Start a conversation

Hello, sorry to hear you are going through this, I am 39 (just!) and also had mastectomy and lymph nodes removed, almost 3 weeks ago. I also have no family history, eat healthily, exercise, have no family history, breastfed my children etc etc! ...so i completely understand where you’re coming from! Wtf! Why? My doctor has said to me a few times, it’s not your fault and there is no rhyme nor reason...which doesn’t really help, but I feel so much better now the breast has gone which means the cancer has gone, and all treatment for me now is preventative. My doc & Macmillan nurse told me this early on and it’s kept me going. 
So I guess, try and find the positives, tell your nurse if you’re feeling anxious, they can put you on the waiting list for nhs councillors. I had a phone call meeting with one last week, she was lovely and gave me tips to keeping up a routine, breathing and staying positive. Online can be helpful but google in my opinion is not, so just be sure not to read anything that’s not helping. I found talking to friends of friends who’ve been through it helps. 
Stay strong x 

Thank you for your reply, I'm feeling ok at the moment all considered, it's quite isolating at the moment with the coronavirus aswell but we're all in that together. What treatment are you having now? I'm not sure if I need chemo now, if they can do it because it's too risky with this virus etc. They said my bloods were good so I'm hoping that means it didn't spread anywhere else.

That’s good to hear, it’s such a weird time, I go through feelings of annoyance that my friends and family can’t come round and visit me to actually this whole corona virus is a distraction and as you say we’re all in it together.

I hear about my course of treatment on Tuesday. 
take care x 

Certainly is great timing

I start my treatment tomorrow. The hospital said they have prioritised and I’m on the list. They’ve also got a plan to move the chemo unit if things do get bad. I have been told that I can’t have anyone with me, just drop off and collect. It’s going to be tough. Everyone says they will help out but they now can’t. Corona can just do one.

good luck for Tuesday 

Hi Jemima

You are one day ahead of me! I had right mastectomy and total node clearance on Friday. I am 45 years old - 46 next week and like you have no idea why I have it - fit and healthy prior to all of this. Non smoker, little alcohol, not overweight. Decent amount of exercise (in fact had just managed to complete couch to 5k week before my op!) I’m still being harsh on myself for leaving it so long to get checked out. My tumour was quite large at 6.5cm when I was diagnosed beginning Feb but you just don’t expect it and I was convinced it would just be a cyst!

How are you doing at home? I was discharged the same day as op. Understandably I had bad first night at home once anaesthetic and strong pain relief wore off. Couldn’t sleep worrying about everything! Better night last night with decent amount of sleep! Looking forward to contact from breast care nurse tomorrow via telephone to check up on things. It sure is isolating for us at the mo but so glad to have support networks like these. 

Take care of yourself 

Nicky xx

im doing ok, very tired but ive managed to wash my hair today which makes me feel better. the nurse cam and changed dressings today and removed one drain which was fine. made me cry when i looked down under bandage, just feel so disgusting like its not me. how are you getting on?

how are you doing? have you had your surgery?

the nurse asked me today if i have spoken to anyone but all the support seems to have gone understandably because of the virus so it feels like im on my own to deal with the emotional side ofthings.

i hope your doing ok x

Well done for washing your hair - that’s my target for tomorrow!

Breast care nurse eventually returned my call late this afternoon after I’d left a message  on their answer phone this morning. She was very nice and reassuring but like you, I am feeling a bit more isolated with things as they are at the moment.

She asked me check the dressings, which like you I have found to be a bit traumatic at the moment. I’m Avoiding looking at them and know it will be even worse to face when they come off.

I only have the one drain but that has been causing me a lot of stress wondering if it’s doing what it should be doing! Take good care of yourself

Nicky x

Hi CLBL,

I hope your treatment went ok today and you’re home and resting. I really feel for you, I’ve had so many people offer to come and sit with me during chemo so that realisation is effing hard. Hopefully you feel like you’re over the first hurdle. I’m beginning to get anxious again now and wondering what my oncologist will say to me tomorrow but I guess whatever he suggests will be a step in the right direction to getting better. 

I went into Breast clinic today and had my boob drained (for the 3rd time) and had my cords in my arm massaged which REALLY hurt but means I can lift my arm slightly higher. Make sure you do your arm exercises girls! 

thinking of you all...

take care xx 

it does seem like were on a rollercoaster, one day i feel ok the next i just feel sorry for myself lol. ive decided i will get reconstruction done when i am allowed as i dont want this constant reminder every time i see myself.

im sure the drain is doing its job, ive been feeling for fluid under skin etc and as long as nothing like that then will be fine. didnt hurt taking it out either as im numb from nerve damage i think.

take care xx