Helpful Tips

My Journey is far from over but I thought about all the things I've been through. I hope this information will put you at ease. I am full of information and would love to share with you all my experiences.

Surgery

• I decided to do a double mastectomy. My cancer was on my right breast close to my nipple. My breast surgeon recommended the DM because of my age. Before surgery you will have to do a MRI just to see if the cancer has spread. Reconstruction of my breast was all done at one  time along with the removal of the cancer. Staging of cancer can change after surgery. I was diagnosed with stage 1 before surgery and after, I was stage 2. It all depends on tumor size.

Trust

• Make sure you are comfortable with your decision and doctors as this is a life changing event in your life. Do not be afraid to ask questions and do research on your own. Make sure you out way all of your options.

Healing Process

• 4 weeks. No heavy lifting. I had drainage tubes underneath my breast for only 4 days. They are a pain but needed. Make sure to have as much help around your home as possible. My pain was not too bad. I was really sore. I do recommend working out and preparing before surgery. The better shape you are in, the quicker you heal and less pain. Honestly for me, I felt like I just finished lifting weights after surgery.

Surgery hours

• Six hours total. Three for breast surgeon and Three for plastic surgeon.

Scans before Chemo

• Expect to do a lot of scans.
• CT scan
• Bone scan
• MRI
• EKG

Chemo Treatment Plan

• Adriamycin and Cytoxan once every 3 weeks for 4 cycles
• Taxol once a week for 12 cycles.
• Recommended Tamoxifen for 10 years.
• No radiation
• Side effects:
• Hair loss( after 2nd treatment)
• Low blood count
• Menopause symptoms( I experience one hot flash and still have periods).
• FATIGUE
• Nasea/Vominting
• Neuropathy
• Cardiac symptoms

Fertility

• Never thought I would have to think about fertility but yes Chemo can effect your ovaries. I decided to freeze my eggs just in case. Chemo did not affect my ovaries as much because I still have periods. Not everyone is the same. If you decide to do fertility, look at it as a safety net. You will always have something to fall back on. It is expensive but there are companies that will finance your fertility cost. I used https://www.prosper.com/ You can also go through Livestrong Foundation https://www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/livestrong-fertility for cancer patients. They cover your medication which can cost up to 5,000.