Comments for Josie's Journey

Comment 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.

Comment on Things No-one Tells You About Having a Mastectomy 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.

Comment on Taking Tamoxifen by Erika

Erika — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:30:30 +0000

Thanks so much for your post! Just complete double with expanders and Tamoxifen is next. So, uplifting to hear positive experience with Tamoxifen. And you are so right, not many people are posting about having “no side effects.” Again, you have just made my day!! Thank you so much for sharing! Big hugs to you!

Comment on One Week Post Mastectomy by Kim L

Kim L — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:12:00 +0000

I was do in December 2024, with a palpable small lump. I opted for bilateral mastectomies; one and done theory, with reconstruction. Final path I had DCIS in the other breast as well! Trust your gut!! My doctor leaves drains in 2-3 weeks; finally out of, but with seromas.. weekly aspirations..no feeling so not bad. Slowly having fills, and by week 8 really starting to feel normal!! I can see this process and feel like I 1:2 way to the finish line!! Estrogen inhibitor for 5 yrs.. but truly fortunate to be a survivor!!! Also 18 years out from colon cancer.. life is good!!

Comment on Things No-one Tells You About Having a Mastectomy 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!

Comment on Things No-one Tells You About Having a Mastectomy 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!!!

Comment on My Bilateral Mastectomy with Tissue Expanders by Josie Kelsh

Josie Kelsh — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:50:27 +0000

In reply to Jess. Good luck with your surgery and healing Jess.

Comment on Types of Breast Reconstruction by Josie Kelsh

Josie Kelsh — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:49:19 +0000

In reply to Laura Irvin. Hi Laura. I'm sorry to hear you're not happy with your results. Perhaps talk to your surgeon and see if there is any way it can be corrected.

Comment on My Bilateral Mastectomy with Tissue Expanders by Josie Kelsh

Josie Kelsh — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:48:12 +0000

In reply to SUSAN. Good luck with your surgery. Hopefully it's much easier that you imagine and you heal well.

Comment on My Bilateral Mastectomy with Tissue Expanders by SUSAN

SUSAN — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 01:25:50 +0000

I will be going in for my surgery in mid October for a bilateral. Nurvios but hopefully confident it will go well. I have always been very sensitive to twings pains .body hypersensitive and let’s me know a lot of stuff, so concerned about pain, discomfort with expander.