My primary care physician didn't actually recommend a hysterectomy per se, but two years ago she said she wouldn't let a fibroid that big go untreated if it were in her. She sent me to a gynecologist (male) who advised that I take care of it with a hysterectomy. Actually, upon meeting him for the first time, I unwittingly told him that I knew I needed a hysterectomy and would he take care of it? Of course, he said, "Yes." So, exactly who's to blame, it's unclear. I think it was as much my own ignorance, though, as it was the willing surgeon. I'm so very, very glad that I posed the question on EmpowHER! Otherwise, I would have gone through with the surgery.
Some of you have inquired about my complications from breast cancer. The first was immediately after my mastectomy in January 2009 when I developed a chest wall infection. My breast cavity continuously filled up with fluid. The surgical drain that should have been removed after a week or so, stayed in for 6 weeks. I underwent 4-5 needle extrations where they pulled out as much as 350 cc's of fluid. It was only after the surgeon was able to get a reliable lab test of the fluid, that he found I had developed a bacterial infection which doesn't respond to the type of antibiotic he was giving me. It was called "pseudomonis" something. I believe that's the "hospital" bacteria that is easily picked up from catheters or unsterile operating environments. Who knows how I got it? Probably from the catheter (drain). I also had a staff infection. The minute they identified the problem, they had to surgically remove the tissue expander because the bacteria can adhere to the metal, making it difficult to treat. I had to see an infectious disease specialist for treatment.
After the infection cleared, two months later I resumed chemotherapy. When that was completed, I started taking Tamoxifen (anti-cancer drug). Six weeks later, I developed a blood clot in my lower leg. According to my doctor, the chance of getting a blood clot was about 1% - the same odds, I might add, of developing a chest wall infection from surgery! So, I was put on a blood thinner and injections for 7 months. I'm off that medication, although there seems to be a chance I may have to go back on it - this time for good. Undergoing tests once again.
Because Tamoxifen is for pre-and peri-menopausal women, they also had to chemically induce menopause because the only other anti-cancer medications are for post-menopausal women. It hasn't been fun because the hot flashes and aches & pains can be intense! I feel like my body has aged overnight! My mind feels young, but my body sure doesn't.
The final step in my treatment is reconstruction surgery. It's been 18 months since my mastectomy and I'm only just now able to begin the process due to the complications. My surgery is scheduled for next month - yeah - double-D's, here I come!! (Just kidding.)
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My primary care physician didn't actually recommend a hysterectomy per se, but two years ago she said she wouldn't let a fibroid that big go untreated if it were in her. She sent me to a gynecologist (male) who advised that I take care of it with a hysterectomy. Actually, upon meeting him for the first time, I unwittingly told him that I knew I needed a hysterectomy and would he take care of it? Of course, he said, "Yes." So, exactly who's to blame, it's unclear. I think it was as much my own ignorance, though, as it was the willing surgeon. I'm so very, very glad that I posed the question on EmpowHER! Otherwise, I would have gone through with the surgery.
Some of you have inquired about my complications from breast cancer. The first was immediately after my mastectomy in January 2009 when I developed a chest wall infection. My breast cavity continuously filled up with fluid. The surgical drain that should have been removed after a week or so, stayed in for 6 weeks. I underwent 4-5 needle extrations where they pulled out as much as 350 cc's of fluid. It was only after the surgeon was able to get a reliable lab test of the fluid, that he found I had developed a bacterial infection which doesn't respond to the type of antibiotic he was giving me. It was called "pseudomonis" something. I believe that's the "hospital" bacteria that is easily picked up from catheters or unsterile operating environments. Who knows how I got it? Probably from the catheter (drain). I also had a staff infection. The minute they identified the problem, they had to surgically remove the tissue expander because the bacteria can adhere to the metal, making it difficult to treat. I had to see an infectious disease specialist for treatment.
After the infection cleared, two months later I resumed chemotherapy. When that was completed, I started taking Tamoxifen (anti-cancer drug). Six weeks later, I developed a blood clot in my lower leg. According to my doctor, the chance of getting a blood clot was about 1% - the same odds, I might add, of developing a chest wall infection from surgery! So, I was put on a blood thinner and injections for 7 months. I'm off that medication, although there seems to be a chance I may have to go back on it - this time for good. Undergoing tests once again.
Because Tamoxifen is for pre-and peri-menopausal women, they also had to chemically induce menopause because the only other anti-cancer medications are for post-menopausal women. It hasn't been fun because the hot flashes and aches & pains can be intense! I feel like my body has aged overnight! My mind feels young, but my body sure doesn't.
The final step in my treatment is reconstruction surgery. It's been 18 months since my mastectomy and I'm only just now able to begin the process due to the complications. My surgery is scheduled for next month - yeah - double-D's, here I come!! (Just kidding.)
July 12, 2010 - 2:08pmThis Comment
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