Post by: Magnolia
Date: 06/13/2023
In 2017 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), a type of Breast Cancer that affects the ductal part of the breast. It was my second time being diagnosed having cancer, and the road ahead to recovery was daunting. But I was determined to fight it and eventually survive.
From being diagnosed with thyroid cancer to now facing this, my biggest worry was how I would go through this.
I remember the feeling of hopelessness from multiple biopsies that led to surgery, which I will never forget. I was scared and worried; every ugly thing I could think of was manifesting in my brain. I have to stop and crouch in the hospital dressing room as I shed tears.
In September 2017, the first treatment was lumpectomy. I had a portion of my breast removed where the cancer was. After months of biopsy and testing, I was hopeful that this would suppress the spread of cancer cells, but the outcome was unsuccessful. At this time, I was counseled to proceed with the second attempt of lumpectomy or to have a partial breast, my left side, removed.
After the unsuccessful lumpectomy, my job was also very demanding, and this time, I chose to stop working and focus on my health. I would not bore you on how I came to this conclusion. I say my options and the company’s needs weren’t aligned. I was grateful for my husband’s support.
In December 2017, I had both breasts (mastectomy) wholly removed. This time I am ready and prepared to face the whole shebang. Though I was apprehensive about the treatment, I was determined to face it fully, including the physical and emotional demands.
The mastectomy was ultimately less daunting than I had anticipated; the entire treatment was challenging and went so fast. However, it’s totally different for the following process, the breast reconstructive or reconstruction.
Here, I went to multiple surgeries preventions, and unfortunately, not all patients experience the same desired results, and not all women are equal when it comes to reconstructive success. It’s like Murphy’s law; anything that can happen will happen to me.
In 2 years, between 2018 – 2020, I went through so many complications that it took 9 types of surgeries to correct them. I struggled with this breast reconstructive. I can say that before the mastectomy, the journey was dreadful, and the entire reconstructive process was awful, but my biggest disappointment was the outcome of the implants. However, my opinion about the whole breast transplant didn’t change until today, in comparison to wearing a fake boob. Sometimes you don’t get what you want, and at this point, I need to move on and get my life back on track. That is why I accepted it as what it is.
The journey was challenging, with ups and downs, and determined to overcome this illness and get back to everyday life. I am grateful for the love and support of my family, friends, and medical professionals who guided me through all this.
My process started with diagnosis, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction.
•1. Breast cancer diagnosis: A biopsy is performed, and the results determine the type and stage of breast cancer.
•2. Treatment plan: Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.
•3. Surgery: If the cancer is localized, a lumpectomy (removing a portion of the breast) or a mastectomy (removing the entire breast) might be recommended.
•4. Reconstructive surgery: After a mastectomy, patients may choose to undergo reconstructive surgery to rebuild the breast. The word “CHOOSE” is your option to have it done.
•5. Implant: This procedure involves reconstructing the breast with an implant, a silicone or saline-filled sac, or a dermal matrix, a material implanted beneath the mastectomy site.
•6. Nipple reconstruction: The final step in breast reconstruction is the construction of a new nipple and areola.