still requires drainage every week, 4 times now(Seroma). Despite a complex cyst and other suspicious findings in right breast I was not given the option of having both removed which still bothers me. I am to be referred for a further US and Biopsy on the right. I even asked if I could have both done under private health given findings and family history. My cousin who is same age going through the same thing. My cancer diagnosed as HER2+
Now I am faced with further surgery to stop Seroma before they can commence radiation – 15 sessions. I have already had 18 rounds of chemo with ongoing Herceptin Infusion every 3 weeks until end of year.
Struggling now with pain from continued swelling, cording in armpit, and sharp pains sudden onset intermittently, mostly whole area is numb so don’t feel it. My balance is affected,.shoulder pain, ongoing treatment with Lymph OT and Physio.

By: Janice Grant

Janice Grant — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:11:54 +0000

I was diagnosed with stage 2b invasive Ductal carcinoma in my left breast in November of 2020. My surgeon did not want me to have a mastectomy. I had already made my decision that should I ever have breast cancer that I would have a bilateral mastectomy. I had already had the genetic testing because I had colon cancer in 2006. I was negative. When I met with my oncologist she agreed that the decision was mine and so I had my mastectomy on December 20, 2020 and my plastic surgeon was there to immediately place the expanders and complete the 1st reconstruction. I had many surgeries throughout 2021. Finally I was done.
I see my oncologist regularly and I have to take meds to prevent any hormone production. I also see my plastic surgeon nice a year to have my implants checked.
I feel truly blessed to be where I am today – alive and thriving.
To anyone facing the ? If do I or don’t I? I say go with your heart. For me the decision was already made before the cancer came. I would tell anyone to understand that you will never look the same nor will you feel the same. You most likely will not have any sensation in your breasts and in my case I was not able to spare my nipples.
This is a life altering decision and be comfortable with your choice. Do NOT allow anyone to make it for you.
It’s been almost 5 years now and I have come to terms with the way I look. I must say my husband has been my biggest supporter in all of this.
I wish you all well. Loom fear in the eye and let it know that God is in control!

By: Ang

Ang — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:11:40 +0000

In reply to Josie Kelsh. ME TOO!! I can't stand all the complications I have to endure!! 6 yrs post op..but still having all kinds of problems !! It SUCKS!!!

By: Josie Kelsh

Josie Kelsh — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:23:38 +0000

In reply to Shelley Stephens. Thankfully I do not have daily pain now, but I do get strange aches and pains now and then. It always starts those fears, but I remind myself that nerves are funny things. I hope your pain settles soon.

By: Josie Kelsh

Josie Kelsh — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:21:53 +0000

In reply to Karen Kelly. Oh wow, what a story Karen. You are an inspiration to us all. Congrats on your new marriage, and I wish you many more years to enjoy it.

By: Karen Kelly

Karen Kelly — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 23:42:19 +0000

I am in awe of all you brave women and your stories!
I too have a story .
I was 35 years old in 1988 when I was diagnosed with intraductal left breast cancer via a biopsy – decided to have a Left Modified Radical Mastectomy followed by a year of intense chemo with Adriamycin- Cytoxan – 5 FU and Methotrexate 3 courses per month!
Had 25% of positive lymph nodes and a 2.5 cm lump that I found.
Lengthy treatment regimen along with many scans , MD visits etc…
I survived thank goodness , with a husband and two young sons to care for.
By 1990 , Genetic Counseling and Testing became available!
My Mom died at 57 with Stage 4 Ovaraian Cancer and I did get tested and results turned out + BRCA 1 gene. Turns out my family of 4 sisters are 50% chance of also being positive and at higher risk of developing Breast or Ovarian Cancer !
12 years later I was diagnosed with Uterine and Ovarian Cancer – had a total abdominal hysterectomy and had 6 weeks of internal via vagina Radiation!
One Sister has had Breast Cancer twice – decided on lumpectomies followed by Radiation and Chemo!
Other sisters gene tested and negative for the BRCA 1 gene and so far have not had any breast or ovarian issues.
My supportive husband unfortunately died after 49 years of marriage – my biggest supporter – grew up together from 11 years old!
When I was diagnosed with my first cancer his response was “ I’ve loved you before you even had breasts” not gonna make a difference – he just wanted me to be alive !
I grieved his death for two years when I met a widower in a Grief Support Group – found we enjoyed each others companionship , grew strong feelings for each other , fell in love and married !
Believe it or not, his spouse of 47 years had died a year before of … you guessed it – Metastatic Breast Cancer !
So much in common , God knew what he was doing when we met each other !
New relationship at almost 70 years ol , with only one breast , but it all felt natural since he was so familiar with the ravages of this disease!
One week before we got married , I had a routine unilateral Mammogram and I had a new lump in my right breast !
The week after we married I had a Right Modified Radical Mastectomy – so now I’m flat chested , but alive and well !
I had one Chemo treatment even tho I was lymph node negative , but went into Atrial Fibrillation as an adverse effect of the Taxol !
So no more Chemo and I have 2x year surveillance with tumor markers checked!
All I can say is be your own number one Advocate and make an informed decision that’s right for you , no one else!!
Don’t let anyone decide for you – it’s your Life!
I can honestly say it’s been a heck of a Journey , but I am at Peace with all of my decisions!
As a note – my Story does not end here ….. my oldest son got tested and has the BRCA 1 gene . Yes boys/ men can carry the gene and develop male breast cancer, Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer !!
Knowledge and surveillance is the way to proceed and fortunately my son has been around this gene and the many cancers his Mother has had since he was 15 years old !
God Speed to All !

By: Shelley Stephens

Shelley Stephens — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 22:34:41 +0000

In reply to Kim. Your words, same for me. They didn’t tell me that when I chose Double Mastectomy no reconstruction, that I would still have pain everyday.

By: A

Mon, 20 May 2024 03:58:47 +0000

In reply to Nancy Flach. Wow!!! Me too!! Plus 4plus surgeries for necrotic tissue!! Arm nerve pain, loss of strength, range of motion !! It all sucks!!

By: A

Mon, 20 May 2024 03:58:25 +0000

In reply to Kim. Wow!!! Me too!! Plus 4plus surgeries for necrotic tissue!! Arm nerve pain, loss of strength, range of motion !! It all sucks!!