Brownj1's Journey:

Bilateral masectomy with axillary dissection

extreme fatigue, anemia, chemo brain, memory changes, mood changes

Whether or not to undergo radiation. Have one positive lymph node and changes in lymph duct

Underwent surgery on September 18th, 2012. Will need further surgery 4 to 5 months after/

Side effects: severe fatigue, skin reaction/burns, shortness of breath, changes in lungs

Saw my plastic surgeon at the end of May 2013 for a routine follow-up. The plan was always that I was going to need a minor third procedure to fine tune things. Told my husband not to go with me, as I expected basically to find out exactly what type of third procedure I needed as well as how long I would have to be out of work; one week, two weeks, etc. I was shocked when my plastic surgeon told me that the reconstruction on the right side had failed due to radiation, and that there was scar tissue and adhesions which were already causing pain and tightness, whihc would only get worse as I age. While there were some other less-extensive procedures which would not be as effective, his recommendation was to start the recornstruction all over again with the Tram Flap procedure with free flap, expected to be 8 to 10 hours of surgery, and 5 days in the hospital following the surgery. I would have to be out of work close to three months. By contrast, my initial double masectomy with removal of 16 lymph nodes on right side, I was in the hospital less than two days, I was shocked at the news.

I was shocked at the news that I needed major surgery, much more extensive than before. I had returned to work in December 2012 after being out for 8 and 1/2 months, was still suffering from neuropathy, fatigue so I worked reduced hours until early April 2013. Here it was, the end of May 2013, being told that I needed major surgery which would neccesitate another long leave from work. How could I even tell my supervisor, who had held my job for me for 8 and 1/2 months? It was hard enough telling even my husband and children. However, I was never going to get any younger or better able to recover than I was right then. Scheduled surgery for first available date, September 12, 2013, Tram-flap surgery with free flap.

Failed intial pre-operative clearance due to high blood pressure. I never had HBP before, had to see my primary doctor, who put me on a low dose of medication and had to monitor it myself. My doctor had to double the dose of the medication and we were finally able to bring my pressure down enough to have the surgery. Cleared for surgery finally on Friday, September 6, 2013.

I underwent bilateral Tram flap surgery with free flap on Thursday, September 12, 2013.. Surgery toook longer than expected, 12 1/2 hours due to the development of a blood clot in the first grafted vein. Spent all night in recovery,transferred to a room in the mid-morning of the rollowing day.Post-operative pain and nausea, could not get out of bed nor eat solids for a couple of days. Finally was released from hospital on Tuesday September 17, 2013.