Even more emotional after mastectomy and given the all clear

Hello ,

that’s exactly what I was left with after mastectomy, they only just got sufficient skin clearance, but mine was definitely invasive dc grade 2, oestrogen receptive 8/8. I too escaped the bullets of chemo and radiotherapy, and felt very very unsure and anxious for ages. And yes, emotional too, partly thankful but partly tearful. It gets better as you realise that the cancer HAS gone, fully gone, and you will be checked more regularly than the general public. 

sending you a big encouraging hug xxx

Thank you moomy

big hugs to you too

xxx

Hi again,

if you find yourself feeling anxious through the night, there is an ‘AWAKE,,,,’ thread that gets some folk posting on there, sometimes serious, sometimes whacky and sometimes both. Do join in if you don’t find sleep coming easy, fellow fruit loops (you get that title if you post!) will ‘chat’ and take your mind off stuff. 

also do have a google (the only time you should!) for Dr Peter Harvey’s paper on ‘when treatment ends, what then’ as it really helps!

hugs xxx

This is how I am feeling at the moment. Got my results yesterday and although they found more invasive tumours than expected I was told it’s gone and no need for chemo or radiation. The lymph nodes are clear too! So, so happy with the results but finding it difficult to process. ‘You have a cancer’ can be traumatising but ‘the cancer is go e’ is also emotionally taugh.

Awww, yes it’s tough, but you’ll get that emotional side back into a normal kilter eventually, give yourself time, you’ve had a massive shock which takes time to get over. Not just emotionally but physically too.  (remember that a mastectomy is sort of a type of amputation) and an op using general anaesthetic can take a good few weeks to get over, the drugs take 3weeks to fully leave your system.

R&R is needed here, rest and rehabilitation rather than recuperation....give yourself a mental big hug for getting this far, even admitting you’ve struggled is a step in the right direction.

Hugs xxx

Thanks Moamy! That is the plan. Although I’m feeling good physically ( been so lucky so far..) emotionally absolutely not ready for ‘normal’ life. Can’t even think about going back to work and decided not to rush. Will try the support group, somehow need to talk about it all the time;).

How are you getting on with the Implant, if you don’t mind me asking... That was a,Somy choice.

love, Anna

Hi Anna,

it took a while! At first it was very ‘tight’ but now lots softer and even drooping a little. I had a ‘plastics’ opinion as I’ve not had any further surgery and the consultant felt I was at ‘90%’, by doing extra including to the good boob he could improve things but only to around 96% and that wasn’t enough for me to want more surgery. So I’m happy with what I have, a good cleavage! 
hugs xxx

That’s great to hear! I was granted with a slightly bigger one than expected. Was already told could have a small one put on the other breast but not so keen on another operation. Anyway, far to early for it, just only had my drains removed yesterday. Will wait and see.

Thank youX

Hi ladies I am in the same boat, I had a mascetomy on the 20th Dec and given the all clear Last week. Like you I am thankful to not have to go through chemo and radiotherapy but am now on tamoxifen for 10 years. It feels like a ride on a really fast roller-coaster and then suddenly told to get off. I don't feel abandoned by my breast care team but it all feels like such a fast turnaround. I feel very vulnerable and raw still and not sure which camp I'm supposed to be in. 

Wishing you all well ladies 

Don’t forget to read Dr Peter Harvey’s paper, ladies, it really helps you get a handle on quite why you feel as you do.

honestly, time does help! As also does posting here too....

hugs xxx