Life Almost 7 Months After My Double Mastectomy

The last time I shared about my breast cancer journey, I was recovered enough from my bi-lateral/double mastectomy to have my drains taken out and dressing removed. Telling you all what it felt like with foreign objects on my chest!

It has been almost seven months since my surgery. In that time, I've gotten good news, bad news, reflected a lot, grown, been knocked down, humbled, and reprioritized many areas of my life. 

Pathology and Treatment Follow Up
I went into surgery thinking we were removing just two tumors in my left breast. After pathology results came back, it was discovered I had three tumors in my left breast AND one in my right breast, along with other suspicious findings in that breast. I was completely confident with my mastectomy decision, but having science confirm I made the right choice by removing both breasts was reassuring.

Because I had a double mastectomy, I knew I wouldn't need radiation. Because my genetic oncotype test came back just under a certain score, I did not need chemotherapy.  I am beyond grateful for both of these things.

I am on a daily medication, Letrozole, to suppress my estrogen levels since my cancer was estrogen positive, meaning estrogen was feeding my cancer. Because Letrozole is primarily used to treat postmenopausal women, my oncologist and I  decided on a monthly shot at the cancer treatment center that put me into menopause. I'm around six months in, starting the shot in July, 2025. The medication doesn't bother me, but the menopause does! Hot flashes...brain fog, amiright?!

​Lastly, I was referred to physical therapy to regain a (mostly) full range of motion (with expanders, full extension may not be possible). I went a few times a week for six weeks or so. I needed to be pushed further by someone else to ensure I was doing enough and could get "back to normal" before my reconstruction surgery. I did not want to have to work twice as hard rebounding from the second surgery! Going to physical therapy is something I highly recommend if a person has a mastectomy. I went to Thrivera in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with a PT that specializes in breast cancer patients named Katie. I was sad when our sessions had to end!
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Lifestyle Mentality
My mental state going into the mastectomy was centered on "flow." The cancer-specific psychiatrist I had the privilege to work with helped me pick this word to hang onto. This word also prompts my mind and body to relax, reminding of my goal to "go with the flow" - releasing control of the what ifs and focus on what's right in front of me. One foot in front of the other.

Along with "flow," "SLOW" has followed closely behind. I needed to slow down. I need to continue to slow down. I need to be oozing along like honey pouring out of a bottle!

I dropped to part-time at work due to ongoing appointments, rough reactions to post-surgery treatment, and a family situation that needs a lot of our time and attention. I am very privileged to be able to do this, don't take it for granted, and am so thankful to my employer for their support. Having the extra time allows me to tackle everything at a more reasonable pace that I am able handle without becoming completely drained. I can also show up fully for myself and others, something I haven't been able to do a lot over the years. I'm cherishing this season of life.

February Surgery
Reconstruction of my breasts is scheduled for late February. I've chosen the DIEP flap option, the "forever" route. A lot more done up front for a longer pay-off.

I'll have the surgery at University of Iowa again with the same Plastic Surgeon as my first go-round. This will be a big one. It requires more time (10+ hours), two Plastic Surgeons in the operating room, four post-op drains, and longer recovery because both my abdomen and breasts are involved.

In closing, I ask that you send all of your positive, healing vibes my way at the end of February. Ask for steady hands for my surgeons and clear heads for my health care team. I look forward to sharing more soon - February is right around the corner!