marie_rn's Journey with Breast Cancer

I had my mastectomy 4 weeks after a lumpectomy and wide node dissection....I got the call that the margins were not clean so the mastectomy was scheduled. My tumor was large at 4.5 cm with lymph node involvement. Prior to surgery I received IV Herceptin and Navelbine for eight weeks. It shrunk my tumor in half and only one lymph node had remaining cancer cells when the dissection was performed....so that was good news. I recovered quickly from both of these surgeries.

I was pleased with the care I received on the Dana Faber Floor at Faulkner Hospital. I was fortunate to have my sister accompany me for most of my treatments. I was extremenly apprehensive about possible reactions initially as I am a registered nurse.....which sometimes can be a good thing...and sometimes can add to your anxiety!

I had a possible experience at Signature Health care (former Brockton Hospital)...during my six weeks of radiation they targeted 2 areas...supraclavicular and mid sternal areas....technicians were amazing and supportive...during the middle of my treatments, my son got married and I was able to attend all the festivities without any problems!

This surgery was much more involved than the initial mastectomy....longer healing time with some fatty necrosis and delayed wound healing on the breast. Abdominal incision healed quickly but abdomen still feels strange and no feeling at all in some areas. Despite the long process, I am glad that I did it and my surgeon , Dr. Caterson, matched the size perfectly to my other breast. I had a reduction of my other breast one year prior to this surgery and I am glad I did. It has been a little over a year April 2011 since this procedure was done.