Double mastectomy and staying on plan

I am not posting as much lately, just super busy.  I have a double mastectomy coming up in 2 weeks and just wanted to pop in to 

1. Remind my OH sisters to schedule your mammograms

2. Consider genetic testing if you have a strong family history

3.  Don't forget to do your self exams

4.  Stay the course with your weight loss, and feed yourself nutritious goodness.

I am starting to stress a bit... mostly because I found out in short order (just a few days ago) about the date.  So 2 weeks to figure out how to plan for a sub that may or may not have any tech skills, finish 3 graduate classes 2 weeks early, and get myself ready.  But, it will get done- it always does.  

I am not looking forward to the surgery, but I am looking forward to getting it over with.  It will be a blessing to cut my enormous risk down to less than 10%.  

Peace- oh, and schedule that mammogram!  Wear your sunscreen!

Best of luck to you. I had a double mastectomy 3 years ago because I am positive for one of the breast cancer gene mutations. I'm also an 11-year breast cancer survivor. I agree with you -- schedule those mammograms!

If you have any questions about the mastectomy, feel free to ask/PM me. I wish you all the best!

Ann

Bless your heart! I'm sending prayers and good thoughts your way, both for you and for your substitute that, whoever they are, they will be able to take over your class without you having to stress over it.

I do self-exams, but maybe you can tell me this... What is the age that one should start having mammograms? I'm 28. I have no family history, so my chances are pretty nil, but still... Better safe than sorry, right?

If you have no family history, there is no reason to start until AT LEAST 40, even 50.  The amount of radiation you get from a mammo can cause it's own issues, and when you are younger, your breasts are too dense for it to be accurate.

Hi Chrissy,

Unfortunately I am not well-versed in what people without family history should do.  I had my first mammogram at age 28, right after I lost my mom to cancer.  Her doctors recommended to me and my sisters to go young to get a proper baseline mammogram.  I want to say age 35- 40.  In my opinion, now is good.  :)  If you have the proverbial great teacher's insurance it is fully covered.  My plan provides the mammogram 100% covered even if I have not met the yearly deductable.  So, get a baseline done if the docs will let you.  I started have positive results on the mammogram in my early thirties- but they chalked it up to dense tissue.  I had mammograms every 6 months though for years and years.  Then I lost all this weight and that through them for a loop.  The tech compared that mammogram to my previous and literally thought she was looking at the films of two different people.  

My oh my. You've been through so much!  Not that you have a choice, but you have made a choice about how you deal with this. I admire your attitude and I hope that your surgery goes smoothly. 

Thank you for the reminder!!! Blessings in this season of your life. I hope everything falls in place with work so you can focus on what needs to be done and heal. 

I'm sending good vibes your way!

I have a BRCA2 mutation.  By the time I chose to have the mastectomy, it was too late, and I was stage 2 IDC.  I think women who choose the mastectomy are brave. 

Take good care of yourself after surgery.  It's not a terrible one, but the drains are ick. 

It was so hard for me to look in the mirror afterwards.  Just keep reminding yourself you are still you, and you are beautiful :-)

Thank you for this.  I am blessed with a husband who unconitionally loves me.  I don't have hangups about how I will look after, other than then impact it will have on him.  He didn't want me to do this, but over the last few weeks has done a total turn around.  I went to a conference for 3 days, and he has such a hard time without me being here it really brought home to him why I was doing this.  (We have only been separated a few days in our 23 year marriage.)  He is now all about treating me like a princess to help me through this, and constantly reassuring me that he doesn't mind at all the changes that will occur.  I had him watch a Youtube video last night of a very brave woman who documented what she looked like from day 2 through her final fill of the expanders.  I think that really helped both of us visualize what to expect.  My husband is a total legs and boob guy, so I expect this to be a pretty big adjustment for him until I am able to complete the exchange.  Even then, not sure how much the feel of them will impact him.  

I am so sorry you had to deal with the cancer prior to your mastectomy :(