Hi Guys
I am now home after having my double mastectomy last Wednesday. I can honestly say (especially for those out there facing the same thing) it was not as bad as I imagined. Op on Wednesday home by Friday evening after drains were taken out (not painful at all, but just a weird sensation) and am finding that I do get tired after a few hours, so a good excuse for a lie-down! My chest is not painful at all, just a little sore, although I can only sleep on my back! Seem to have a little fluid on my right side, which should absorb back into the body (completely expected) but if it doesn't and gets to be quiet alot (resembling a deflated water balloon!) but it will need to be siringed off. Dressings are removed this Wednesday by practice nurse, and then its waiting for Wednesday after (23rd) when I find out about the next stage of treatment.
Next stage ranges (obviously depending on what comes back from pathology tests) at least hormone therapy (Tamoxifen) for 5 years, at most more surgery (more lymph nodes to go - already removed 4/5), chemo and/or radiotherapy.
Too sore to wear any prosthesis as yet (care nurse said it will be 3/4 weeks until I can stand a bra hooked around me) to that is a little strange having the chest to match my 11 year old Son! However, trying to disguise it with baggy cardigans draped around my shoulders (only time I wished it wasn't so warm!) or fancy scraves.
Anyway, feeling really positive, and even though it was a shock to see my chest for the first time, I know that at least the cancer was somewhere which could eaily be removed.
As always, I feel very blessed xxxxx
