In my last blog post, I discussed the choice I made to have a bi-lateral (double) mastectomy. Despite this choice being the more complex and aggressive surgical option, I know it was the best option for me. I have included the link to my last post if you would like to learn more.
Home from Surgery
As mentioned in my post, my surgery was 6 hours long. It took a bit longer that initially expected, but with no major complications or blood loss. Both my surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon were very happy with the surgical outcome.
I spent the night in the hospital following surgery so I could receive IV antibiotics and could be monitored for the initial 24 hours. Since surgery was so long they had to place a temporary catheter and the nurses made me get up throughout the night to make sure I could empty my bladder on my own.
I think I got one of the best night’s sleep in a very long time, even with being frequently awakened. During the intense COVID protocols, only one person was allowed to visit, so my Dad came down around 9:00 p.m. to visit. Apparently, we talked quite a while while I also visited with my nurse about his family and his dogs and mine. The funny thing is that I was so medicated that I didn’t remember that my Dad even visited … nor did I realize how often I asked my nurse the same questions over and over, which my Dad and I have laughed about many times.
My Mom and Dad came to pick me up once I was able to be discharged, and drove me home. Prior to leaving the hospital Mom and I went over all the needed discharge paperwork and information on how to empty my surgical drains and complications to monitor with a nurse.
Healing & Recuperation
I was shocked at how well I felt during my recuperation.
I was on pain meds for a few days post surgery, mainly to stay ahead of any pain, and I felt like I didn’t need to continue taking them. Pain wasn’t an issue for me, probably because I have a high pain tolerance. I would say it’s more discomfort and awkward as you don’t realize how much you use your arms in daily tasks, such as pushing off to stand up or pushing in a chair or brushing your hair, etc. I was not allowed to raise my arms above my head or lift anything over 10lbs.
The hardest part was been learning how to sleep like a vampire. I slept on the couch and created a pillow barrier all around me, which prohibited any movement or rolling.
I admit my chest was somewhat hard to look at, and I hoped that things would start to look more “normal” and better each day, especially once the expanders were inflated or filled with saline. I had no feeling in my chest area or arm pits, which was to be expected. My surgeons shared that often when a lymph node is removed, numbness or loss of sensation can occur. As for the chest area, when a mastectomy is done, loss of sensation is going to happen since the tissue is removed from the breast. I have no regret in my choice to have a double mastectomy, despite the changes in my body. I know this is not permanent, and will take time to adapt, especially since reconstruction would not be before 6 months after completion of radiation treatment.
Pathology Report
The pathology report issued following surgery showed that I had a great response to the chemo, but it was not a complete response. They were happy to report that they were able to find clear margins of healthy issue completely around the tumor, meaning that “they got it all”.
At the same time, the pathology report indicated that there was about 3% of cancer cells found in the removed tumor, which suggests to the care team that there is some chance that microscopic cancer cells may still be lingering about, although current testing protocols can’t identify them. As a result, using my Dad’s term of “carpet-bombing”, the plan is to “flood” my body with all of the treatments to ensure there is nothing left anywhere.
Surgical Complication
Unfortunately, I contracted an infection following my initial surgery, I started to feel flu-like symptoms with a low grade fever, and my right breast was swollen, red, warm to touch and very tender. I had my right drain removed 2-3 days prior to showing these symptoms and was initially put on oral antibiotics, but the redness, soreness, and inflammation wasn’t improving as quickly as my medical team wanted. It was critical to cure the infection before the upcoming chemo infusions and radiation therapy.
As a result, I was admitted to the hospital so they could do an updated scan (mammography) and use IV antibiotics to fight the infection for a few days. There was a lot of fluid buildup so they drained about 100 mL of fluid from my right breast and re-installed a drain.
The plastic surgeon consulted with the Infectious Diseases team, and they recommended surgery as they typically do when there is a foreign object in the body like the tissue expanders. I had to have another surgery to remove the infected expander, clear out the area and place a new tissue expander. The procedure took about 2 hours and I spent 4 more days in the hospital under close monitoring.
The primary concern was that if I was unable to heal from the infection, they would have to remove the tissue expander and allow my skin to heal flat. I spent a week in the hospital on strong high dose IV antibiotics and was sent home on 2 oral antibiotics to continue for a month. I remained under very close monitoring by the plastic surgeon and met with her and her team weekly to make sure I was making progress towards healing. Unfortunately, when tissue expanders are placed, there is always a risk of surgical complications or infection. Statistics for infections following tissue expander placement is about 31%, which is much higher than the typical 1-2% of surgical site infection.
I had to say goodbye to Lulu, my Yorkie companion for 15 years
Two weeks post-mastectomy, I had to say goodbye to my best friend of 15 years, Lulu, my little Yorkie. The loss of her hit me harder than my cancer diagnosis. It was just a little too much reality for me during my initial recovery time. I also relied on her and my lab, Harper Rose, vor their unconditional love throughout this journey. They both have been my constant companions in my ever evolving world and during cancer treatment.
With the COVID world and my immonsuppressed condition we spent a lot of time cuddled on the couch together. The loss of her was and still is very hard for me to get over. Lulu and I had a very special bond and she was my ride or die for 15 years of my life. She finished undergrad with me, studied with me for my Master’s degree and so many more life changing adventures.
I understand that some may think that sounds silly, but dogs have always held a very special place in our family and my life. Fast forward to almost a year after she passed and I now have a 80 plus pound puppy named Goose, who is a white labrador. Goose was actually born on the day of my mastectomy, so I felt like it was sign he should be part of my family. Harper and I have greatly enjoyed having Goose, as he tends to keep us busy and bring endless joy and laughter.
Thank You
Life has been a long and seemingly endless rollercoaster for me. I still focus on one day at a time and try to find joy in the little things life brings. In my next post I will be sharing items I thought were personally very valuable during my mastectomy healing process. Thank you again for following along on my breast cancer journey!
