HA! That's what I've taken to calling myself. I feel like I've run up that much in medical bills. Hi! I'm Michelle and I'm 25 years old. I just had my 11th (or 12th I've lost count!) surgery yesterday. Let's see I had a lipoma on my side when I was three, tonsils/adenoids out when I was 6, thyroid cancer when I was 9, fibroadenoma surgery 4 times (when I was 14,16,23,and yesterday) and a brain tumor (I've had 3 cranieotomys and a shunt placement). The lumps they removed yesterday from both breasts may or may not be cancer. If they are, the doctor is recommending a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Any body with any insight to this, who has gone through it nad can tell me the procedue, recovery time, etc would be very welcome! You see, I have Cowden's Syndrome. That is a mutation of the p-10 gene, which causes cancer. It causes benign tumors (duh look at my medical history) and elevates risks for certain cancers. My breast cancer risk is about 50%. The doctor that did my surgery yesterday says it's almost inevitable that I get breast cancer. And if I get it once, I'll get it again. I try to keep a positive attitude about everything. And believe it or not, I want to start nursing school in the fall! So that is why the recovery time for a mastectomy is very important to me. I'm glad I found this community and hope to find lots of information and meet great people! HOpe everyone has a good day!
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Hi Michelle,
Wow---you sound very positive, brave and energetic!
I'm sure you will hear from many women regarding their experiences with bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, and in the meantime, please check out some of these previous posts and EmpowHer encyclopedia on this topic:
- Having Bilateral Mastectomy and Reconstruction; Have Questions!
- VIDEO: Dr. Harness- Mastectomy
- VIDEO: Dr. Harness- Double Mastectomy
- SHARED story- How I Remained Calm Before Mastectomy
- Mastectomy Encyclopedia at EmpowHer
Best of luck in nursing school...I know many, many students of mine absolutely loved nursing school!
August 4, 2009 - 1:52pmThis Comment