Sonogram and biopsies and the future... Im scared.

Hello Leannej,

I have jumped in to answer so you know you're not alone. But unfortunately I am not going to be the right person to answer all your questions about mastectomy because for my cancer, which was found on a mammogram and was a small but aggressive tumour, I only had a lumpectomy. If later you need other treatments like chemo or radiotherapy, I have had those so would maybe be of use then.

However, what I can do is give you a bit of reassurance. It is nearly four years since my op. Since the day the tumour was removed, I haven't had cancer. The treatments in my case were to prevent reoccurring. At the moment they are working. There is no reason why you won't be in the same situation a year or two on. 

At the moment everyone around you is as shocked as you are. Once all the scans and biopsies are finished and you have a definite plan, you will start to feel more in control. You'll get a lot of help from nurses etc but you'll also find you'll get amazing support on this site. There have been several newly diagnosed people in the last few days. You'll be able to chat together about your treatments and even PM some who will become your friends. I have a friend who I have never met in person but with whom I still chat almost every week. I met her here. 

I would buy those sandals. Even with the worst reactions to treatments, there are good days and you will be encouraged to go out and new sandals sound perfect to me......

Hopefully those with mastectomy experience will be in touch soon. I hope everything goes well for you. Take care. Love Karen

Buy the sandals you are not checking out anytime soon.  You have difficult times ahead but you will get through.  Its ok not to be ok with your diagnosis and it’s not your job to make others feel better about your diagnosis.  Everyone will eventually get used to the news and go back to treating you like normal.  If they don’t tell them no tilting head to one side when talking to you.  You are still you so heads up please. 

This site is a fantastic place to get support, rant, cry and share your darkest moments/fears.  We all have them xxx

Thanks for the support. Im dreading with dispair whats coming. I tell myself you can do it. You got to do it. You have plans, and you got to do this to achieve those plans. Im just 2weeks my life has changed.. Im scared of pain. Of the operation. I've never been in hospital for myself. Im scaredaand worried for my mom. Will i be in pain after the operation? Will i cope with the pain? Reconstruction.. I dont know.. Should i shouldnt i. What will the Dr take away? Ive got to ask lots of questions... I told mt family to be normal around me but it feels different. Its like they are trying to make up for lost time or something.  This is difficult for me aswell as i lost my best friend to cancer in 2016. Hers was lung cancer. She smoked in her 20-30s. Its difficult because im walking in the same hospital, same places almost, as i did with her. She had a cancer pack, a cancer nurse... I never in a million yrs thought it would be me also. I miss her terribly aswell. She was/irreplaceable. She would say the same as you Grogg, and more..shed tell me to fight and get better that i will be ok. I better start listening... 

Lots of parallels to your life Leanne, I hav sent you a friend request x 

I had a single mastectomy having never had surgery before,  was really scared but surprised at how it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I never took any painkillers as lots of nerves are cut and the area is numb. More recently I had an anxillary clearance and that it a very different story when I do ther exercises!

I'd suggest finding out all the details of your cancer before deciding on when to have the reconstructive surgery. What type/a of cancer do you have? Did they see anything on the nodes? Those answers would mean radiotherapy later,  which could affect an implant.  Would you prefer implants or diep flap surgery? Are you happy to have delayed reconstruction? Macmillan have a booklet about ther different types of reconstruction with pictures which you should look at, and it might be online. 

You'll have drain bottles either side which will be fun (not!) for a week or so and mean lying on your back in bed. It took me about 3 weeks to lie on my side again which if his long it takes most people.  

Take care, it's impossible not to worry so try and find something that relaxes you (Istarted reading popular novels which helped) and keep us updated:) x

So far i know its T2 ductal, its not in the nodes on the right. On the left I'll no mote friday about whats goin on there. As for reconstruction, im going  to sit with the nurse friday and she can explain to me. Omg a wk lying on my back... Its a good job ive kept myself busy doing everything in the house n garden then.... Today i fitted a blind and did all the jobscin the garden. I better get sorted for doing Jack S***. Im glad i wont be in pain then. Thanks for replying. This is helping me sort my head out and relieve the the tension ive got building up. I'll keep you posted on my visit to the hospital friday x

Don't worry,  I meant in bed at bed time! 

I knew what ya meant!

I can relate to losing people to cancer as I had lost my mother over 20 years earlier to colon cancer and my sister 7 years ago to brain cancer so I was scared but breast cancer is very treatable.

Start writing down your questions and take your list with you.  I had less invasive surgery so out same day and surprised at lack of pain.  I bought a V shaped pillow for bed to keep me on my back .