My Mastectomy/Latissimis Dorsi Flap/ Reconstruction Surgery

My surgery was on January 21, 2015. I had a  simple mastectomy (removal of all breast tissue including the nipple, but saving the surrounding skin). Sentinel node dissection is the removal of cancerous lymph nodes, on the right side. I had nine positive out of eighteen lymph nodes removed. I also needed a flap procedure on the left side, where they take a piece of skin and muscle from the the back (latissimis dorsi) with it's blood supply and tunnel it under the arm to the front of the breast. This will allow the tissue expanders to stretch the skin properly and allow room for the silicon implants. Which will be a separate surgery. Once the tissue is stretched enough over several weeks. I had radiation on the left side three years ago; over time the skin will scar and make it difficult to have reconstruction. This is why the flap procedure was necessary.

My procedures took about seven hours. I woke up in my room. Once the anesthesia tapered off, I was extremely nauseated and hungry at the same time; not the best combination. I definitely took advantage of the pain medication offered. The one thing my Surgeon didn't warn me about, is the inability to use your chest muscles or the fear of pain. I never would have imagined how difficult it would be to move around in bed or to sit up! I literally felt like a newborn. I needed help to do everything. The extreme difficulty I had just to take a deep breath or even sneezing. It felt like my chest was going to split open. I would suggest deep breathing exercises to avoid getting pneumonia.

 I was afraid of looking at my chest for the first time...  thinking this is not my chest! I have a Barbie chest... plastic feeling, numb and no nipples! I tried to prepare my self before my surgery, looking at pictures and youtube videos. The reality of my situation was it is different for everyone! They are just breast!! I will be perky until I am eighty!! I was released from the hospital two days later.

My 2nd Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Over the next 3 years, all of my mammograms and MRI's have all been negative. I have tolerated the tamoxifen, with very little side effects. I was in great shape. I had been working out with a great group of women. Who are my constant motivation. Life is great! In December 2014, I noticed some changes with my left breast. It had become quite painful, firm, warm to the touch and my nipple had started to retract. All the common symptoms of breast cancer. I knew something was wrong, these changes had such a quick onset. I made an appointment with my Doctor. She was very concerned about the changes along with my symptoms. Then lightly touched on right breast, stated " You have a lump." In fact there was a very obvious lump, just behind my nipple. She ordered an ultrasound for the next day. The Radiologist stated there was no changes to the left side. The lump in my right breast, looked abnormal and recommended a biopsy. My heart dropped to the floor... I just had a mammogram 6 weeks prior. How could this happen? Later that day I received a phone call from my Doctors office, with an appointment with my General Surgeon. I had wait about 10 days, which was the longest days of my life. On December 16, I had a fine needle biopsy done right in the office. After a few days... I struggled with calling the office for results. We were leaving for Disney World in a couple of days. I felt knowing was my best option. I don't think I would have enjoyed myself, with constant worrying. My worst fear had become my reality! It was invasive ductal carcinoma HER2 positive. In my situation hind sight is always 20/20! I should have chosen the mastectomy instead of the lumpectomy! I should have had a second opinion. All of these mind racing thoughts with the same result. I have breast cancer again and it's more aggressive than my previous diagnosis. Ladies, I cannot stress enough the importance of paying attention to your body and performing self breast exams. We cannot always rely on technology. Most young women have very dense breast tissue, which can make finding a tumor or any abnormality very difficult.

The Beginning Of My Breast Cancer Journey

My breast cancer journey began in February 2011. My husband saved my life, he found an obvious lump in my left breast. I put off going to my Doctor, thinking it may just be another cyst. Since I had a history of Fibrocystic breast disease. I have always had lumpy breast! After about three weeks, I scheduled an appointment with my primary Doctor. She performed a breast exam and was very concerned. The next day, I had my very first mammogram. Thinking it's just a cyst, cancer never entered my mind. About three days later, I received a phone call, stating I will need to see a General Surgeon. I decided to go to the appointment alone, thinking it's just a consultation. The Surgeon was very professional and suggested a needle biopsy immediately. I was very nervous at this point. They moved me to a small surgical room. He applied some local anesthetic to the area and performed the biopsy. On March 3, 2011, my life changed forever! The news that I had invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 32! My husband and I were devastated! When you first hear the word cancer, immediately think it's the end! I am only 32, I have a 7 year old daughter and married to the love of my life. I have so much to live for... WHY ME! I had made the decision to have a lumpectomy. On March 9, 2011, I had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy. About a week later. I received the pathology results. I was stage 2, due to the cancer spreading to 2 of 5 lymph nodes removed. I had some genetic testing done, because I had no family history. The test was negative for the breast cancer genes. My treatment plan was 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiation and Tamoxifen for the next 5 years. The road seemed to long, but with my strong faith and the help of my family and friends. I am a survivor!

My experience with chemotherapy, is something I will never forget. I would have my infusions every other week. I started to lose my hair after the 2nd treatment. It was dry and falling out in clumps. As a women your hair is everything, it was very traumatic! One day I decided to shave my own head, with husbands clippers. At least, I had some control over when I lost all of my hair! I wore wigs that was similar to my hairstyle. Some of my worst symptoms was severe nausea, no taste buds, neuropathy of the hands and feet, which consisted of itching and burning! My radiation was a daily treatment for 6 weeks. My burns didn't start until after the 2nd week! Very painful, eucerin aquaphor was my savior. I would highly recommend to anyone.

I have become a stronger and better person, because of breast cancer. I live everyday to the fullest. It becomes a reality of how short life is... When your young it just doesn't cross your mind. When your diagnosed with the possibility of not growing old or watching your daughter become a women! Words just cannot express the overwhelming feelings. The constant fear of it coming back before each follow-up appointment or mammogram. I would highly suggest a support group. I have met some amazing women. They have easily become my second family and I look forward to each meeting. I can tell you prayer and faith has brought me through this storm.

Please post any questions or anything I may help you with, through your journey or a loved ones.