Even more emotional after mastectomy and given the all clear

I don't know if this helps but while I was having my initial biopsy (at that time being referred to as a cyct) the doctor told me that research had shown that when women are recalled for biopsies their anxiety level didn't return to 'normal' for at least a year  even when the biopsies show no sign of cancer. You've had a huge shock, and undergone surgery just a few weeks ago.  Your body is still recovering, and the drain on your emotional reserves and energy level have been significant.  Who wouldn't be bursting into tears - it's like bereavement  - and its part of the process of healing. 

Look after yourself and go gently.  Sending you virtual hugs. xxxxx

Great news! I feel so lucky to be able to skip chemo and radio ( unless MDT decides otherwise). Have you started Tamoxifen yet? Xx

Hi,

Just wanted to add the Peter Harvey Recovery paper Moomy mentioned.

It is a good read and helped us get our heads around what the heck just happened; hopefully it can help some of you as well.

Clickable link - https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/38/4010.after-the-treatment-finishes_2D00_then-what.pdf

Hugs, G n' J

That is such a well worded and insightful document. A really good sense of how it feels. I've been on the tamoxifen train for a week now and feel quite rough, bit headachy, bit weak and shaky.

Hey ho, onwards and upwards

Thanks for posting it, ,

I think it’s worth reading and re-reading as it resonates so well with all we go through. 

I first read it when daughter was gradually building up strength after her loads of treatment, and then again when I too got diagnosed; but it was a bit too soon, I found myself in tears - again! So yes, think about reading it again when you feel a bit emotionally stronger! And keep posting if and when you need to! 

Hugs xxx

Thank you 

xxx

Hi Moomy

i have downloaded this paper and it is great. X

I’m taking letrozole,I have the same side effects. I have only been on it for a week so I’m hoping that the side effects improve the longer I take it. I think the night sweats and headaches are the worst. Xx

Hi ,

hot flushes are still with me, but not many per day now (might increase in the summer again as last summer was pretty horrid!) I’ve been taking Letrozole since April 2018. 

side effects increase during the first month or three and then gradually ease off. Tiredness is (oddly) helped by exercise such as walking! 
I found joint pain the worst, but suspect oestrogen was helping keep my joints ‘oiled’ and now they have to cope without! But with BCN approval I take glucosamine with chondroitin daily as well as other supplements like Loratidine (Claritin) and a Rose hip extract. 

Hugs xxx

, 

I think, for me anyway, when I was in the moment, I was just processing and with all the appointments etc I was was bobbing along, I just wanted to get it done, get on with things and it’s only afterwards when I reflected on everything, the ops, the months of chemo and radiotherapy that I actually realised what I’d been through. 

Im not saying I didn’t cry in the beginning as waiting for results is the pits, I did. However I have definitely cried more since and I think a lot of it is relief.

You will get there, it’s earlier days for you yet, give yourself some time to heal from what is a horrendous experience x x