bi lateral mastectomy. Questions..

FormerMember over 5 years ago

7 replies
275 subscribers
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Hello ! xx

On Thursday I had my pathology results and it transpires that i am going to have to have a mastectomy on my right breast ( already have had a lumpectomy ) - I have decided to have the left one off too for precautionary measures.(Family history) I will either have some fat taken from my tummy or have silicon implants. Not sure yet. I will then have to have tamoxifen for 5 years.

So far, through-out this cancer journey, which only started 6 weeks ago, I have been doing OK, I think. Wobbles for sure, but sleeping OK and keeping relatively level. ( ish) This news has thrown me. I have much to be thankful for as the cancer has not spread to lymphs and everything ( 3 small independent cancers, - caught early )

BUT.....

Will I ever feel normal again though? Will I ever feel attractive again? Will I ever be able to have physical relationship with my lovely husband again? Am I going to look like Frankenstine's less attractive wife? I have always battles with my weight. Is tamoxifen definitely going to make me fat? - I know that sounds trite, but that will depress me. Will I ever be able to laugh without everything hurting? IKNOW I have much to be thankful for, but this feeling of sadness and loss is weighing me down. I want to feel happy.

Does anyone have any advice, or has anyone had a double mastectomy and been OK about it? ( I am still relatively young., 47)

I hope everyone is having a good day.. Thanks for listening.. Even if I don't get a reply, I already feel better for having a bit of a rant..

Sukki 17 xxx

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Just popping in to welcome you. Others will be along with similar experience but in the meantime I wanted to give you a group hug.

This is a fab place to ask questions, voice your fears, get a shoulder, get angry etc.

Take care

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi I had double mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction in Feb this year I also had 6 months of chemo just before and radiotherapy after which finished in May 2019 I just have herceptin every 3 weeks and tamoxifen every day now, it has been a horrible year and I felt I would never feel normal again and worried for my marriage but I have to say now I am beginning to feel normal again and living life to the full and relations with my husband in all departments are back on track, I felt cancer strips you of everything and you feel it’s gone forever but be patient it does come back, I am 47 as well diagnosed at 46.

Londonmumof2 over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi MillsA,

Can I ask how you found the Diep flap? I'm looking at reconstruction next summer, and it's my first choice, but worry about the surgery and healing. It's great to hear people taking positively about coming out the other side too:)

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking,

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Londonmumof2

I definitely have no regrets, I had a friend who had implants and our healing time was roughly the same. The first week is the hardest so just be prepared and be kind to yourself.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Thank you for getting back to me. .. I know I am in for a bit of haul... Terrified. But I know there is light at the end of the tunnel... I might need to ask you more questions, so sorry about that, but thank you for now, for getting back to me. xxx

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi and other newbies...please remember everyone is here for whatever you need, whenever you need it and however many times you need it.

Sooo you can't use up your quota of questions or exhaust your portion of hugs or share too many gripes or worries.

We are here even when you don't know what to say...and if that is in the middle of the night then the Awake thread is where you will find other non sleepers.

Oh did I say welcome by the way?

Take care

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Ask as many questions as you want I’m happy to help xx

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