Mastectomy and Reconstruction - Expanders after Breast Cancer

[kathysofierce]

After having a benign tumor removed and visiting my doctor for a 6 mth checkup, she had found more lesions. She gave me 2 options basically. 1. Have a biopsy done and have surgery every time a new lesion appears in my breasts or 2. have a double mastectomy. So I'm having a double mastectomy soon w/ tissue expander & reconstruction in this summer. I'm still in my early 20s and hearing that I was terrifying. So this is inspiring thank you, feel better. :)

[kia1975able]

Way to Go Survivor!!! We both share the same exact story, and I decided too to have the same procedure done. Currently coming to the end of my treatments so that I can have the implants placed. Many Blessings my Pink Sista!

[Jimilynn]

{{{Blessings}}} I went through 2 years of chemo. and it is a journey. God Bless You and Your love ones.

[thennisfamily]

Thank you for sharing. I am going through expansions now. Your video is so inspiring! I look forward to the updates.

[newland50]

You were beautiful before & still are. Cancer hasn't changed that. Good luck, I hope the implants turn out great. But if I had a wife/gf in yr situation I'd say you've been through enough, you're lovely as you are. I can understand why women might feel the need to have them but I hope none do so just because they feel their man wants it. I don't know any guy who's obsessed with breasts. Largely that's a myth. But I'd back any woman having the work done if it's what SHE wants. Rooting for you.

[gageaaronsmommy]

you are an amazingly strong woman-3

[stefwoodsdc]

To say thank you for this video would be an understatement. May you continue to feel stronger with each passing month.

[ChaChingQueen]

@stefwoodsdc Thank you. I'm doing well, feeling well. Recently ran my second half marathon after breast cancer. Thanks for your support.

[Neequu78]

I appreciate you doing this, you're brave!

[TheMamabear54]

I'm a 54 year old woman who was diagnosed with non-invasive cancer. My only option is to have a mastectomy with reconstruction. After seeing your video I feel a little better about losing one of my "girls". Thank you so much for sharing your experience with cancer and all the great information. All the best to you and every woman out there dealing with this disease. IT WILL BE BEATEN!!!

[ChaChingQueen]

@TheMamabear54 Thank you. Best to you as well. Let me know how things are going and keep me updated.

[martkt10]

Very brave woman, and hot too

[rickcee]

Good luck to you! You're very brave to share this. I'm sure this will be most helpful to women everywhere. We all worry about this scourge of breast cancer, but thanks to people like you, women will find it comforting and easier to make smart choices.

[damozeljane]

Thank you for this video. I have my double mastectomy with reconstruction in a week and a half, and I was nervous about the outcome. After seeing the great job they dis on you, I'm less nervous. Thanks! You look great!

[Bia2677]

wow, thank you for all your helpful information and for having the courage to put this personal info on youtube, you ROCK. thanks its been a huge help. Good Luck and keep smiling.

[ChaChingQueen]

@Bia2677 Glad it was helpful. Cancer sucks, but I hope to make the most of it and help others by sharing my knowledge and what I went through. thanks for leaving a comment.

- Rachel

[cutykity]

You look great no matter what. Your attitude is uplifting. Keep it up. I'm also TN and still doing chemo. Thank you for sharing. You've given me hope.

[sasha2687]

Thank you for the information. I am 23 and was diagnosed with stage three last Sept with triple negative breast cancer and I am also BRACA 1 positive. I had my mastectomy in March and just had my expanders filled again today, they are now at 450cc each. I am nervous about the final outcome but so far things are really going well. I appreciate women like you who are willing to educate others about this disease.

[lwcs2011]

Thank you!!!

I just had a double masectomy on 03/16/2011 and I'm scheduled to have expanders put in next week. Just looking for info on what to expect and you helped. Thank You.

[naturegirlfromny]

I have to wait until radiation before I can get my reconstruction. I am only getting a single so I was told they would fix my good boob to make them match!

[Markofitch]

lol at first i thought u had a pony tail ,looking great for having through what you have....

[yusuk789]

Did they put fat or implants in your breast?

[ChaChingQueen]

@yusuk789 silicone implants

[mariandtita]

Wow you look great. At first I would not of guessed you went through chemo. Wow

[ChaChingQueen]

@mariandtita  thanks

[longlivethe80s]

My GF is about to go through a mastectomy in a little over a week, but the surgeon has said that the scar will be horizontal. After watching your video, I am thinking it makes sense to have the scar vertical. My GF has expressed concern about wearing a bikini and I think that having vertical scars might be better. There is just so much to think about. Anyway, you look fantastic!

[ChaChingQueen]

@longlivethe80s she should ask her plastic surgeon about doing the scar vertically. I'm glad mine is that way.

thanks

[mizzudad]

thank u ...I just had my mastectomy with reconstruction .one side...I had the expanders put in ..Its just been 1 week..I am doin great ..I anticipated it would be alot worse....thank god it wasnt...I go for my visit in 2 weeks to get the expansion /saline...Does that hurt..Im a little nervous..... How long did it take for you to get to where you are now??? I have been so positive since the begining of my diagnoses.. Positive thinking is a must.....please contact me thank you

[ChaChingQueen]

@mizzudad Getting expanded didn't hurt. It just felt weird. I was a little sore after for like a day or 2, but nothing that a little tylenol or ibprofin can fix.

I had my double mastectomy in Oct and in April I had the implants put in. It would have been shorter if I wanted to make more frequent trips to Dallas.

Yes, positive thinking is a must. I agree. Sulking and feeling sorry for yourself does no good. I'm not saying to deny it.  There are times that a good cry feels good, but...

[killersushi99]

325 is good. Dont go any bigger! Thanz for sharing your story!

[kelbo61]

Thank you so much for your candor in sharing your experience. I am going to have a double mastectomy with expander reconstruction in a couple of weeks. You have really helped my anxiety. Your positive attitude is just awesome, and I hope your surgery went well. All the best to you!!

[ChaChingQueen]

@kelbo61 Good luck. I'll be thinking about you. Please keep me posted. If you have any questions or just want to talk, feel free to contact me.

[ChaChingQueen]

@beverlyalo Ouch! What did you do about the nerve? Was there anything to do? Sorry about the toenails. Good luck to you too. Keep me posted.

[anm30]

Thank you for the update! Praying for you and your surgery :)

[ChaChingQueen]

@anm30 thank you