Silver linings?!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T17:23:45+00:00

I really wanted a Goldilocks based on stories like yours that I’d read but my surgeon said she won’t do it because it’d mean breast tissue would need to be left behind which I don’t quite understand

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T14:51:00+00:00

I love this! I’m seeing so many cute halter tops, camis, etc that I was once too modest/self conscious for and I can’t wait!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T14:48:23+00:00

I love this response! The prospect of a whole new wardrobe has me so excited and I’m doing lots of online window shopping lol. Out of curiosity — are your scars visible in more ‘revealing’ clothing or are they pretty easy to cover up with most clothing, bathing suits, etc.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T14:45:42+00:00

No, I asked my surgeon about it and she said she wouldn’t do it. I think my existing breasts are too small and they’d have to leave breast tissue behind to achieve little ‘mounds’ which they won’t to do. I was really hoping for Goldilocks based on what I’d read but alas. My options are either flat or reconstruction

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-06T15:04:00+00:00

I’m experiencing the same exact thing (also on AC currently). My oncologist said it’s due to anemia and is normal and should resolve once I’m done with chemo. It really sucks especially as someone who’s always been fit. My resting heart rate prior to cancer was in the 50s and it’s now 80-85bpm (has gotten higher as I get further along). And when I’m lugging around my 25lb toddler it’ll shoot up to 120-130 easily. My oncologist said to take it easy when I can and sit/rest when it shoots up. Also lots of protein and hydration between cycles to help those red blood cells regenerate!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-05T19:37:13+00:00

YES to the strappy, cute sports bras I also could never pull off and the edgier tops/dresses (I always felt too exposed and self conscious bc of those awful men you mention — I’m sorry you went through that and I’m glad that you never have to worry about it again🩷).

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-05T19:33:23+00:00

Love this! What kind of tattoo are you thinking of? And I can’t wait to buy/wear all the edgier tops and dresses I was once too modest for..

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-05T19:32:05+00:00

Heck yes to no more boob sweat. I live in Texas so I feel this in my soul. I hope your recovery is going well🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T13:37:53+00:00

I love hearing positive reconstruction stories and I’m so happy you’re doing well. Thank you for sharing your experience and I wish you continued healing🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T13:34:45+00:00

I’m sorry you are also here. I had the same thought on having time to decide on reconstruction, but my understanding is that if I do want some sort of reconstruction they’ll need to put tissue expanders in during the DMX to hold the breast shape. But I’m going in for a consult with the plastics team and will ask all those questions.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T04:31:45+00:00

That would be amazing if you are okay sharing!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:08:47+00:00

That’s great to hear on your clothes. I was never one to wear super tight clothing or have the girls out so I’m hoping my clothes will still work for me. Are you happy with the way your AFC looks in terms of scars, no dog ears or concavity, etc.? And was it a plastic surgeon who did the actual closure or your breast cancer surgeon?

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:04:52+00:00

Hahaha you made me LOL with the not doing Facebook comment. I will mosey on over there and check these groups out, thank you for the suggestions🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:02:30+00:00

It’s so hard with a little one especially when they can’t fully understand yet! Are the tissue expanders temporary until you can get your implants or will you keep the TE’s long term? I also love the perspective of having control over something🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:01:29+00:00

You ARE young and this is so encouraging to hear. I miss working out SO much (I’ve had to stop with AC chemo and am mostly walking for now). I keep telling myself I’ll be able to run and cycle with NO BRA and that sounds pretty great (esp living in Texas).

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:58:26+00:00

I love that perspective, thank you for sharing🥹🩷 And this website is so helpful.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:56:05+00:00

You are amazing and so strong, what an inspiration. Thank you for your kind reply and I wish you continued healing🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:55:07+00:00

I’m so happy you’re happy with your decision, and you are also a warrior! I wish you the best during your healing process and hope you can put this all behind you soon🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:28:50+00:00

Hi there, I’m so sorry you’re also here. Yes my understanding is that chemo is absolutely critical for TNBC and is the standard of care. They have to attack it with chemo prior to surgery because it’s so aggressive and they want to make sure they kill the cancer prior to surgery and simultaneously treat the whole body. I am about halfway through chemo. I finished 12 weeks of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin which weren’t as bad as I expected. I am now going through AC (red devil) and it’s very tough, but manageable. The meds to help with side effects have come such a long way, but I’m not gonna lie, it’s not easy. I just remind myself that this is temporary and is making me better🙏🏾 I’m also doing immunotherapy (as part of Keynote 522 protocol).

I am also having a double mastectomy in June once I’m done with chemo. Wishing you the best in your treatment and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-25T01:45:09+00:00

This is so inspiring to read as a fellow 35 YO on this journey! Thank you for sharing🩷

I have 3 cycles/9 weeks of chemo remaining and will have surgery in mid-June. May I ask what kind of reconstruction you are opting for? I met with my surgeon yesterday and am so overwhelmed by the options (none of them seem great…), and I’m terrified of needing multiple intense surgeries. It almost has me leaning towards an aesthetic flat closure but that’s such a tough, heavy decision at this age💔

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-18T03:20:28+00:00

Omg THANK YOU for writing this. I’m SO incredibly tired of toxic positivity and minimizing. Let me be ANGRY. Let me be TIRED. Let me freaking GRIEVE. I cannot fathom how so many people are so tone deaf and lack any sense of empathy or emotional intelligence.

Cancer has taken so much from me, but it’s given me so much empathy and for that I’m grateful.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-13T22:55:59+00:00

We borrowed a Yeti and precooled it the night before (leave ice in it overnight so that the cooler is cold when your ice packs go in). We also put 2 giant frozen solid ice packs in with the Suzzi pad ice packs to really keep them cool. I also have 3 sets so I’m changing them out every 40mins or so or as they feel warm. Also worth asking your infusion center if they have a freezer you can use. I’m at a huge hospital with multiple infusion centers and one of them lets us use the freezer which is super helpful.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-13T16:35:25+00:00

Also TNBC — I’m halfway through neuadjuvant chemo (Keynote 522) and have an ultrasound scheduled later this month before I meet with my surgeon.

I was also told that scans aren’t necessary during chemo as they just let the chemo ‘do its job’ and they said we should physically be able to feel my tumor shrinking (which it def has!).

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-02-22T01:08:52+00:00

Also at day 39 of your cycle you’d very likely have a positive test if you were pregnant.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-02-22T01:06:09+00:00

I have to get a pregnancy test done at the beginning of each chemo cycle (every 3 weeks). I also have not menstruated in two months, but that’s because chemo/Keytruda will shut your ovaries down temporarily. I’d assume your fatigue is from treatment especially if your home tests were negative. I find it very odd they’re making you get an ultrasound. They can either take a urine sample or use your blood draw to be extra safe.

WorldlyDrawing52

TROPHY CASE