Breast cancer Forum

I have also battled depression long before getting cancer. I was on antidepressants for many years that did help tremendously, but you have to find the “one” that works for you. I lost my husband in 2015 unexpectedly and it truly turned my world upside down and inside out. I’ve never been the same.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cervical cancer in 2018. Needless to say, dealing with this without my partner, has been UNBELIEVABLE HARD!! I have amazing grown kids (youngest is 19 in few days) and 10 beautiful grandkids. They definitely help keep me going & I love Jesus and He definitely is my strength when I just feel I can’t go on anymore!! Sometimes I want to throw my hands up and give up this fight. The chemo, the endless radiation, the pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety… the list goes on and on…. But, I do feel like I’m still here for a purpose & I love helping others! I want to be a light to anyone I can be. I want to help pray with others & for others because I’ve personally experienced the power of prayer!!! I want to listen, to give a smile or a hug, maybe just an encouraging word… life is TOUGH. We ALL have our battles but when I’m at my lowest, I’m always reminded of what I DO have to be thankful for! All the many reasons I need to keep battling this horrible condition… I too love music and believe it’s very therapeutic. I will crank up the praise music or some dance songs or whatever I’m in the mood for at that time. I open up the blinds and let light in. I try to do everything I can to NOT allow the depression and darkness to overtake me! I go to Jesus and lay it all at His feet with tears pouring onto my cheeks… I cry out to my love that is no longer here on earth, to my mom who’s also gone… I make myself pick up the phone and send a message to my bff who prays for and with me. Most of the time I don’t “feel” like doing these things, but I make myself because I HAVE TO! Our emotions and feelings are so important during our fight- without the positivity, the hope, the light, I personally know I cannot win this!!! And I also know I’m not alone- I have all you amazing fighters, warriors to help me!!!

Don't give in, don’t give up before YOUR MIRACLE HAPPENS!!!! 🥰❤️🙏🏼

Hi Andy,

First let me say I'm sorry you have to consider this at all. It is hugely difficult and sometimes tough to get real answers from doctors. Second, look carefully into the real prophylactic effects of this choice. Do some researching on this option. From what I have read, it may not prevent BC despite your sacrifice. Finally ask tons of questions and know the options. Doctors can be short and brief with you about this decision when it is a life altering choice. Don't be afraid to ask and request explanations. If they don't give you a response, find another doctor. Make sure you trust your surgeon and request a plastic surgeon for your close. Here are a few things I've learned from friend who went flat...doctors don't always believe you when you say you want to go flat so they do things that will make it easier to change your mind but make being flat difficult. "dog ears" under your arms can be left that are annoying and prevent you from enjoying the choice. These allow for future implants and better aesthetic outcomes but for those who want and will stay flat it means deciding on a second surgery to remove them. For reconstruction, you can use implants or your own fat or a combination. Look into all these choices. If you are an athlete, being flat could be a great choice. Why request a plastic surgeon? It's the difference between having huge jagged scars and a very finely sewn nearly invisible line. It's worth the request. Surgeons just sew stuff together normally, Plastic surgeons are taught to sew layers together so the whole system lays flat. Like sewing five layers of fabric results in a bunched up seam, while sewing each layer individually can be less lumpy and smoother. Use the scar softener tapes found at walgreens or amazon to keep the scars soft. My doctor didnt even know what these were. They work. I learned about them from another cancer survivor. Here is ACS article on prophylactic mastectomy. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/preventive-surgery-to-reduce-breast-cancer-risk.html#:~:text=A%20prophylactic%20mastectomy%20can%20lower,go%20on%20to%20become%20cancer. And an article about going flat https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/07/going-flat-after-mastectomy#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20most%20common,complications%20and%20other%20health%20problems

Preventive Surgery to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

For some women who have a very high risk of breast cancer, preventive surgery, such as a prophylactic mastectomy, may be an option to lower their risk.