Guest guest Posted September 2, 2006 Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 Shari, No controversy - breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. For some women, it brings a permanent sense of balance, something they didn't feel they could be without. It is a very personal decision. Although determined to reconstruct originally after (1) year based on surgeon's suggestions (radiation issue), I'm glad I had the time to find out who " I " was before subjecting myself to additional intensive surgery (using the skin from my back). My kids were against me undergoing 9 hours of additional surgery, along with the recuperation time. They were still very afraid after seeing me through my first radical surgery, chemo and radiation. They just wanted me " back " to my old self, without pain and medication. Ultimately, I was the one to decide I would rather reconstruct myself than my boobs. If you search on the " photo " page, there I am (1) year post surgery in the Bahamas lovin' life; (6) months post treatment. I don't even notice any more that they are " not there, " do you? I have new lines in my face (battle scars I consider them), a little less (thinner) hair than I'm used to, but I'm still me. Better actually. I also feel there is always " tomorrow, " although many of the ladies will tell you that's where the lines come from...worrying about " tomorrow. " Hey, I've come this far after 6 positive nodes...who KNOWS where I'll be, but one things for sure. Whatever I've done, it's gotten me this far and I have half of these fine ladies to thank for that! Best, Good luck with your surgery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I had a lumpectomy last month. It was not enough, considering my family history. They both are being removed in a week and a half. I've gone back and forth with my surgeon, who strongly wants me to consider reconstruction. I just don't care! Maybe I will when they are gone. At this point, I only hope that we have gotten to this point fast enough to save me considerable health related grief, since my pre-op abdominal ultrasound (because I will be having a hysterectomy as well, further down the line) showed an enlarged ovary. Crap. I can only hope that they caught this in time...I was lucky with the breast cancer, which was invasive ductal carcinoma, and less than 1/4 " when it was removed. No node involvement, praise be. My doc seems to feel that I'm going to be lucky twice. I hope I am. Anyway. My original feeling when first I found that I had breast cancer was to get these breasts off, and as quickly as possible. Maybe because my breastfeeding days are quite a ways behind me (I'm 56), I'm not feeling very emotional about their impending demise. I imagine myself healthy, cancer free, and maybe with some cool chest tattoos The question in my mind now is, which operation should come first? Neither ob/gyn or breast surgeon seem to feel that doing them both on the same day is advisable. I'm praying for good counsel and the ability to make the best decision. It's a scary new land I'm living in...but I guess you all know that. Sandy (by the way, hi, I'm new around here) > > I'll be having my left one removed next week. > Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's > the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are > many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our > breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. > > Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a > fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are > less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting > the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to > mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter > teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every > newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body > deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair > remover, hair thickener, etc. > > We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your > perspective and inner power. > > Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our > breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss > my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. > > Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I > don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > > > -- " The question is, how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 -Shari , please do your homework on the gel boobies . Comeing from someone who opted for that route and spent the next 8 years going thru one surgery after another . I finally got smart and had them removed . Just a thought . Kay-- In breastcancer2 , " SDB " wrote: > > I'll be having my left one removed next week. > Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's > the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are > many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our > breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. > > Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a > fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are > less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting > the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to > mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter > teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every > newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body > deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair > remover, hair thickener, etc. > > We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your > perspective and inner power. > > Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our > breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss > my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. > > Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I > don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 -Shari , please do your homework on the gel boobies . Comeing from someone who opted for that route and spent the next 8 years going thru one surgery after another . I finally got smart and had them removed . Just a thought . Kay-- In breastcancer2 , " SDB " wrote: > > I'll be having my left one removed next week. > Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's > the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are > many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our > breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. > > Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a > fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are > less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting > the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to > mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter > teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every > newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body > deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair > remover, hair thickener, etc. > > We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your > perspective and inner power. > > Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our > breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss > my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. > > Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I > don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 AMEN,very well said I just had my surgery July 20th going thru cemo now ...had both breast removed ,that part don't really bother me no reconstruction.I am 50 ....after 7 kids ...almost had to roll them up anyway....I am kinda enjoyoying not havin the honkers in my way all the time ...and as long as I can recover from this that is all I care about .... in Minnesota SDB wrote: I'll be having my left one removed next week. Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair remover, hair thickener, etc. We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your perspective and inner power. Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying to stir up controversy at all. Shari St Helens, Oregon --------------------------------- Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Yahoo! Small Business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Yes, Shari, I agree. We are not our boobs. I've always been out of balance and although did hope I would not lose my breast, I did, the little one, the one most sensitive... but since it was full of cancer I have no regrets. I grieved its lost and moved on. And now, once my prosthesis comes in, I will actually have a balance for the first time in my life. And who will know... my husband (he's not concerned) and my doctors (don't think they care). Now I'm just wondering if I'll get a 50% discount when they do the next mammogram..... <s> Barb R. Michigan Breast removal I'll be having my left one removed next week. Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair remover, hair thickener, etc. We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your perspective and inner power. Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying to stir up controversy at all. Shari St Helens, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Shari, I agree. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Breast removal I'll be having my left one removed next week. Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair remover, hair thickener, etc. We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your perspective and inner power. Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying to stir up controversy at all. Shari St Helens, Oregon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.7/436 - Release Date: 9/1/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Hi - I had my left breast removed on May 8 this year, after finding the big 10cm lump on May 8 last year (coincidence!) I had chemo for 11 months between the two, to get the lump small enough for surgery. I was so glad to finally get rid of it! I have large breast(s) on a small rib cage (34G), and now I'm single-breasted I am ridiculously lopsided, but I don't care. The path lab report said " 1.4 kilograms of material received " and that's just over 3 pounds. And I have no plans for reconstruction, either. Most of the time now I don't wear a bra around the house, or even going out shopping. If I'm going somewhere nice, I have a good gel prosthesis and a few pretty bras to wear. I have to be careful about necklines then, as my left chest is a bit hollow, but that's no big deal. I fed my babies, too, and that was good, but as I get older I don't really need the breasts for anything much. Fun sex toy? Maybe, but I think mine were wired up wrong from the start <G>. Being large they always seemed to draw attention <VBG>, but didn't do me much good in that area. Too much information ... I'll stop that now. As Shari says, there are bits of me which are much more use, and which I'd miss a lot more; a breast seems almost irrelevant compared with a leg, or an eye ... I do hope H can come to terms with this - you just have to choose between a breast with a nasty lump growing in it, and a nice clean tidy place where a breast used to be. Hugs, Margery. ============================================ margery@... in North Herts, UK ============================================ > Breast removal > > I'll be having my left one removed next week. > Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's > the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are > many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our > breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. > > Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a > fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are > less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting > the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to > mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter > teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every > newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body > deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair > remover, hair thickener, etc. > > We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your > perspective and inner power. > > Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our > breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss > my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. > > Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I > don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Hi, Sandy new-around-here, Good luck with your ops - hope they turn out as easy as mine was. > > Anyway. My original feeling when first I found that I had > breast cancer was to get these breasts off, and as quickly > as possible. Maybe because my breastfeeding days are quite > a ways behind me (I'm 56), I'm not feeling very emotional > about their impending demise. I imagine myself healthy, > cancer free, and maybe with some cool chest tattoos > That's exactly the way I felt - let's get rid of it, fast. (I'm 63, so no breastfeeding concerns.) And then my onc gave me 11 months of chemo before the surgery 8-( I was really glad when I finally had the op, and haven't regretted it once. Tattoos? I had a coule for my radiotherapy, but they're only tiny dark blue dots - one in the middle of my chest, and one round on my side. Nothing fancy, no butterflies ... <G> Good luck, Margery. ============================================ margery@... in North Herts, UK ============================================ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Hi, Sandy new-around-here, Good luck with your ops - hope they turn out as easy as mine was. > > Anyway. My original feeling when first I found that I had > breast cancer was to get these breasts off, and as quickly > as possible. Maybe because my breastfeeding days are quite > a ways behind me (I'm 56), I'm not feeling very emotional > about their impending demise. I imagine myself healthy, > cancer free, and maybe with some cool chest tattoos > That's exactly the way I felt - let's get rid of it, fast. (I'm 63, so no breastfeeding concerns.) And then my onc gave me 11 months of chemo before the surgery 8-( I was really glad when I finally had the op, and haven't regretted it once. Tattoos? I had a coule for my radiotherapy, but they're only tiny dark blue dots - one in the middle of my chest, and one round on my side. Nothing fancy, no butterflies ... <G> Good luck, Margery. ============================================ margery@... in North Herts, UK ============================================ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Sandy, Do what YOU feel most comfortable with regarding reconstruction and also which surgery you want done first unless one of the drs would feel one should be done first. I didn't have reconstruction and never regret it. Its been 16 yrs. My only regret is that I didn't have both breasts removed. You will be in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Re: Breast removal I had a lumpectomy last month. It was not enough, considering my family history. They both are being removed in a week and a half. I've gone back and forth with my surgeon, who strongly wants me to consider reconstruction. I just don't care! Maybe I will when they are gone. At this point, I only hope that we have gotten to this point fast enough to save me considerable health related grief, since my pre-op abdominal ultrasound (because I will be having a hysterectomy as well, further down the line) showed an enlarged ovary. Crap. I can only hope that they caught this in time...I was lucky with the breast cancer, which was invasive ductal carcinoma, and less than 1/4 " when it was removed. No node involvement, praise be. My doc seems to feel that I'm going to be lucky twice. I hope I am. Anyway. My original feeling when first I found that I had breast cancer was to get these breasts off, and as quickly as possible. Maybe because my breastfeeding days are quite a ways behind me (I'm 56), I'm not feeling very emotional about their impending demise. I imagine myself healthy, cancer free, and maybe with some cool chest tattoos The question in my mind now is, which operation should come first? Neither ob/gyn or breast surgeon seem to feel that doing them both on the same day is advisable. I'm praying for good counsel and the ability to make the best decision. It's a scary new land I'm living in...but I guess you all know that. Sandy (by the way, hi, I'm new around here) > > I'll be having my left one removed next week. > Last week's lumpectomy was not enough. > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). That's > the #1 reason we have them. They are a fun sex toy too, but so are > many things about our bodies and our attitudes. We are NOT our > breasts. Who we are is not about our breasts. > > Unfortunately if you don't have bulbous, bulging boobs, you may be a > fashion flop. It seems the norm is to have a boob job if you are > less than a " D " . That's pathetic to say the least. This is setting > the " women's movement " back 50+ years and a real slap in the face to > mother nature's design. Dentist are obsessed with selling us whiter > teeth and doctors peddle new boobs, noses, and cheeks in every > newspaper and magazine. The rest of the ads are for whole body > deodorant, hair color, tons of make-up, anti-aging gunk, hair > remover, hair thickener, etc. > > We are born happy with ourselves. Take yourself back. Keep your > perspective and inner power. > > Are we really that unhappy with ourselves that we identify with our > breast....probably the least used parts of our anatomies? I'd miss > my hand, ear, kidney, sense of smell, etc a lot more. > > Yes, I'll probably get a gel boobie to balance out my front, so I > don't look like I'm half turned around all of the time. > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > > > -- " The question is, how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 No controversy, Shari, just a myrid of opinions, all of which are perfectly valid. Ruth > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 No controversy, Shari, just a myrid of opinions, all of which are perfectly valid. Ruth > > At the risk of sounding hardened, I'd like to think of my breast loss > in proportioned to the " big picture " . Yes, my babies also fed from > mine. It was a fabulous thing and a great memory (mammary?). > > I hope some of you understand what I'm trying to say. I'm not trying > to stir up controversy at all. > > Shari > St Helens, Oregon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Dear Shari, I'm no doctor, but have had 3 major abdominal surgeries (including hysterectomy), and 2 lumpectomies. No mastectomy (yet) though. The hysterectomy/abdominal surgeries were tougher than the lumpectomies. Moving around is very hard, and they want you up and at 'em asap. However, learning to move while stapled down the front is like learning to walk again. Recovery, they say, is 6-8 weeks; but realistically, many women don't feel " normal " and quit napping until 6-8 months (this is from personal experience and also internet support group experience). Plus, if they take the ovaries, you go into menopause - pronto. (Maybe this doesn't apply in your case, but I was 35.) Abdominal surgery also has drains (depending on the surgeon) and a catheter for a few days. In my case, my bladder was accidentally paralyzed by the anesthetic the first one and they nearly sent me home with a catheter. In one of the other surgeries, it was my bowels, and I dealt with constipation. You can also not drive for a while. Not that you want to, because pushing those pedals hurts that incision. You can opt for a vaginal or laproscopic hysterectomy (much less invasive and less recovery time), but with your ovary being " enlarged " , I'd bet they will nix that idea. They will want to have " a good field of vision " to check for cancer, etc. I haven't had a mastectomy (hoping not to, but we shall see), but again, after the lumpectomies, the pain was confined to the armpit/breast area, and moving around was much better. I haven't had any drains with them (yet) but understand that with the mastectomy, you get drains. If they are taking nodes there is going to be more recovery time and side issues too. Is there some sort of biopsy or less invasive test they can do to that ovary to ascertain if it is cancer? Perhaps a blood test (I thought there was one for ovarian cancer that I read about recently). then you could make your decision based upon the urgency of each issue. Hope this is useful to you. It would be nice to think that my experiences were useful to someone! heehee Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Dear Shari, I'm no doctor, but have had 3 major abdominal surgeries (including hysterectomy), and 2 lumpectomies. No mastectomy (yet) though. The hysterectomy/abdominal surgeries were tougher than the lumpectomies. Moving around is very hard, and they want you up and at 'em asap. However, learning to move while stapled down the front is like learning to walk again. Recovery, they say, is 6-8 weeks; but realistically, many women don't feel " normal " and quit napping until 6-8 months (this is from personal experience and also internet support group experience). Plus, if they take the ovaries, you go into menopause - pronto. (Maybe this doesn't apply in your case, but I was 35.) Abdominal surgery also has drains (depending on the surgeon) and a catheter for a few days. In my case, my bladder was accidentally paralyzed by the anesthetic the first one and they nearly sent me home with a catheter. In one of the other surgeries, it was my bowels, and I dealt with constipation. You can also not drive for a while. Not that you want to, because pushing those pedals hurts that incision. You can opt for a vaginal or laproscopic hysterectomy (much less invasive and less recovery time), but with your ovary being " enlarged " , I'd bet they will nix that idea. They will want to have " a good field of vision " to check for cancer, etc. I haven't had a mastectomy (hoping not to, but we shall see), but again, after the lumpectomies, the pain was confined to the armpit/breast area, and moving around was much better. I haven't had any drains with them (yet) but understand that with the mastectomy, you get drains. If they are taking nodes there is going to be more recovery time and side issues too. Is there some sort of biopsy or less invasive test they can do to that ovary to ascertain if it is cancer? Perhaps a blood test (I thought there was one for ovarian cancer that I read about recently). then you could make your decision based upon the urgency of each issue. Hope this is useful to you. It would be nice to think that my experiences were useful to someone! heehee Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Quoting Kay : > -Shari , please do your homework on the gel boobies . Comeing from > someone who opted for that route and spent the next 8 years going > thru one surgery after another . I finally got smart and had them > removed . Just a thought . Kay-- In Wow! I needed to hear from you a coupla days ago when I asked about implants. I assume that's what you are referring to. I'm still so tossed up about everything. I am hoping to have surgery the end of the month. -Frances M R Bartels ki0dz@... (((#))) ^ ^ http://www.RudolphsRabbitRanch.com Central Ohio | ^ - ^ Order Watkins Products www.watkinsonline.com ------- (o o) Internet for $11.99/month ^#092389^ |ooOoo| >{ | }< ^ http://1.connectto.net/?s_c=1005349607 ------- RRR)* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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