Menopause At 42: My Double Mastectomy, Reconstruction & Oopherectomy Journey Didn't Go As Planned

Margo from the justUS Podcast sits down for a one-on-one session to go in depth, in an unedited and unfiltered format, discusses her journey from the very beginning: testing positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, and then making the decision to move forward with a preventative double mastectomy. She shares the story of how that surgery didn't go as initially planned, her experience with reconstructive surgery, and how she later made the decision to move forward with an Oopherectomy, and her experience thus far with hormone replacement therapy.

[@PoliticsFashion]

So amazed by your bravery friend. Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@ndoswell1669]

I had my complete hysterectomy at 32 yrs old, I’m now 62 and I can’t believe the aftercare after this surgery has not changed. The medical community does not understand that the recovery is not only physical but also mental. The body and mind are trying to get back in sync. Surgical menopause is much different from natural. What you, I and many others are experiencing took place in a matter of hours vice months/years. The body and mind were not prepared for the changes. I hope that my comment makes sense. God bless

[@PoliticsFashion]

It makes perfect sense and thank you for putting into words what I felt!

[@margolindauer]

thank you so much! yes, this is exactly what i am still trying to wrap my head and body around.

[@carmenflagge937]

thanks so much for sharing. I am in menopause and I have so many of the same thoughts and experiences as you. I agree we need to normalize it and share in the pain of this significant change in our bodies and lives. I have spent the past 6 months in pure guilt, shame and confusion about what is going on with me and how much of it is just in my head. I don't know who I am right now. I am sending my dr. a message today for us to talk about HRT. It didn't even dawn on me until last week that all these recent changes (insomnia, exhaustion, achy body, brain fog, depression, night sweats, challenge finding my words,etc.) might be related to menopause. thank you again, I needed to hear your story.

[@PoliticsFashion]

Thank you for putting yourself first! Please stay connected to the podcast. We hope to hold space for more people like us! Sending you lots of love ❤

[@margolindauer]

yes, i hope your doc was receptive! i can say that i am feeling SO much better with some hrt changes.

[@KayMay12]

So excellent. And a MUCH needed conversation. Thank you for sharing

[@moniquewalters7213]

God Bless you for being so vulnerable and sharing your story, this has been amazing to watch! Sending you big, tight, hugs!

[@margolindauer]

thank you! received!

[@FalanaBlessed]

Thank you for sharing! There are so many feels and things I want to say about this podcast. The best thing I can say is thank you, thank you!♥️👏🏾

[@justUSpod]

You are so welcome!

[@judieannozine]

Why the hell is there no EVERYTHING button?!? Thumbs up? This is colossal. Margo. You may be tired. And sad. But if you are a fraction as present and honest and human and beautiful in your life as you are on this episode, your daughters do have superwoman for a mom.

[@justUSpod]

Thank you!

[@margolindauer]

this is so generous and kind. thank you.❤‍🩹

[@cynthiaball7900]

Thank you so much for sharing this.. I’m due to have surgery for breast reconstruction next month (breast cancer) after debating whether or not to get implant (have decided to get it). Your story was very inspiring and very informative- not enough people talk about what happens after surgery .. it’s a whole other physical & mental battle ‘after treatment’…

[@margolindauer]

i am so glad it was helpful. Please stay connected to the podcast as we are going to continue to weave in our own journeys as we try to stay present.

[@chocolatchaud3011]

Thank you for sharing Margo. This was really powerful and informative. Sending lots of love.

[@justUSpod]

So glad!

[@yasmeenwatson3075]

Margo - Thank you so so so much for sharing. We knew that you had experiences relating to breast cancer and other health needs, but had not clue all of what you are/were going through. Your candor and bravery are so admirable and people everywhere resonate with different elements of this discussion and you are helping many in different ways. Thank you again. And you are not alone ♥️

[@justUSpod]

Thank you!

[@margolindauer]

thank you! i dont feel alone. and am so so happy to share if my story can help someone else.

[@0967char]

Wow, this was so deep and multi layered. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and challenges. Prayers for you as you continue your healing journey 🙏🏽

[@justUSpod]

Thank you!

[@margolindauer]

thank you!

[@laviliburd]

Oh my goodness!! This was intense!!

[@justUSpod]

Thank you!

[@adriennemoore9172]

Thank you for sharing your story Margo. This is so powerful and vulnerable and your testimony will help so many women. ❤️

[@justUSpod]

Thank you so much!

[@margolindauer]

i hope so! thank you so much for watching.

[@zaritawalker80]

Thanks for your vulnerability

[@justUSpod]

Thank you!

[@MelanieSpratt]

So real and so raw. Thank you for sharing. I turn 55 in a few weeks. Now i realize i must be starting menopause. Im not crazy or having an NDE at night. This video was a HUGE help! ❤ You and Tashira are doing God's work on these internets. 😊

[@TMB62]

I am so happy you did this video!! I am having a hysterectomy in two days. I have had this overwhelming sadness around this surgery and could not name it. One, it's the identity party I didn't see until you named it. Two, it's the fear my one year old will not understand why I'm not picking her up. When you stated the facts of your experience it hit me 😢. That's exactly what I'm sad about. The last part about cold and exhaustion are what I was feeling prior to getting my diagnosis of severe anemia.

[@justUSpod]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@margolindauer]

sending so much strength for a speedy surgery and minimally painful and sad recovery. Sending hugs!

[@TMB62]

@@margolindauer thank you both so much. Tomorrow is a big day but I'm definitely feeling better going into this now. I have clarity on my feelings which really helps.

[@margolindauer]

@@TMB62 YES. We will be thinking about you!

[@TMB62]

FYI, I made it through my surgery. Minimal tears on this side thus far. I can identify my triggers around the procedure because of this conversation. Just want the two of you to know, I thank you. Recovery is going well physically and mentally.

[@Nico-jt4jd]

This is speaking to me in ways I can’t fully articulate just yet. What a ministry you have within you Margo. 💝

[@margolindauer]

thank you so much.❤‍🩹

[@ndoswell1669]

Thank you

[@justUSpod]

Thank you!

[@karlynej]

Thank you for sharing something so personal ❤

[@justUSpod]

You are so welcome!

[@Lovedogs995]

I had a radical hysterectomy and pelvic radiation due to cancer at 36 years old. My gyne-oncologist was sure to get me on the proper dose of estrogen. It took a few months but we’ve found the “right” dose for me. No more hot flashes. I’m 46 now, life is not close to what it was but I guess I’ve adjusted. What I’m saying is that your estrogen needs to be titrated until things feel somewhat better for you. We will never be what we were before losing our ovaries but there is the ability to make it better. I’m in Canada and use estrogen patches but I assume the same could be done with your cream. Also, don’t shy away from estrogen vaginal cream! It makes everything feel so much better. Ps, I’d never had any children and went through an extremely difficult mourning period…that’s what my dr called it and it really made sense. We have lost a huge part of ourselves! I wish you all the best and so appreciate your openness and honesty.

[@opaljohnson4762]

Thank you for sharing. Sending hugs and well wishes.

[@justUSpod]

Thank you so much!

[@octinaemmanuel5860]

Wow that was deep.... but so, clam and collective... thank you for sharing.

[@HeyItsFee]

Thank you for sharing your story Margot, we appreciate your vulnerability. ❤

[@RoseSOak]

Thank You SOOOOOO much for your sharing of your journey.......

[@justUSpod]

Thanks for watching!

[@nedrawilliams6657]

First off i really want to say thank you for sitting down and talking about this, you're amazing! Your body has gone through alot mentally and of course physically, give yourself time to sit in these feelings and don't be hard on yourself. And i think it would be a great idea to see a Doctor that specializes in menopause and hrt therapy it might be that you need your hormones medications balanced out it takes a few adjustments to get it just right for everyone person. I wish you well❤ i will say a prayer for you. Everything you discussed is normal.😊

[@mercedes4328]

Oh Margo.... Bless you. Thank you for sharing so candidly.

[@justUSpod]

Thank you so much!

[@ljwilliams]

Thank you for this Margo❤

[@aidam5277]

Thank you for sharing. Sharing this is truly brave!

[@justUSpod]

Thank you so much!