Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, & Reconstruction | What I Didn't Know

[44kimbo]

Can't tell you how helpful this video is. I had stage IIIa cancer removed on 02/25/2010 with immediate reconstruction that should never have been done. I had to have the expanders removed 2 days after my second chemo treatment. Both incisions came open during chemo and they stayed that way for almost six months. I am afraid to try again, but I'm even more afraid not to because of the way it makes me feel, just as you described! I so wish my husband and family could understand.

[kalexander43]

Thank you so much for the vid i have just made the desion to do a double mastectomy just got the news Monday that I had breast cancer. Your vids were very helpful.

[CourageIsMyStrength]

@kalexander43 Please visit me at my website for much more information about double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and for infomraiotn from others that have been through the same thing. You can find me at courage is my strength dot com. I wish you the best and please let me know if I can help!

[jljfranklin1]

Would you explain your situation which led you to double mastectomy ?

I have 3 centimeter mass in right breast - but have Triple negative breast cancer. It seems with triple negative you may need mastectomy. Then if you test for Brac and are positive, does this raise the question for double mastectomy ?

[CourageIsMyStrength]

@jljfranklin1 It is a difficult decision for anyone to make. I did not have cancer and was not tested for BRCA. I had fibrocystic beast disease and a 40% chance of developing breast cancer in my lifetime. I needed MRIs every six months because mammograms and ultrasounds were no longer effective. For me, a double mastectomy helped me feel like I was doing everything I could to AVOID cancer instead of having to fight it.

[Vote4RonPaulLiberty]

What has happened since this time? I wish you all the best.

[miketouch123]

You are a very beautiful human being I hope all goes well much respect

[MrMoose123moose]

Hi Michelle, I have just recently had a beautiful close friend 37yrs young, same age as you, face a single breast mastectomy As a mere male, I had an idea of the basics of the ins and outs of process. I wanted more understanding, so to the web, then youtube, it stunned me and really opened my eyes to just what is involved, I found your site, and so sincerely thank you for sharing your story, your journey, with me to understand what is involved. as a male it is invaluable. Thank you Simo.

[chiromom1969]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm scheduled for a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy next month followed by reconstruction like yours. For the first time in months I don't feel so alone. I am so grateful that you've shared your journey. I hope you're recovering from your final reconstruction and are healing your mind, body and spirit.

Kim

[hepf69]

Hi Michele,

I just hope that your final reconstruction surgery went well last week!!! I wish you the very best and hope you have a full and quick recovery.

Hope to see you soon with a new video!

Kisses.

Aida

[cattougher]

I wanted to thank you for sharing your story through your blog and especially your videos. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I am having a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction this Friday (Oct. 22nd). Yes expanders! I have been so overwhelmed not knowing what to expect. How will the expanders feel? How much pain will I have? What will I look like throughout the reconstruction? Now I at least have some idea what my life will be like after the surgery.

Thank you so much,

Cathy

[InterManiac]

You are a very couragious woman and your video clips reveal not only the courage, but the beauty that shines out from you. It comes from deep within, but also what is seen on the outside, is incredibly beautiful and sexy. I watched the reconstruction clip of 3 months post-op, and as a male, I can tell you that you are still beautiful, desirable and a woman in every respect. Thank you for sharing your story and may you just go from strength to strength.

[Ampnasty529]

I realy feel you, And ur videos have realy opened my eyes to the inner pain this can cause, thank you.

[rubinszi]

You are one the most real person I have ever met!

[hybgirl]

thank you for sharing. I had a breast cancer diagnosed in one breast and after 3 lumpectomies, am facing a mastectomy. Your straighforward approach is really helpful. Scottish Woman.

[wastelandsoldier1]

Yeah that is messed up.People say dumb things alot.You could have died.

[cheriebmathews]

I discovered this part about friends and my guess is your old friends are afraid and some will come back and some won't. New friends will continue to enrich your life.

As far as the body awareness you will grow to love your new body because you will never have to suffer through chemo and life and death thoughts.

I think you are amazing

Cherie Mathews owner of healincomfort

[longlivethe80s]

Thank you for your videos. My girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago. Right now we are trying to find out what to do as far as surgery is concerned. We met with an a-hole plastic surgeon last week that left us feeling really bad. We now have an appointment with another one next week. Either way, you look great and I am sure that your final results will be great as well.

[JKKJ12]

I agree with you 100% Michele.

After meeting women in MY situation (who had previously had Hodgkins lymphoma and who were also high risk of BC) who had gone on to develop this cancer,i KNOW i made the right decision to have my breasts removed.