I have a family history of breast cancer and I'm overdue for my mammogram. I'm a nurse and I'm terrified, but I'm going to call about an appointment tomorrow. Thank you for this reminder.
I'm so proud of you for calling to make your appointment! When I started this whole process I didn't realize how much breast cancer was in both sides of my family. It's definitely better to stay on top of things!
40% too high indeed! You are so brave and determined 💪 I hope you feel so much better really soon. And thanks for the kick I need to go get my mammogram and ultrasound asap! 💜💜💜
I am so glad for you that you got the preventative and reconstructive surgery done!! The whole healthcare system in the US is just so ridiculous...the fact that they can't tell you how much it's going to cost, and the fact that you have to gear up to fight for yourself at every step, is just wrong. Glad you've been able to start running again!
Thank you so much! Yeah our healthcare system here sucks. And yes, it is awful that we literally have to fight for our health every step of the way and then some! Dave and I ran again today. I'm glad to be doing it even if running is not something I love. And it irritated the hell out of me that they couldn't tell me costs. It's ridiculous.
I'm doing much better! i'm still in physical therapy, working to regain full range of motion on my left side. My left shoulder / armpit area is still having issues.
Scary stuff, but I'm glad you got this done before it could get worse. The health insurance situation in this country is absolutely ghoulish. Also, a lot of people don't realize that anyone can get breast cancer, including cis men! I have a family friend who's a man that needed a prophylactic masectomy.
I'm glad you are healing well. Healthcare in the US is such a joke and causes so much stress during the times that it is not wanted. And this is reminding me to schedule my mammogram! I also have dense breast tissue and the tech at my last one thought I needed an ultrasound. But she was able to do the mammogram only.
Yes, the USA Healthcare system is a joke and broken. We pay so much money for healthcare insurance, services, and taxes, yet it feels next to impossible sometimes to get the care you need. I never understood why - if they were going to order a follow up diagnostic with ultrasound for me every time - if they didn't just do that initially. Wishing you the best with your mammogram!
Very interesting to hear about, and I'm glad you've come out the other side and are feeling better and better post-surgery! I had under-muscle breast implants almost 20 years ago, for esthetic purposes. Girl, the recovery from just that part is FAR more than people realize, much less all the additional procedures and drug interactions you experienced. I'm so glad you're happy with the results, esthetically speaking!
I have to make an update to this video, unfortunately. I had to do another breast reconstruction (with fat grafting, which meant liposuction) January 2024. So I'm still in recovery from that. I'm 6 weeks out from being able to bounce, and I'm back to physical therapy. I'm much happier now that the new mesh is holding my breasts in place. The original mesh they used was not strong enough to support and my skin lacks elasticity there, so they had started sliding into my armpits. Yuck. But yes, I'm on the mend and very happy about it. It's been a huge ordeal and has definitely disrupted my life but I'm glad to have done it now when I'm healthy than later.
I’m glad that you advocated for yourself and your health. Multiple women in my family have had breast cancer. My mother has had it twice, at 31 and 42. She recently had her implants removed, her body never fully accepted them and she had flare ups from them. I got tested for the cancer gene as soon as I could at 18 and I tested negative.
I’m so happy for you that you tested negative!!! And I’m glad your mom is ok. Going through it twice is awful! That’s why i wanted everything cut off, didn’t want to go through this again.
I am glad to see you on the road to recovery. I am facing my first major surgery; it’s potentially life-altering, and I am terrified. It is good to normalize these events and feelings alongside the the upsides in life. Thank you for sharing your strength. xoxo
Thank you so much! And the top is from Demi Loon demiloon.com/collections/gothic-witchy/products/dead-but-delicious-striped-tee I LOVE Demi Loon stuff! I have several of their slashed tees.
Thank you for sharing your experience. These kind of videos really helped me back when I had my preventative double mastectomy at age 27, several years ago. Hugs to you kind internet stranger
Im so glad you are healing well and did what was best for you! In September we found out my grandmother had breast cancer. She had survived it 20 years ago. Now it was back. but it was 3 different types. 2 in one breast and one in the other. The doctors were a bit perplexed. She had to have a double mastectomy. She also did genetic testing because a few of her sisters have had it. Her resolutions were clear but my mom and i still want to get tested. I took care of her for 5 weeks during recovery. She is doing really well now. I had an appointment with a plastic surgeon to see if a reduction would help with my back pain. But thanks to unforseen problems i missed the appointment. When you just talked about shooting pain in the breast it scared me because that is someting i get especially around my period. i have chronic pain so i didnt think any thing of it. Im 33 and have never had a mammogram. Now im thinking i might need to get one. Thank you so much for sharing your story! Ive been watching you for years and it means a lot. Sending you happy and healing thoughts. 🖤🤗
Wishing you and your family all the best! I'm glad that your grandmother is ok! A reduction will 100% help your back problems. I am also working to strengthen all my back muscles and rehabilitate my left arm /shouder. Part of my back problems were caused by my big heavy boobs, but physical therapy and strength training are my way out of the pain and fixing the issues. I would get shooting stabbing sharp pain that felt like cysts bursting in my boobs around my period. I believe it was from all the cysts and fibroids and microcalcifications in my breast tissue. Definitely talk to your gynecologist about it! It took me... 7 or 8 different gyns before I found one who could help me with my severe PMDD (I take Slynd for it) and who acknowledged the shooting breast pains. So if your first dr doesn't listen, look for another who will. They typically don't recommend mammograms until 40 unless there's breast cancer in the family, but with what happened with your grandma, I would definitely want to talk to a genetic counselor. I'm glad you found this helpful! It was really hard to talk about, but I hate the thought of other people wrestling with what I did alone, so I thought talking about it could help. Sending you hugs!
Aww wow what a rough journey, so happy you are recovering well! I was diagnosed w breast cancer in 2020, the height of covid so I had to go alone for my lumpectomy surgery and visits, etc. Terrifying at times, but the support of my family and friends was everything! Ugg yes, our health system in the U.S. is absolutely disgusting. 4 year survivor now, but to all of you beautiful creatures...I also have dense tissue. My mammo did not catch it, the ultrasound did and because I go every year, I was so lucky to catch it at stage 1. Please go every year and if you have dense tissue please demand the ultrasound. Also, yes, men too can get breast cancer, I found out an uncle had it, so please get your exams too guys! Thank you so much for sharing your story, and while it will help so many, I am sorry you had to go through all of that.🌹
I think it was very brave of you to go through such an experience. Not to mention, sharing it with us. My Mom's a breast cancer survivor & I just had my implants removed in May after 25 yrs. I'm really glad you have such an amazing support circle. It helps. I'm also glad that you're gonna be here with us for a long, long time, Cords. Both of you & the pups. And you said it...nobody's gonna rally for your health better than you, yourself. 🖤💜🖤🌙✨️
Thank you. Yes, it was scary for sure and I wouldn't wish it on anyone! I don't want anyone to suffer the way I have, so I hope that by sharing my experience it helps others. I truly feel blessed to have a local friend group of around 20 people who all reached out and helped.
I'm so proud of you for advocating for yourself and your health, which isn't always an easy thing to do especially with our broken healthcare system. I also really love your whole makeup look in this video. I have a thing for mauvey-toned lipsticks. 💜💄
Thank you so much! I think I filmed me putting on this makeup as part of a Black Moon Cosmetics video that I have coming up. I'm wearing Black Moon Dead but Delectable duo on my cheeks and lips. www.blackmooncosmetics.com/collections/halloween-collection/products/dead-but-delectable-duo
Thank you for sharing your story. As women, we have to advocate for our health. No one will do it for us. I didn’t have cancer but I had a uterine fibroid that was debilitating a couple of years ago. I had to do my own research and decided on laparoscopic surgery to remove it. I wish I had done it sooner. I’m glad you’re healing well and had family and friends to support you along the way.
I'm so glad you were able get your surgery for your health! It feels like, as a woman, our pain is belittled and often not believed, and not properly managed. Thank you for your kind words!
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 I asked to have both of my breasts removed. My oncologist, a very young woman, gasped and said 'No!' I explained that as I'm an older adult and the medical community couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't get cancer again, I just wanted my breast gone. I was told I wouldn't find anyone that would remove them both when I could have radiation treatment and be just fine. I was thinking with no boobs, running was going to be a lot easier! I hope you are doing just peachy and feeling better than ever! XOXO
I'm so sorry to hear that they refused you! I had all my breast tissue removed, along with my nipples. My last set of major surgeries were earlier this year, January 30, 2024. My body is still in recovery. Like you, I didn't want the risk of breast cancer popping up again. I also didn't want to go through chemo or radiation, and thought cutting everything off would be easier on me in the long run. I have zero regrets about that decision. Thank you for thinking of me! Sending hugs!
Thank God for your angel donor at 21 years old ❤ I have to do a mammogram and ultra sound due to dense breasts as well. This year at 48 years old they found calcium deposits in my right breast that were basically stage zero breast cancer so I had them removed. There is no family history of breast cancer so it was scary. I am glad your husband got all of his taken out! Omg! I’m so sorry you and Dave had surgery two days within each other! That’s so stressful❤ I had to use Hibclens soap before my surgery. I bought a large size and I still have it. I am the same way with opiates and my surgeon gave me the same things! I was happy that I only needed Advil. Oh wow!! Less than 1% risk for breast cancer is FANTASTIC💃🏿 I’m sorry things have still been stressful and I hope Dave, Nyx and you all get better very, very soon❤ It’s good to see you again!
Yeah the microcalcifications I had were the type that would turn into cancer, which is why I wanted them cut out of me as fast as they could. I'm glad you are safe and healthy! Nyx still has her upper respiratory infection, but I'm hoping it's done this week. I keep telling myself that it's better that I've gone through all this now, while I'm young and healthy, than if I had to do it in 20 years.
Late to the party. I'm glad you are recovering and you had the surgery. I'm an epidemiologist/pharmacologist who works as a health economist. I've done mostly cancer work in both the US and Canada. They couldn't give you a cost because cost isn't what they charge, and they charge differently depending on the payer. Ironically, they charge significantly less to insurance companies than to people without insurance. Do you want to know how much a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction costs in Canada? Brace yourself. ~$50k CDN.
OMG! That’s still quite a bit! I had to get another breast reconstruction with fat grafting done Jan 30, am recovering from that right now. I’m glad i didn’t let fear of surgery stop me. My risk was too high. It still freaks me out to be a breast cancer survivor
@Phyrra oops! That $50k is paid for by the government, not the patient. Also, not trying to make Canada sound like paradise on earth. Generally I get into docs quick, including specialists, but I've been waiting 18 months now for a neurologist consult to see if I'm a candidate for surgery so I can stand/walk more than 10 minutes. The first time, I was seen immediately because I was waking up with back spasms so bad I voided the bed. At that point, I was put on anti-seizure meds, and physio was working. Physio no longer works, and so now I wait.
Thank you for sharing! I had my first mammogram this last week and the tech said it looks like I have extremely dense, too. I'm actually looking to get a reduction because my G/H have been causing me so much discomfort, and I also don't know much of my family health history. This US system is so super awful to navigate. I'm waiting to see if my insurance will cover it or if I have to just tough it out and wait.
I hope you are able to get your reduction without issues! You can probably get a physical therapist or your doctor to supply info to the insurance companies if you are having back pain or issues from your chest. Part of why my physical therapy is dragging out so long is that my left side was not as strong as my right, so I'm having to build up those muscles to support my size.
@Phyrra thank you! I see a chiropractor regularly and asked them if I needed a referral, and they said probably not, but they'd work with me. So here's hoping! I've done PT before and know the routine. I work in a physical environment and this is going to make such a huge difference.
I didn't watch the video yet but I'm with you, it is so important for all women & those who also have bio breasts, to get checked regularly and it should be provided for all women. That is a lot you went through. I just went through a breast lumpectomy 6 weeks ago, caught super early, not aggressive, all good. I get my mammogram almost every year since 40 since I lost my mom to breast cancer. Its annoying that I had 3 previous different types of biopsies since age 19 that all came up nothing but this one did. I don't even have any of the genetic mutation predispositions to cancer.
tldr; Glad you are ok, medical sucks So glad you were able to take care of it. Our healthcare is so shameful. I have really good insurance, but still a few thousand I have to pay for things they don't cover and twice no one asked me and my labs were sent out of network, if I have to pay those its over $2,000 added to over $900 out of pocket with lots of $40 specialist co pays and a few 100 here & there. For once I'm able to cover those bills IF I have to pay, I appealed but don't know how long that takes. I had to print & send it by snail mail. Redic. 10 years ago I had a ultrasound biopsy, it was nothing, left me with a $800 out of pocket bill, I paid it over like 2 years. I do have a lot of breast cancer in my family, including my mom who I lost from it. I was in the same sitch, I have only had 1 surgery before in my life, it was the first time dr found a lump in my breast, early 90s, would not have been a surgical biopsy today. I never broke a bone either other than a toe. Remember how the right used to go on how government shouldn't cover health care because lines would be long? Were there now because costs are nuts and we don't have enough new Drs coming in. It would have been over 6 weeks wait to get my ultrasound biopsy for this if my dr didn't call and ask them to get me in that week. I did wait 5 weeks for a thyroid biopsy a year ago. After I had covid I got sick with something else for 4 weeks, my neck gland was swollen. By the time I got to the biopsy, 2 days before I started feeling fine & lump was gone. Doing it was really not fun and a waste of time.
What a surprise. Just opened mail for the week, Cigna said too bad, you will pay up, next time make sure you use services in network. OMG fuming, I did not send my own labs out! I was given 0 choice, the place should have also known better. I explained it in the appeal too.
I would call them and fight it. You had no control over where they sent it! And yeah, I didn't want to wait 6 weeks fo rmy ultrasound + mammogram follow up, so I called every imaging place in the Tampa area and finally found a religious facility that could get me in within 1 week. I tend to avoid religious medical facilities because I don't enjoy them shoving God at me, but I hated the waiting and wondering if I had cancer. Wishing you all the best with your medical issues! Sending hugs!
@Phyrra Yeah I will fight it for sure. When you call they tell you that is the only option, send the appeal. They can't do anything. It's BS. I actually had my surgery in a Catholic hospital's cancer center because that's where my dr works out of (I don't think she follows their values). I told my dad on the tiny case anything goes wrong in surgery get me down the street to Robertwood asap so they can pull the plug if needed, but of course it was fine.
I am watching this because I may have to do a mastectomy. I am having to fight because I know I am high risk and now have to convince insurance. Thank you for sharing. How are you doing now?
I have lumpy breasts and had my first mammogram when I was active duty army. Then I went years with only my OB/GYN doing breast exams at my yearly paps (back when those were yearly). After getting divorced and losing my health insurance I went to the VA. Omg have they been amazing. I've had yearly mammograms (except I missed this year so gonna call my PCP to put in another order. Women's health at the VA hasn't been super great until the last 5 years when they built an entire Women's health center. It's so great. Anyhow, all dealing with the lumps (fibroadenomas) but most recently I've suffered from a bladder and urethral prolapse. Thankfully it's not painful but it does feel like I'm sitting on a golf ball. I get surgery on January. Idk why I rambled on but my point was, once you turn 40, I highly suggest annual mammograms and having a devoted GYN (I prefer GYNs only to OB/GYNs at this stage in life because GYNs focus way less on babies... if at all....and more focused on gynecological issues; esp for women over 40). I'm so glad you got it taken care of... I can imagine you're relieved. I had melanoma and cancer is some scary sh1t.
I’m so glad you’re ok and that the VA has improved for women. It took me like 7 times before i could find a great gyn who could help me and actually listened about my PMDD.
Thank you so much for sharing your story lovely🥰 I dont know if anyone in my family has had breast cancer. Both grandmothers died of cancer. My moms mom was sick for years with an unknown blood disease and then the cancer killed her in the end💜 I HATE Tramadol so much!!! Getting off of it is the nastiest shit ever!! I will never take that voluntarily ever again! 🤢🙈🙈
Sending you so many hugs! I'm so sorry to hear that you've had so much cancer in your family, that is awful. I'm thankful I had no issues getting off Tramadol but my body HATED it. The violent vomiting was painful. And that was the 'best' option to me of the opioids they gave me to choose from. Being able to manage my pain with advil, tylenol (both over the counter meds) and medical cannabis made my body feel much better than what the Tramadol was doing.
@@Phyrra Awwe thank you so much lovely🥰🥰 I cant imagine feelings like that while on them! Only cancer patients get medical weed here. I dont know how i feel about it. Since ive heard both good and bad things about it😅
The low doses I took during my recovery were not enough to get me 'high. I was able to take them and function enough to work because they were able to help me dull/ignore the pain. It surprises and disappoints me how so many doctors are not advocating to use medical cannabis instead of other drugs that have been proven to be addictive in appropriate situations.
that's a joke you had to do so much legwork to get there. sad to see it's just the same with disability which you are already familiar with....it seems like here in the states if your health is anything but somewhat slightly bad there's a lot of legwork to actually get the care you need to rebound!
It is EXHAUSTING to spend hours upon hours calling medical facilities, trying to get an appointment, trying to jump through all the hoops insurance companies want. Yes agreed, it's so much work. Sending you hugs!
I have a family history of breast cancer and I'm overdue for my mammogram. I'm a nurse and I'm terrified, but I'm going to call about an appointment tomorrow. Thank you for this reminder.
I'm so proud of you for calling to make your appointment! When I started this whole process I didn't realize how much breast cancer was in both sides of my family. It's definitely better to stay on top of things!
The earlier you find something the better less you may need to go through! I just had a breast lumpectomy, my tumor was super early & non invasive.
40% too high indeed! You are so brave and determined 💪 I hope you feel so much better really soon. And thanks for the kick I need to go get my mammogram and ultrasound asap! 💜💜💜
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. Wishing you the best with your appointment.
I am so glad for you that you got the preventative and reconstructive surgery done!! The whole healthcare system in the US is just so ridiculous...the fact that they can't tell you how much it's going to cost, and the fact that you have to gear up to fight for yourself at every step, is just wrong. Glad you've been able to start running again!
Thank you so much! Yeah our healthcare system here sucks. And yes, it is awful that we literally have to fight for our health every step of the way and then some!
Dave and I ran again today. I'm glad to be doing it even if running is not something I love.
And it irritated the hell out of me that they couldn't tell me costs. It's ridiculous.
Hope that you are doing well now 😊🙏😊🙏
I'm doing much better! i'm still in physical therapy, working to regain full range of motion on my left side. My left shoulder / armpit area is still having issues.
Scary stuff, but I'm glad you got this done before it could get worse. The health insurance situation in this country is absolutely ghoulish. Also, a lot of people don't realize that anyone can get breast cancer, including cis men! I have a family friend who's a man that needed a prophylactic masectomy.
Yes. My husband's maternal grandfather had breast cancer, as did his mom. And thank you, I'm glad I got it done as soon as I could too!
I'm glad you are healing well. Healthcare in the US is such a joke and causes so much stress during the times that it is not wanted. And this is reminding me to schedule my mammogram!
I also have dense breast tissue and the tech at my last one thought I needed an ultrasound. But she was able to do the mammogram only.
Yes, the USA Healthcare system is a joke and broken. We pay so much money for healthcare insurance, services, and taxes, yet it feels next to impossible sometimes to get the care you need.
I never understood why - if they were going to order a follow up diagnostic with ultrasound for me every time - if they didn't just do that initially.
Wishing you the best with your mammogram!
Very interesting to hear about, and I'm glad you've come out the other side and are feeling better and better post-surgery! I had under-muscle breast implants almost 20 years ago, for esthetic purposes. Girl, the recovery from just that part is FAR more than people realize, much less all the additional procedures and drug interactions you experienced. I'm so glad you're happy with the results, esthetically speaking!
I have to make an update to this video, unfortunately. I had to do another breast reconstruction (with fat grafting, which meant liposuction) January 2024. So I'm still in recovery from that. I'm 6 weeks out from being able to bounce, and I'm back to physical therapy. I'm much happier now that the new mesh is holding my breasts in place. The original mesh they used was not strong enough to support and my skin lacks elasticity there, so they had started sliding into my armpits. Yuck. But yes, I'm on the mend and very happy about it. It's been a huge ordeal and has definitely disrupted my life but I'm glad to have done it now when I'm healthy than later.
@@Phyrra ... OMG, you've been through so much with this!
You look wonderful. 🎉🎉
Thank you so much!
@@Phyrra no problem
I’m glad that you advocated for yourself and your health. Multiple women in my family have had breast cancer. My mother has had it twice, at 31 and 42. She recently had her implants removed, her body never fully accepted them and she had flare ups from them. I got tested for the cancer gene as soon as I could at 18 and I tested negative.
I’m so happy for you that you tested negative!!! And I’m glad your mom is ok. Going through it twice is awful! That’s why i wanted everything cut off, didn’t want to go through this again.
I am glad to see you on the road to recovery. I am facing my first major surgery; it’s potentially life-altering, and I am terrified. It is good to normalize these events and feelings alongside the the upsides in life. Thank you for sharing your strength. xoxo
Sending you positive vibes! Surgery was scary to me, but it went very well. You can do this! You are strong.
@@Phyrra May your strength give me strength. xoxo
It took me all my time and effort not to jump on a plane to come fuss over you. I'm so happy you're ok now, proud of you for bossing this
Aww, thank you! 2023 has been very challenging but we're getting through it!
I'm glad that your recovery is going as well as possible and that you are starting to feel better. I absolutely lovely that top you're wearing.
Thank you so much! And the top is from Demi Loon demiloon.com/collections/gothic-witchy/products/dead-but-delicious-striped-tee
I LOVE Demi Loon stuff! I have several of their slashed tees.
Thank you for sharing your experience. These kind of videos really helped me back when I had my preventative double mastectomy at age 27, several years ago. Hugs to you kind internet stranger
Glad it was helpful! It’s been just over a year since my first set of surgeries and i still have no regrets.
I can't wait to watch this - so proud of you for going through what was probably a tough journey!!! And so glad your risk is almost 0 now!!!
Thank you so much!!!
Im so glad you are healing well and did what was best for you! In September we found out my grandmother had breast cancer. She had survived it 20 years ago. Now it was back. but it was 3 different types. 2 in one breast and one in the other. The doctors were a bit perplexed. She had to have a double mastectomy. She also did genetic testing because a few of her sisters have had it. Her resolutions were clear but my mom and i still want to get tested. I took care of her for 5 weeks during recovery. She is doing really well now.
I had an appointment with a plastic surgeon to see if a reduction would help with my back pain. But thanks to unforseen problems i missed the appointment. When you just talked about shooting pain in the breast it scared me because that is someting i get especially around my period. i have chronic pain so i didnt think any thing of it. Im 33 and have never had a mammogram. Now im thinking i might need to get one. Thank you so much for sharing your story! Ive been watching you for years and it means a lot. Sending you happy and healing thoughts. 🖤🤗
Wishing you and your family all the best! I'm glad that your grandmother is ok!
A reduction will 100% help your back problems.
I am also working to strengthen all my back muscles and rehabilitate my left arm /shouder.
Part of my back problems were caused by my big heavy boobs, but physical therapy and strength training are my way out of the pain and fixing the issues.
I would get shooting stabbing sharp pain that felt like cysts bursting in my boobs around my period. I believe it was from all the cysts and fibroids and microcalcifications in my breast tissue. Definitely talk to your gynecologist about it! It took me... 7 or 8 different gyns before I found one who could help me with my severe PMDD (I take Slynd for it) and who acknowledged the shooting breast pains. So if your first dr doesn't listen, look for another who will.
They typically don't recommend mammograms until 40 unless there's breast cancer in the family, but with what happened with your grandma, I would definitely want to talk to a genetic counselor.
I'm glad you found this helpful! It was really hard to talk about, but I hate the thought of other people wrestling with what I did alone, so I thought talking about it could help.
Sending you hugs!
Aww wow what a rough journey, so happy you are recovering well! I was diagnosed w breast cancer in 2020, the height of covid so I had to go alone for my lumpectomy surgery and visits, etc. Terrifying at times, but the support of my family and friends was everything! Ugg yes, our health system in the U.S. is absolutely disgusting. 4 year survivor now, but to all of you beautiful creatures...I also have dense tissue. My mammo did not catch it, the ultrasound did and because I go every year, I was so lucky to catch it at stage 1. Please go every year and if you have dense tissue please demand the ultrasound. Also, yes, men too can get breast cancer, I found out an uncle had it, so please get your exams too guys! Thank you so much for sharing your story, and while it will help so many, I am sorry you had to go through all of that.🌹
I’m so sorry you went through that but so happy you’re a survivor!!! I’m likely to need a third reconstruction soon and it makes me sad.
Thank you beautiful, I hope you do not have to go through another reconstruct, it sounds so painful. Sending positive thoughts🕊
I think it was very brave of you to go through such an experience. Not to mention, sharing it with us. My Mom's a breast cancer survivor & I just had my implants removed in May after 25 yrs.
I'm really glad you have such an amazing support circle. It helps. I'm also glad that you're gonna be here with us for a long, long time, Cords. Both of you & the pups.
And you said it...nobody's gonna rally for your health better than you, yourself. 🖤💜🖤🌙✨️
Thank you. Yes, it was scary for sure and I wouldn't wish it on anyone! I don't want anyone to suffer the way I have, so I hope that by sharing my experience it helps others.
I truly feel blessed to have a local friend group of around 20 people who all reached out and helped.
I'm so glad your mom is a survivor! How do you feel after having the implants removed?
I'm so proud of you for advocating for yourself and your health, which isn't always an easy thing to do especially with our broken healthcare system. I also really love your whole makeup look in this video. I have a thing for mauvey-toned lipsticks. 💜💄
Thank you so much! I think I filmed me putting on this makeup as part of a Black Moon Cosmetics video that I have coming up. I'm wearing Black Moon Dead but Delectable duo on my cheeks and lips. www.blackmooncosmetics.com/collections/halloween-collection/products/dead-but-delectable-duo
Thank you for sharing your story. As women, we have to advocate for our health. No one will do it for us. I didn’t have cancer but I had a uterine fibroid that was debilitating a couple of years ago. I had to do my own research and decided on laparoscopic surgery to remove it. I wish I had done it sooner. I’m glad you’re healing well and had family and friends to support you along the way.
I'm so glad you were able get your surgery for your health! It feels like, as a woman, our pain is belittled and often not believed, and not properly managed. Thank you for your kind words!
Same exact story as you.Just had my surgery 2 days ago. I dont regret it. I feel like time bombs were removed from my body.
So glad you were able to do it. Ticking time bombs in my chest is exactly how i felt about the micro calcifications!
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 I asked to have both of my breasts removed. My oncologist, a very young woman, gasped and said 'No!' I explained that as I'm an older adult and the medical community couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't get cancer again, I just wanted my breast gone. I was told I wouldn't find anyone that would remove them both when I could have radiation treatment and be just fine. I was thinking with no boobs, running was going to be a lot easier!
I hope you are doing just peachy and feeling better than ever! XOXO
I'm so sorry to hear that they refused you! I had all my breast tissue removed, along with my nipples. My last set of major surgeries were earlier this year, January 30, 2024. My body is still in recovery. Like you, I didn't want the risk of breast cancer popping up again. I also didn't want to go through chemo or radiation, and thought cutting everything off would be easier on me in the long run. I have zero regrets about that decision. Thank you for thinking of me! Sending hugs!
Thank God for your angel donor at 21 years old ❤
I have to do a mammogram and ultra sound due to dense breasts as well.
This year at 48 years old they found calcium deposits in my right breast that were basically stage zero breast cancer so I had them removed. There is no family history of breast cancer so it was scary. I am glad your husband got all of his taken out!
Omg! I’m so sorry you and Dave had surgery two days within each other! That’s so stressful❤
I had to use Hibclens soap before my surgery. I bought a large size and I still have it.
I am the same way with opiates and my surgeon gave me the same things! I was happy that I only needed Advil.
Oh wow!! Less than 1% risk for breast cancer is FANTASTIC💃🏿
I’m sorry things have still been stressful and I hope Dave, Nyx and you all get better very, very soon❤
It’s good to see you again!
Yeah the microcalcifications I had were the type that would turn into cancer, which is why I wanted them cut out of me as fast as they could. I'm glad you are safe and healthy!
Nyx still has her upper respiratory infection, but I'm hoping it's done this week.
I keep telling myself that it's better that I've gone through all this now, while I'm young and healthy, than if I had to do it in 20 years.
@@Phyrra yes you did the absolute right thing doing this now💕 and oh I hope that NYX gets better soon, sweet doggo🥹🥹
your shirt feels very well themed for the topic!
Haha thank you so much! It’s from Demi Loon and I swear that Lazlo in What We Do in the Shadows said this line in an episode.
demiloon.com/collections/gothic-witchy/products/dead-but-delicious-striped-tee
Late to the party. I'm glad you are recovering and you had the surgery. I'm an epidemiologist/pharmacologist who works as a health economist. I've done mostly cancer work in both the US and Canada. They couldn't give you a cost because cost isn't what they charge, and they charge differently depending on the payer. Ironically, they charge significantly less to insurance companies than to people without insurance. Do you want to know how much a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction costs in Canada? Brace yourself. ~$50k CDN.
OMG! That’s still quite a bit! I had to get another breast reconstruction with fat grafting done Jan 30, am recovering from that right now. I’m glad i didn’t let fear of surgery stop me. My risk was too high. It still freaks me out to be a breast cancer survivor
@Phyrra oops! That $50k is paid for by the government, not the patient. Also, not trying to make Canada sound like paradise on earth. Generally I get into docs quick, including specialists, but I've been waiting 18 months now for a neurologist consult to see if I'm a candidate for surgery so I can stand/walk more than 10 minutes. The first time, I was seen immediately because I was waking up with back spasms so bad I voided the bed. At that point, I was put on anti-seizure meds, and physio was working. Physio no longer works, and so now I wait.
I am so sorry to hear about what you're going through and I'm furious that you can't get into a doctor sooner! 18 months is unacceptable!
I am glad that you are doing well after your surgery! I have been wondering how things went after your last health update.
Thank you! Life has been very challenging and keeping me on my toes, but I'm happy.
Thank you for sharing! I had my first mammogram this last week and the tech said it looks like I have extremely dense, too. I'm actually looking to get a reduction because my G/H have been causing me so much discomfort, and I also don't know much of my family health history. This US system is so super awful to navigate. I'm waiting to see if my insurance will cover it or if I have to just tough it out and wait.
I hope you are able to get your reduction without issues! You can probably get a physical therapist or your doctor to supply info to the insurance companies if you are having back pain or issues from your chest. Part of why my physical therapy is dragging out so long is that my left side was not as strong as my right, so I'm having to build up those muscles to support my size.
@Phyrra thank you! I see a chiropractor regularly and asked them if I needed a referral, and they said probably not, but they'd work with me. So here's hoping! I've done PT before and know the routine. I work in a physical environment and this is going to make such a huge difference.
I'm so glad you were able to get the surgery ❤ and the insurance company didnt fight you or charge you an outrageous price
Thanks! I was terrified because you never know with our crappy American system.
I didn't watch the video yet but I'm with you, it is so important for all women & those who also have bio breasts, to get checked regularly and it should be provided for all women. That is a lot you went through. I just went through a breast lumpectomy 6 weeks ago, caught super early, not aggressive, all good. I get my mammogram almost every year since 40 since I lost my mom to breast cancer. Its annoying that I had 3 previous different types of biopsies since age 19 that all came up nothing but this one did. I don't even have any of the genetic mutation predispositions to cancer.
tldr; Glad you are ok, medical sucks
So glad you were able to take care of it. Our healthcare is so shameful. I have really good insurance, but still a few thousand I have to pay for things they don't cover and twice no one asked me and my labs were sent out of network, if I have to pay those its over $2,000 added to over $900 out of pocket with lots of $40 specialist co pays and a few 100 here & there. For once I'm able to cover those bills IF I have to pay, I appealed but don't know how long that takes. I had to print & send it by snail mail. Redic. 10 years ago I had a ultrasound biopsy, it was nothing, left me with a $800 out of pocket bill, I paid it over like 2 years.
I do have a lot of breast cancer in my family, including my mom who I lost from it.
I was in the same sitch, I have only had 1 surgery before in my life, it was the first time dr found a lump in my breast, early 90s, would not have been a surgical biopsy today. I never broke a bone either other than a toe.
Remember how the right used to go on how government shouldn't cover health care because lines would be long? Were there now because costs are nuts and we don't have enough new Drs coming in.
It would have been over 6 weeks wait to get my ultrasound biopsy for this if my dr didn't call and ask them to get me in that week. I did wait 5 weeks for a thyroid biopsy a year ago. After I had covid I got sick with something else for 4 weeks, my neck gland was swollen. By the time I got to the biopsy, 2 days before I started feeling fine & lump was gone. Doing it was really not fun and a waste of time.
What a surprise. Just opened mail for the week, Cigna said too bad, you will pay up, next time make sure you use services in network. OMG fuming, I did not send my own labs out! I was given 0 choice, the place should have also known better. I explained it in the appeal too.
I would call them and fight it. You had no control over where they sent it! And yeah, I didn't want to wait 6 weeks fo rmy ultrasound + mammogram follow up, so I called every imaging place in the Tampa area and finally found a religious facility that could get me in within 1 week. I tend to avoid religious medical facilities because I don't enjoy them shoving God at me, but I hated the waiting and wondering if I had cancer.
Wishing you all the best with your medical issues! Sending hugs!
@Phyrra Yeah I will fight it for sure. When you call they tell you that is the only option, send the appeal. They can't do anything. It's BS.
I actually had my surgery in a Catholic hospital's cancer center because that's where my dr works out of (I don't think she follows their values). I told my dad on the tiny case anything goes wrong in surgery get me down the street to Robertwood asap so they can pull the plug if needed, but of course it was fine.
I am watching this because I may have to do a mastectomy. I am having to fight because I know I am high risk and now have to convince insurance. Thank you for sharing. How are you doing now?
I’m doing much better! Here’s my recent update Prophylactic Double Mastectomy, Reconstruction Surgeries & Life Update
ua-cam.com/video/sI8ky7nsj1M/v-deo.html
I had a 40% risk chance, which is why I did the prophylactic double mastectomy and removed all breast tissue. Wishing you the best with yours!
I have lumpy breasts and had my first mammogram when I was active duty army. Then I went years with only my OB/GYN doing breast exams at my yearly paps (back when those were yearly). After getting divorced and losing my health insurance I went to the VA. Omg have they been amazing. I've had yearly mammograms (except I missed this year so gonna call my PCP to put in another order. Women's health at the VA hasn't been super great until the last 5 years when they built an entire Women's health center. It's so great. Anyhow, all dealing with the lumps (fibroadenomas) but most recently I've suffered from a bladder and urethral prolapse. Thankfully it's not painful but it does feel like I'm sitting on a golf ball. I get surgery on January. Idk why I rambled on but my point was, once you turn 40, I highly suggest annual mammograms and having a devoted GYN (I prefer GYNs only to OB/GYNs at this stage in life because GYNs focus way less on babies... if at all....and more focused on gynecological issues; esp for women over 40). I'm so glad you got it taken care of... I can imagine you're relieved. I had melanoma and cancer is some scary sh1t.
I’m so glad you’re ok and that the VA has improved for women. It took me like 7 times before i could find a great gyn who could help me and actually listened about my PMDD.
Wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery! 💜
Thank you so much for sharing your story lovely🥰
I dont know if anyone in my family has had breast cancer. Both grandmothers died of cancer. My moms mom was sick for years with an unknown blood disease and then the cancer killed her in the end💜
I HATE Tramadol so much!!! Getting off of it is the nastiest shit ever!! I will never take that voluntarily ever again! 🤢🙈🙈
Sending you so many hugs! I'm so sorry to hear that you've had so much cancer in your family, that is awful.
I'm thankful I had no issues getting off Tramadol but my body HATED it. The violent vomiting was painful. And that was the 'best' option to me of the opioids they gave me to choose from.
Being able to manage my pain with advil, tylenol (both over the counter meds) and medical cannabis made my body feel much better than what the Tramadol was doing.
@@Phyrra Awwe thank you so much lovely🥰🥰
I cant imagine feelings like that while on them! Only cancer patients get medical weed here. I dont know how i feel about it. Since ive heard both good and bad things about it😅
The low doses I took during my recovery were not enough to get me 'high. I was able to take them and function enough to work because they were able to help me dull/ignore the pain.
It surprises and disappoints me how so many doctors are not advocating to use medical cannabis instead of other drugs that have been proven to be addictive in appropriate situations.
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Cute earrings
Thank you 😊
that's a joke you had to do so much legwork to get there. sad to see it's just the same with disability which you are already familiar with....it seems like here in the states if your health is anything but somewhat slightly bad there's a lot of legwork to actually get the care you need to rebound!
It is EXHAUSTING to spend hours upon hours calling medical facilities, trying to get an appointment, trying to jump through all the hoops insurance companies want. Yes agreed, it's so much work. Sending you hugs!