Just had mastectomy

Hi

we all do ! Like a mega bad dream . I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - 10hrs in theatre - I had a mega melt down - screamed that I was well and “THEY” were going to make me ill. 

The nightmare started in January 2018 , I’m doing well and I don’t see my oncologist again for 12 months . I’m living life to the full , ok with some chemo SE but I’m happy . 

So you see you are perfectly normal unless of course you join in the AWAKE thread and join the fruit loops

take care and be kind to yourself 

love 

Ruby Rose  

Thanks Ruby Rose , it's so hard to know what  My feelings should be. Nice to know I'm not on my own . 

So far since op l have slept really well but  I'm usually a night owl  so prob won't be long before I'm on the AWAKE  group  

So glad your living life to the full and are happy . Smiles make the world go round 

Pipsqueak x

Hi Pisqeak

I had a similar experience to you, it was 5 weeks between diagnosis and surgery (DIEP) and for that 5 weeks it’s was weird thinking ‘I have cancer’ I didn’t feel ill at all, was working, riding my bike, feeling no different except having the knowledge.

I recovered from surgery well and fortunately just hormone treatment, no chemo or RT. Over a year on now I feel like I only had cancer for about 10 minutes! Life now is pretty much the same as it was before.

I feel very fortunate the more I learn about others experiences and journeys with this thing. I did have the emotional side of it hit me a few months on and I worked through that ok with some counselling and staying connected here.

Now I find it hard to believe I had cancer at all. It’s such an individual experience though we all share parts of it.  Good luck for your next appt and either way you will soon be out the other side.

  Hi.  When the doctor told me I had Cancer I thought he was talking to someone else, my husband and daughter were crying I just sat there so calm trying to console my lovely husband, it’s 2 years from that nightmare and I am still in total shock but getting on with life as best I can, my family are very supportive so glad I have them. I just don’t feel as though I have had Cancer as you say we feel so well then in a flash we are told we have it, then the waiting and operation and Radiotheraphy but we have all come through in the end.Good Luck.

Thank you , I was thinking I must abnormal! So pleased you   got through it all , even the emotional side. 

Pipsqueak x

Had DCIS  21 yrs and had a lumpectomy with no treatment after, I was a wreck when I found out and found it impossible to talk about. This time  I just feel as though it must be someone else who it is happening to. , friends say I'm so brave, I don't feel brave I just feel numb really and hey let's just get through this and get on with life . 

My husband has been superb and my family.  But it's nice to hear from others who know what I mean 

Pipsqueak x

Hi Pisqeak 

your in the right place to find piece of mind that your not the only one feeling the same way as you ..however you feel !

I was called back from mammogram gods knows when can't remember about 3/4 weeks ago told I had no lump but area of calcification . Two weeks later was diagnosed with non invasive and invasive ducal carcinoma . Last Tuesday decision made for masectomy. I had the op on Thursday 8 days after diagnosis . I've just arrived back home .Those 8 days have to be the hardest I've had so far . Immediately said Masectomy I'm 70 and for me they've done there job but I had a lovely surgeon who says "are you Sure? "

err NO ! Total brain freeze  this question was for all the right reasons he very concerned bout acceptance of having disease and the effect on body .

I took a week whilst waiting for second biopsy result to get the message in my brain couldn't even say cancer at first . This worked for me but we all different . On decision day I was very clear mastectomy and yes I'm sure . Sure I want rid of this disease . 

For me been able to talk about it to family and friends has helped acceptance .with social media being an easier first step . Being on here is a massive help people who speak plain language not jargon .

As yet I have no idea what is next for me until review so I'm sure I'll get another wobble shortly. 

Til then I'll just keep jumping up and down about the fact it's not just about lumps I never had one and only mammogram found the calcification This mammogram should have been my last one but bloody disease decided not !!

Hi Northerner I had already had my last mammogram at 70 but was called back this year on the new trial for over ups, how fortuitous  is that? I had no lump but a flat area, which I had noticed but did not associate with cancer!   I also opted for mastectomy as I thought just get rid out of it. Because I only have small boobs anyway I was told a lumpectomy would leave a large deformity anyway!  I'm not even sure whether reconstruction is for me or not. I'm just going to see how I cope with it all. My husband  has been totally supportive of my decisions and has checked my scar for me, massaged my arm and told me this could not change his feelings for me .  I am blessed really 

Spellchecker over ups ???. Ha ha over 70s,  

Ha ha ! I did wonder over up what !

Must admit feeling surprised at my self at coping this week .

There were three inmates for mastectomy and we have made friends . This week we have laughed so much it was a tonic .Determined to be positive and sort this horrible disease out !!

yes situations like this make you count your blessings . 

Need to get sorted for results now no time to have conversations about possibilities before but surgeon was careful to say speed was more about gap in his list prior to holiday than anything else . He also needs to see results when he back . 

Will sign off now painkillers kicking in 

night xoxo