Hey! I'm BRCA1 positive and I'm overwhelmed with the research so I appreciate you posting this. If you don't mind me asking, are you planning on ovary removal as well?
CaptainTobyB I’m so happy to help! There’s a lot of information and options out there so take the time to digest it before deciding if you can. I do plan on getting my ovaries removed but not for at least 10 years! I’ll likely get my Fallopian tubes removed before my ovaries because there is a lot of new research suggesting ovarian cancer begins in the Fallopian tubes. I’m also on the birth control pill to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer. The doctors have recommended I wait until at least 35 because removing any younger can actually hurt your health more than help it. Ovaries are crucial to both heart and bone health. Lmk if you have any other questions! I’m more than happy to help ❤️
Wow thank you. I’m about to turn 32 and I just found out a few months ago. So overwhelming! I have some consultations coming up so I hope that helps. Thanks again for doing this. It’s good to see your attitude going in. :)
I have nf1 and my family never told me that BRCA1 also ran in our genes. My dad passed away 7 years ago from cancer but now I’m unsure what caused it. I also found out that my cousin who is 36 just got diagnosed with breast cancer so they decided to test her for BRCA AND IT WAS POSITIVE. Since none of my siblings have been tested for BRCA1 yet I Went and got tested last week. The anxiety is killing me. Wish there were more videos like this. It’s much more comforting than all the videos of the doctors sitting in chairs reading scripts.
Ty for these video. I'm praying I can get this done soon. I'm a veteran n have been going through the process of trying to get a double mastectomy done. Ur videos have helped a lot. After this video, I think I'd like under the muscle too. I like the way you explained why you chose under the breast and it makes sense to me, especially since I'm choosing the surgery because I grow cysts in my breast already. Luckily my cysts have all come back benign, but I'd like them to be easily found if I grow more
I’m so glad they helped ❤️ I personally am not much of an upper body exerciser, so under the muscle was okay for me. And I love my results. Hope you have a smooth surgery and recovery!
Still Growing hey!! Thank you for your kind words! While I’m not a doctor, I do not think any age ( over 18) is too “young”. To me it matters more how you feel in your decision. I tested at 19, my doctors pushed me to wait until 25 and I pulled the trigger at 24 ( not because they wanted me to wait but because I wasn’t ready before then). I was in college and wasn’t able to take off 6 weeks to heal, so I waiting until graduation. If you want to talk on the phone or more in detail privately I’m happy to help!! Just message me 😊 I will say with brca 1, triple negative is common and that requires chemo even if you catch it early. I know a few women who got breast cancer before 25 which played part in my decision. The younger you are the better you will heal and the more cosmetic options you have! Frankly I love my new foobs and am so glad I did it young.
Thank you for posting this video! How do you feel now that it’s been a few years as far as the look and feel of your breast? What about your muscle strength of your arms and chest after your surgery? Do you feel like you were able to recover after PT and get all of your strength back? I’m prepping for my own bilateral mastectomy this month.
I actually recently did a video about a months ago sharing an update! Overall I’m happy with them, I do have my arm strength back but I was never very strong to begin with. I would say I’m 100% back to how I was before but with slight new limitations. I try to avoid pectoral exercises to keep my breasts close together & soft, but I know plenty of women who still do them and can do pretty much everything! I didn’t do PT, but I wish I had! I do daily stretches to keep things flexible as well.
I’ve made a list of some of my favorites here - daniellepearcephotography.com/mastectomy-must-haves Must haves for me were a cup with straw, button up pajamas or shirts, zip front bra (but only needed 1 since my hospital sent me home in a recovery bra), seatbelt cover which I still use, wedge and pregnancy pillows, underarm heart pillows! And lots of Tylenol, laxatives, and suppositories 👀
Hey Claire! I reached out to the breasties on Instagram as well as asked for recommendations in the “BRCA Sisterhood” Facebook group. You can also look up reviews on google. After I narrowed it down to about 3 options I went for consultations and chose the surgeon I felt most confident in! Definitely see multiple doctors and seek second opinions!
Hey! I'm BRCA1 positive and I'm overwhelmed with the research so I appreciate you posting this. If you don't mind me asking, are you planning on ovary removal as well?
CaptainTobyB I’m so happy to help! There’s a lot of information and options out there so take the time to digest it before deciding if you can. I do plan on getting my ovaries removed but not for at least 10 years! I’ll likely get my Fallopian tubes removed before my ovaries because there is a lot of new research suggesting ovarian cancer begins in the Fallopian tubes. I’m also on the birth control pill to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer. The doctors have recommended I wait until at least 35 because removing any younger can actually hurt your health more than help it. Ovaries are crucial to both heart and bone health. Lmk if you have any other questions! I’m more than happy to help ❤️
Wow thank you. I’m about to turn 32 and I just found out a few months ago. So overwhelming! I have some consultations coming up so I hope that helps. Thanks again for doing this. It’s good to see your attitude going in. :)
CaptainTobyB finding out about the gene can be a blessing in disguise! Good luck on your journey ❤️
I'm 24 too and in the process of getting my surgery booked here in the UK.. thanks for your videos x
Good luck on your journey! You got this! Thank you for watching ❤️ I’m still recovering but it gets better everyday.
I have nf1 and my family never told me that BRCA1 also ran in our genes. My dad passed away 7 years ago from cancer but now I’m unsure what caused it. I also found out that my cousin who is 36 just got diagnosed with breast cancer so they decided to test her for BRCA AND IT WAS POSITIVE. Since none of my siblings have been tested for BRCA1 yet I Went and got tested last week. The anxiety is killing me. Wish there were more videos like this. It’s much more comforting than all the videos of the doctors sitting in chairs reading scripts.
How did your test go? I'm here if you need any support!
Ty for these video. I'm praying I can get this done soon. I'm a veteran n have been going through the process of trying to get a double mastectomy done. Ur videos have helped a lot. After this video, I think I'd like under the muscle too. I like the way you explained why you chose under the breast and it makes sense to me, especially since I'm choosing the surgery because I grow cysts in my breast already. Luckily my cysts have all come back benign, but I'd like them to be easily found if I grow more
I’m so glad they helped ❤️ I personally am not much of an upper body exerciser, so under the muscle was okay for me. And I love my results. Hope you have a smooth surgery and recovery!
There will be some changes in breast before the mutation happens (cystic lesions ). it can be found through scanning of breasts
Actually it’s often not caught! Which is why the mastectomy is so worth it. Especially with the risk of triple negative
Are the implants safe? Can they tear/break, leach into the body, anything like that?
Is the material toxic/unhealthy?
So thankful for your video! just got my results today. I have 2 mutations NF1 and BRCA1. do you think 21 is too young to do the surgery?
Still Growing hey!! Thank you for your kind words! While I’m not a doctor, I do not think any age ( over 18) is too “young”. To me it matters more how you feel in your decision. I tested at 19, my doctors pushed me to wait until 25 and I pulled the trigger at 24 ( not because they wanted me to wait but because I wasn’t ready before then). I was in college and wasn’t able to take off 6 weeks to heal, so I waiting until graduation. If you want to talk on the phone or more in detail privately I’m happy to help!! Just message me 😊
I will say with brca 1, triple negative is common and that requires chemo even if you catch it early. I know a few women who got breast cancer before 25 which played part in my decision. The younger you are the better you will heal and the more cosmetic options you have! Frankly I love my new foobs and am so glad I did it young.
Thank you for posting this video! How do you feel now that it’s been a few years as far as the look and feel of your breast? What about your muscle strength of your arms and chest after your surgery? Do you feel like you were able to recover after PT and get all of your strength back? I’m prepping for my own bilateral mastectomy this month.
I actually recently did a video about a months ago sharing an update! Overall I’m happy with them, I do have my arm strength back but I was never very strong to begin with. I would say I’m 100% back to how I was before but with slight new limitations. I try to avoid pectoral exercises to keep my breasts close together & soft, but I know plenty of women who still do them and can do pretty much everything! I didn’t do PT, but I wish I had! I do daily stretches to keep things flexible as well.
I’ll be wishing you a smooth recovery ❤️❤️
Thanks for your response!! I just subscribed to your channel and will be taking a look at your other videos. Thank you🙏🏼❤️
During reconstruction recovery what items do you think are must have's? I have an upcoming exchange surgery and have no idea what i need😩
I’ve made a list of some of my favorites here - daniellepearcephotography.com/mastectomy-must-haves
Must haves for me were a cup with straw, button up pajamas or shirts, zip front bra (but only needed 1 since my hospital sent me home in a recovery bra), seatbelt cover which I still use, wedge and pregnancy pillows, underarm heart pillows! And lots of Tylenol, laxatives, and suppositories 👀
Are they silicon or saline?
Silicon
Hey! BRCA2 here (: How did you find your breast surgeon?
Hey Claire! I reached out to the breasties on Instagram as well as asked for recommendations in the “BRCA Sisterhood” Facebook group. You can also look up reviews on google. After I narrowed it down to about 3 options I went for consultations and chose the surgeon I felt most confident in! Definitely see multiple doctors and seek second opinions!