this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2023
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Cancer

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This community aims to be a place for patients, survivors and family to support, vent and share their experiences with (having) cancer.

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submitted 2 years ago by [email protected] to c/cancer
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I was subbed to r/breastcancer but hope to see this community grow.

I was DX'd with breast cancer at the end of 2021 when I was 38. I had a basic course of treatment - lumpectomy followed by radiation. Afterward, it felt like no big deal and like it was all behind me... Until I was diagnosed with cancer in the other breast just one year later, at the end of 2022!

It no longer felt like a one time event and this time I removed all the offensive tissue via mastectomy. I had implant reconstruction and was fortunate to find surgeons who spared my nerves and left me with feeling in my reconstructed chest. Most women lose all sensation in that area afterwards. I'm also lucky to have had good results after having previously had radiation.

I'm three months post op and am getting on with my life. But I do my best to inform other women about sensation/nerve sparing mastectomies. Many women who have this procedure get their nerves cut, which not only causes them to be numb but can cause a lifetime of pain. Sensation sparing mastectomy is a "new" type of surgery that many surgeons will deny even exists.

That's my story! What's yours?

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[–] I_like_cute_kittens 3 points 2 years ago

First of all sorry to hear that you're going through this. I'm happy to hear that you are getting on with your life! I think it is great that you're using your experiences to inform other women who might find themself in the same situation as you! Knowledge really is power and we do deserve care that allows us to live fulfilling lives both during and after treatment. I feel that sometimes life after treatment isn't considered or talked about enough during treatment, which is somewhat understandable, survival comes first, but quality of life after treatment is so important as well. Thanks for posting, I hope you're recovering well from your surgery!