Mastectomy update

WOW! It's been over a month since I last updated this blog! My aologies to those who follow it.

On October 21, I had a double mastectomy. A simple mastectomy on the left side (although, it doesn't look simple) and a more extensive mastectomy on the right side with a latissimus closure.

The cancer site was 11.5 cm x 4 cm x 5 cm. The margins were clear and the lymph nodes all tested negative for cancer. So, THEY GOT IT ALL!!!!!! No more cancer in the breast.

The plastic surgeon moved the latissimus muscle and skin from my back around to the front to give healthy tissue in the area to heal and to give me enough skin for closure. They took a huge chunk of skin from the right breast.

Since then, I've had an hematoma develop in the right breast and it is bruised and swollen and sore. It should be almost "normal" by now, but the hematoma has slowed down my progress somewhat. Nevertheless, it is healing really well, so we are happy!

I came home with three drains. Got one removed today. The other two will probably stay in another 2-4 weeks. Mike has gotten quiet proficient at taking care of the drains. He'd make a good nurse!

I weighed today for the first time after the surgery. I've lost ..............drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!


TWENTY POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!


I'm beginning to feel well enough to leave the house although I still can't drive and don't want to drive. But, I handle the doctor trips well and I'm looking forward to lots of other kinds of trips in the upcoming weeks!

Love to you all!

Dana