Double Mastectomy, Lymph Node Dissection and Reconstruction

Pace's surgery was 6.25 hours on the table and here's what they did.

Double Mastectomy
In the matter of a week, after six months of chemotherapy, pace went from a lumpectomy to a double masectomy. They essentially removed her nipples, then opened up the breasts from the bottom and scraped out the breast tissue. The ideal is that they get it all out so there is no more breast tissue for brest cancer to develop in. This proceedure is recommended for women with both a personal and family history of breast cancer, which is Pace's case.


Sentinel and Auxillary Lymph Node Dissection;
In order to get the cancer that had spread to her lymph system they checked her sentinel nodes, they were positive and so they removed those and continued to test and remove both affected and potentially affected auxillary lymph nodes under her arm. We have to be careful from this time forward becase if she hurts that arm there is no way for the body to drain the fluids it sends to repair our bumps bruises and cuts. This is called lymphedema and being prepared to deal with it will be a part of our new normal.

Breast Reconstruction
I understand the reconstruction was Latissimus Dorsi Flap. This takes its name from the back muscle that lies below the shoulder and behind the armpit. They basically create a sling to hold the implant in place.

The assistant surgeon in the reconstructive surgery unit said that Pace had good muscles for this. However, they did slice up her back muscles and that hurts.

Pace is in progressively more pain every day since the operation. The first prescription of Tritec was nowhere near satisfactory for pain management. It's frustrating to see her hurting and not be able to do anything more than be there, moisturizing her back and taking care of the wee one so she can sleep.

And she is getting sleep. Sleep heals!