Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Even though I’ve always thought I knew exactly what I would want to do if I got breast cancer - bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction. A prosthesis would be fine. Then when I was faced with the actual diagnose I found myself wondering what I should do. My first question was “your boobs or your life” hence the title of this blog. The one thing I did know was that if I chose to have a lumpectomy or just one breast removed I would constantly worry that the cancer would come back in the same breast or the other one. Bilateral mastectomy it is. Now the question: to reconstruct or not to reconstruct. I’m very well endowed so I think it would be very shocking to go from that to nothing. I would much rather have a little something so yes to reconstruction. I am going to downsize though.

I’ve been doing a lot of research. Trying to get some idea of what to expect post-op. I’ve come across a lot of helpful information about the surgery, drains, expanders, and even what to take to the hospital with me. (The surgeon said that I could be in for 2 or 3 days.) As a matter of fact I have already started packing a bag. I need to go shopping for some stuff like pj’s that button down the front. I have lots of comfy slipper socks. I know the hospital ones are lovely but I’ll pass. I must remember my chap stick…I cannot live without my chap stick. I also have this spray that is the same idea as dry shampoo. I’ve used it before and it works very well. I don’t know if I’ll feel much like eating but I may throw a few snacks in there in case I get hungry in between the tasty hospital meals. If anyone out there has any other good idea’s please share.

Once I’m home I plan on watching a lot of movies and reading all the books I have sitting around that I haven’t gotten to yet. I guess I’ll be spending a lot of time in my bedroom at first so I’m going to make sure I have everything I need at my fingertips.

Here are some other tips I found on a great blog http://losingmyboobs.com/
Baby wipes – to freshen up
moisturizer, and a brumisateur
Altoids
electric toothbrush
comfy blanket
iPod or MP3 player
cell phone