My Mastectomy Experience - Double Mastectomy Reconstruction Recovery

[@RussSciandra]

Your videos have helped this 77 year old guy improve his life. As someone who worked professionally in the cancer field for many years and is married to a cancer survivor, I commend your courage and thank you for posting this video, which I’m sure many women will find helpful.

[@ronhudson3730]

Thank you for helping this old guy stretch out each morning. Your candour will undoubtedly provide both information and comfort to thousands of women who follow your channel, who are or will have to face the same challenge. My mother endured this way back in the mid-sixties when everything was different, so although just a boy at the time, I have some sense of how difficult this can be. God bless you and I know you will have the support you need for your return to good health.

[@the_dancerjen1773]

Hi Jessica. You and I had major surgery on the same day for different diagnosis. Mine was cervical cancer and I had a radical hysterectomy. I've been keeping you in spirit as I know you're on a journey that carries a lot of emotional weight. Recovery from these types of surgeries are no joke. I quickly learned that I needed more time and needed to be gentle with myself. I wish you a speedy recovery and thank you so much for your helpful content. I'm slowly getting back to moving again.

[@manuelagarrido3241]

Hi Jéssica, hope you have a Speedy recovery.God Bless ! 😘

[@vutomi9874]

@@solangelalebron1348wow you are very nasty! 🤮

[@missylane5683]

Prayers for a speedy recovery 🙏🙏🙏

[@FrancneQuan]

just from a viewer who you do not know. I am cheering you on! Have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you, your healing. You are brave.

[@Missnidski]

You're very brave to have the surgery and talk about it so soon to help others ❤

[@Hey67Jude]

Oh Jessica … I’m completely lost for words. In a search for new exercise routines to improve my 75 yr old scoliosis, I happened upon your channel, found it to be right in line with my needs and subscribed. From there I went to your videos, sorted by “latest” first and here you are a completely courageous and awe-inspiring mentor. May all you so generously give, be returned to you ten-fold and may your health continue to be restored. “To Healing”. Thank you

[@NicoleAZ145]

Thank you for this, it means a lot. You’re doing such good work! You’re a rockstar, and so is your husband! Taking care of someone after surgery is so important.

[@juliepashko7458]

You look absolutely fabulous. Thank you Jessica for sharing such a difficult episode in your life. Wishing you a healthy, happy future. I love your classes.

[@colomba6637]

Aw Jessica, poor darling, you have been through it! Looks like you are doing amazingly- may you continue to recover well 🙏 You have given excellent tips. Remember to be patient with yourself. It's so hard to be in pain. Thank God for your good husband!

[@hezziepablo6894]

Thanks Jessica. You are the 6th person in the same age groip I am aware of that have had double mascetomies in the past year. I will share your video with someone who has just returned home after her surgery. I wish you a safe recovery and hooe you will be back to producing more workout videos soon❤.

[@debbypodgorski4144]

Glad you are recovering! What an ordeal and sorry you had to experience it. You have helped so much with keeping me moving. Stay strong.

[@LindaAndrews-e1e]

Hi Jessica, first of all I want to wish you a speedy recovery. I admire you so much for talking about your experience and turning it into something that can be helpful for others. My husband, daughter and I have been doing your videos for a little while and I can tell that you have such a good heart, the world is definitely a better place with people like you in it. I hope you're feeling much better soon!

[@TerriGregory-qh4no]

You just popped up on my KZbin and I think it was divine intervention. I am 2 weeks out from double mastectomy and reconstruction. I am also a long time Pilates student. Thank you for so much helpful information.

[@Portugalian]

Jessica, I'm so glad you are ok now. Healing is a process but hopefully soon you will be back at 100% I found you not too long ago and you after 20 years you got me to return to Pilates. You have been a blessing to us all .

[@stefanilesser1396]

This information will help so many others. Prayers for a quick recovery and pain reduction.

[@houston5568]

Wow your story is so different from mine; I had a double mastectomy because I had one breast that had 4 small tumors and the other side was clear; however t opted for the double mastectomy; I had no pain at all and was not restricted at all in my arm movements; did not have problems eating, drinking or combing my hair; I knew to get front button up shirts; I think more than likely I did not have a much pain because I also did not have my reconstruction for several years primarily because I was starting 7 months of chemo; I wanted to get passed everything before I did my reconstruction. I will say the reconstruction did involve some pain especially during the expansion time; so very happy for you: hope you have some wonderful years ahead for you. I do agree with you everyone has will have a their own journey; everyone should take the given information and use it for their betterment.

[@shellypalumbo5297]

Your courage is amazing and an inspiration to me and I’m sure all woman. 🥰

[@jessicasaccone7608]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We have had experience with this diagnosis and surgery in our family. Healing took a lot longer than expected and looked a lot different than expected, so thank you for giving an inside look on the reality of major surgery and recovery. ❤

[@bojanaboskovic8841]

Dear Jessica,I am so sorry you had to go through this! You are such a brave person when you share your vulnerable moments with us. Wish you a quick recovery!

[@lisafosterrn]

Thank you for being here and sharing your experience, strength and wisdom. I'm NICU RN and I learned some great tips to help me better care for my patients' moms and families. Your excellent pilates videos have been life saver for me for years. Please take care!

[@mrsdiaz614]

I had a preventative double mastectomy with implant based reconstruction in 2022. I’m brca1 positive. My mom is currently going through tnbc for the second time in her life and she also recently tested positive for the same gene mutation. I will never regret my decision to get preventative surgery.

[@KatieDwyerMusic]

How old are you

[@annwittman3096]

I continue to pray for you, Jessica. Thanks for being so open.

[@atmo85]

Glad to hear you have had the surgery and are in recovery. I have been doing your endometriosis workouts for years to alleviate pain that I have from a mystery condition. Thank you for sharing your gift, skills, light, and healing journey with all of us. Sending you prayers and love 💓

[@caracassell6302]

Best wishes all the time, and especially as you recuperate and completely recover!

[@chrisdurig-oq6ve]

It is great to have an arm extender on hand incase you drop something and can't bend over to get it. 😊 The charting for your meds and setting alarms on your phone is so helpful at the beginning. All great info, Jessica. Thank you for sharing.

[@barbbrazes869]

Thanks for sharing your story! You are inspiring and hopeful! Love to you and best wishes for your healing and recovery!!

[@janeb3024]

Compliments to your husband and family! It is often equally as difficult to be a caregiver as to be the patient.

[@JustSheilz]

Its been so nice to see your recovery in real time!

[@deschelbutler4859]

Had my reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy. Painful, but I was moving around right after surgery. A year later, I'm happy to have that part over.

[@lucyslee]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful for someone who just recently diagnosed with breast cancer and having to make these decisions….I’m glad your surgery went well and you’re recovering well. You looked great!

[@TheSignseeker]

Just starting my breast cancer journey. Need additional biopsies before I can decide surgery path. Seeing you sitting there two weeks post op, looking so strong and beautiful, it gives me hope. That you could get there to make a video, even with assistance and in much pain and discomfort, it says a lot about your fortitude. Also, you seem like the loveliest person. 🌷

[@liliesandjesus]

All the Best, Jessica. Praying for you and your health.❤️❤️ Heartfelt Greetings from Switzerland.

[@cherylwagner-blake1023]

Thank you so much for being so honest and candid. You are an incredible wonderful human being am I am so grateful for the day I found you on KZbin sending you all the love and supportI possibly can ❤️❤️❤️

[@danaannv7235]

Jessica, thank you for sharing your DCIS breast cancer journey. This is very helpful information as I was just diagnosed with DCIS last week. Sending positive vibes and wishing you a cancer free recovery.

[@simonedechadarevian3486]

Amazing Jessica! Your testimony is an incredible tool to help others get informed and alleviate their anxiety! It should be thought in Med, Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational therapy schools! Bravo and all but the best to you and to your family and loved ones!💕🙏

[@lisajoslyn2693]

Jessica, I wish I knew some of this information when both my sister and best friend was going through this years past. Thank you for your candor and this information is crucial. You're an amazing woman and you are blessed with a husband and family that are there for you. Stay strong.

[@EmpressLilli]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. All the best for me your recovery 💗

[@marinahouten8678]

Jessica al the best and i wish you a very soon and safe recovery ❤

[@marierichmond7450]

Thank you for sharing during this challenging time. Sending you gentle hugs and prayers for your continued recovery. Stay strong, you got this!

[@janepaulo6192]

It is so good to see you post surgery and still smiling. You say you are exhausted, but you look wonderful. I will continue to keep your in prayer and wishing you the best. You are a very strong and beautiful woman, so inspiring, keep hanging in there.

[@lindavincent708]

Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story. My mother (in the 1970s) had a mastectomy while in her forties. I, as well as my sisters, have been lucky enough not to have to go through this procedure, thanks to mammograms and better healthcare. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@Wee162]

Thank you for generously and bravely sharing your ordeal. As a relatively young widow with no children, it felt a little bittersweet to hear you talking about having a trusted person to help you the first few days because it reminded me of my vulnerability. Our society has become so isolated from one another with many people living alone and without family to rely on. I often wonder what post-surgical resources would be available for people like me. I would have to hire outside help and hope they’re competent and trustworthy (though impossible to trust “implicitly”). Scary thoughts. I’m glad you have such great support around you.

[@lynnemanning9553]

Jessica, I love your calm manner, and also you are so thoughtful of others! You are going through a hard enough time, and yet! you make the time and effort after going through so much, to thoughtfully discuss and explain what is going on for you. Quite extraordinary ☝ You will make it to the pain free and worry free part of recovery 🥳. You so deserve to keep going with your excellent fitness videos for everyone! You are a wealth of knowledge and you deliver your knowledge so well! Wishing you much love and joy in the future 💟☯☮🕉

[@karenkingrey6142]

Hi Jessica, you’re always so gracious with your helpful ideas and personal experiences. I just went through a surgery after a recent cancer (Carcinosarcoma-uterine) & I’ll tell you, I’ve had 4 unrelated surgeries previously, but I never expected anything like this! I never even thought to come back and look for resources & ideas to help me through. Lol. (I’m almost a week post op). I know your videos will help so many others get through this period. ❤ thank you again!😊

[@bn3564]

Thank you for sharing your experience Jessica. You are helping so many people who are facing this serious procedure. Wising you the best!

[@phoebechiki5529]

Wow, this has been so informative. I have to go for a unilateral mastectomy and this gave me insight as to what to expect. And also, those tips and tricks for post-surgery! This was like gold. Thank you for taking the time to sit down and explain things and what to expect. Now I have a better idea of what I will have to go through.

[@kategaudiosi2624]

I had Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction on the same day. My reconstruction was done by using my stomach tissue. So I had and 18inch stomach incision .I had 12 lymph nodes removed from left side and 7 drains. I showered on day 4. Because of my dogs, I stayed at a friends for 2 weeks. Day 14, I was readmitted to hospital because of an infected incision. Day 18 went home to my house alone. Dressed myself , cooked for myself, took my dogs out. Tomorrow is a weeks. I am driving, wearing regular clothes. No pain meds after day 21

[@ninablackwell4792]

Thank you so much Jessica. This is an incredibly important and well-done video. Bravissima!

[@wendypassalent4426]

I too had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. My two pieces of advice…sleeping in a recliner as you mentioned…but also a positive attitude!

[@irmawilkinson4454]

Thank you for sharing, Jessica. I am glad you are on the road to recovery-God bless for a speedy recovery. You are STRONG!💕

[@jobellm1782]

very kind of you to share your practical tips. You are such a positive woman and I'm sure this makes a difference to other people's lives . All the very best with your recovery .

[@melissahall9893]

I'm so happy to hear from you. I wanted to know how you were doing. Thank you so much for sharing and I pray for your recovery ❤

[@Michelle1974-o2x]

I do not have breast cancer, but was just dx’d with check2 mutation that makes me more susceptible to getting breast cancer. My oncologist wants me to get a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. I’m extremely nervous and this video was very helpful.

[@ashleynickolopoulos2901]

Continued prayers for you! Your honesty and authenticity is beautiful and appreciated.

[@JenniferVanderLeigh]

You have been in my thoughts since your announcement. It’s good to see you on your path to healing. Thank you for sharing so others can prepare and feel they are not alone. God bless.

[@ronniemens744]

You are such an inspiration to all. Sending you well wishes.

[@kalilister5512]

You are a true champion and an inspiration. Thank you for bravely sharing ❤🙏.

[@jojoba11]

So happy to see you, Jessica! Glad the surgery went well and I hope the recovery will continue to improve day by day. See you soon!

[@pamelascott8991]

Happy to see you are on the other side of the first hurdle, surgery.. It’s going to be a marathon of baby steps, but you know that already. Here’s my favorite mantra: just keep moving. Best wishes and prayers for your continued recovery. ❤

[@sassysandie2865]

I recently took care of a friend who had her breast implants removed. She had a double mastectomy 12 years ago and the implants started hardening so she wanted them out. She didn’t replace them and decided to go flat and she is fine with that at 50. I did her drains, gave her meds, fed her while she stayed at my house. It was quite the ordeal but I’m so thankful I could help her out during such a stressful and painful time. She is cancer free and doing well.

[@ourdreamscollide]

That's wonderful that you would do that for your friend. Thank you for being such a wonderful help

[@sassysandie2865]

@@ourdreamscollide thank you for your kind words.😊

[@debbiegiangrandi4672]

So helpful decided for mastectomy bilateral in March ❤

[@mindi7552]

I just stumbled across your video about your mastectomy and it is my story almost verbatim. I just wanted to tell you thank you for your bravery and courage to share your story. I am 4 months post bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction, only I had expanders placed to allow for my skin to stretch to accommodate my implants which I will be getting in June 2024. It has been an interesting process to say the least. I see my plastic surgeon about every two weeks for expansion where I literally watch my chest inflate instantly. The expanders are uncomfortable and horrible. They dig into my rib cage, I feel like I have two cement blocks attached to my chest. I am so over it, however, before my diagnosis in August of 2023 and surgery in November 2023, I was running and running a lot, and I have had to slow way down, but I got out there 12 weeks post surgery and I ran an 8K, then a 10K with these "cement blocks" attached to my chest and I can't wait until I can really run again after my implant surgery in June. You are a warrior and a survivor.

[@dianecavanaugh4455]

Hi Jessica, So glad you're doing well. Best wishes for your full and speedy recovery!

[@barbarahoward9840]

God Bless you! May your healing be swift and complete. You offer the world your amazing programs which I have just discovered as recommended by my PT and hoping that all the gracious guidance and help you offer comes back to you! I too have had difficult surgeries and wish I knew abt your programs, but never to late to start!

[@patriciaocallaghan6775]

Thank you for sharing your experience Jessica, wishing you a speedy recovery

[@ronhudson3730]

When I had my heart valve replacement I was advised to get a wedge for the bed. Makes it much easier to sleep - on the back - than pillows.

[@onewomansjourney760]

Wow! Thank you for sharing. I am concerned though about the majority of women who are convinced to have mastectomy due to DCIS (ductile carcinoma in situ) which is confined to the inside of the breast milk ducts & may (I say may/might-very low occurrence rate) of ever actually turning into invasive breast cancer. These cells are atypical & usually normally the route of care is to remove that area of breast via lumpectomy. Followed by at times radiation treatment for 3-4 weeks then specified breast hormone therapy drug for 5 years with regular checkups of course. Chemotherapy is not needed & it's sad the many women whom also go through this unnecessarily & some die from the chemo when it wasn't actually needed. The 10 year survival rate 98% regardless of treatment. Every woman has to choose what they feel comfortable with & I respect that. I'm just trying to bring awareness that for a large percentage of women Chemotherapy and mastectomy is absolutely NOT needed. I say this from working in the medical field as well. Please get a second opinion before deciding on plan of care for DCIS.

[@L-ash777]

I also am wondering why a double mastectomy for dcis, stage 0, seems an overkill. If you had a sore toe you wouldn’t chop the whole leg off. A friend had dcis, stage 0, she had lumpectomy and radiation, no medication. I had Er-+ Pr+ Her- stage 1A lumpectomy, radiation and 2& 1/2 yrs on hormone blockers, stopped caused too many problems

[@suzannevaneeden-allen4777]

Oh, Jessica... My prayers are with you ❤

[@witblitsfpv1265]

Love your videos. Thank you for sharing. It is a long road to recovery, can't believe you are making this video after just 2 weeks. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Lots of love. ❤❤❤🙏

[@barbarad5720]

Thank you for sharing these moments with us. Wish you a quick healing, best wishes from your daily follower in Italy.

[@nimbustuba]

I had rotator cuff surgery 1.5 years ago and some of these tips apply to that as well. My husband was so helpful, he even styled my hair for six months! (I bought a Revlon One Step Hairdryer/Hotbrush, which I still use. It comes in handy during re-hab when you’re rebuilding arm strength or only have one arm to use.) I hope you feel better soon!

[@elizabethjimenez9340]

Thank you for sharing Jessica I’m praying for your recovery and strength! I appreciate what you do for us… teaching us how to do Pilates and more❤

[@MarshaHulsing]

Sorry you had to deal with all this! Love and appreciate your videos!

[@TheresePope]

I am a Reiki practitioner and sent you healing energy. I hope your healing and recovery continues to go well. Thank you for sharing your healing journey with us. Your videos have helped me a great deal. I have a serious complex autoimmune disease, Sjogren's, and have spinal stenosis/back pain issues and joint and muscle pain and stiffness. I appreciate all the PT tips you share as well in your videos. Sending positive healing energy from California. 🫶🙌💕🙏

[@karenwall2327]

Wishing you all the best in your journey. You are a remarkable person sharing a personal journey as this. Love your videos.❤

[@maryannm.pauley5901]

God bless you! What an ordeal! You are strong and will survive this. ❤and 🙏 to you.

[@elizabetholson3940]

Our very best wishes to you. Thank you for your honesty. Heal quickly and know we all love you. Sending very gentle hugs 🤗 your way.

[@DB-hu6ww]

What a wonderful bundle of information Jessica. Thank you for sharing this journey. You look really good. Go Girl!!

[@MA-pu6dc]

Best wishes for a quick recovery.

[@arletteyoussef3228]

You are amazing! Prayers for continued healing ❤️‍🩹 🙏

[@esterfleurke9309]

God bless you in this journey Jessica❤

[@rosalindhb]

I had a deep flap and reconstruction surgery. I did all your talking about by myself (I'm a single person). Had a walker and shower chair. Best thing that worked for me was a "U" shape pregnancy pillow to sleep and clothes with snaps/button front shirts/dresses. I put everything I use in the kitchen on the counter or waist level in the frig.

[@sherriclark1290]

May I ask if they took it from your back ? ❤

[@altynaynug3500]

How long does it take to fill better after deep flap?

[@fionalyons7828]

Glad to see you on your road to recovery.

[@marissamcleod4509]

You are so brave and strong Jessica! Thank you for always being such an inspiration to me! 😘

[@curlywurly661]

Much love and healthy healing for you, so brave of you to share this personal story with us.❤❤❤

[@pamchamberlin6703]

Thank you for sharing this Jessica and best wishes for your recovery 🩷

[@karenmatviko398]

All the best to you as you are on the road to recovery!!

[@denisegarcia3200]

Prayers of continued healing 🙏🙏

[@TsamchoeLhakhang]

So interesting. I will be going through what you went through.

[@HighVibeCat]

You’ve got this! Thanks for all you are❤️

[@kristenm9696]

Thank you. You are amazing. Thinking of others when you are dealing with this is just ...well again amazing.❤

[@joannlindsey5133]

This was so helpful. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@jjcrazi]

Wow! That was really quick to go home!

[@jenniferlittle7035]

Sending you healing wishes. You are so amazing!

[@Patriotgrl01]

Hi Jessica! I'm just seeing your video now and it seems like you and I had surgery around the same time. I had a unilateral mastectomy in mid February and I'm going to have my final implant surgery at the end of this month (May). I also had DCIS in my left breast, but needed no radiation, chemo, or even had to take tamoxifen. I am doing well and I hope you are too! I guess every surgeon is different but I was allowed to shower after 24 hours if I wanted to. I don't think I showered until 48 hours after just because I was weak and tired. I only had one drain on the left side. The exhaustion is so real and drained me quite a bit, too. Your insight in this video is great and I will definitely be trying out your Pilates workouts 😃 EDIT: My cousin who had a double mastectomy got me some men's white undershirts that were oversized on me that were super helpful in getting on and off. My parents stayed with my husband and I for a week to help out and it was wonderful to have their help. My surgical bra had ribbons on either side with plastic rings where the drain could loop through so it didn't hang as much. My mom who is a nurse got me started with emptying my drain which was huge. Your advice of having someone with you who you trust completely is so important. Having that support structure is so vital during recovery.

[@dental257]

So good to see you back! May i ask where you had your surgery that you came home the same day?! Be Well! xoxo

[@carolyndwight9812]

Sending love and prayers from New Zealand.

[@SLees-tv7gh]

Thank you, it’s not so scary now.💕

[@sarahhagen2051]

Thanks for sharing your journey 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 wishing you well