Breast cancer

Hi  glad you found your way here, you will get lots of support and advice.

I was petrified for my op having never been in hospital or having any procedure ever before, I was 50 at the time. The cancer was something whirling around in my head and never really hit me till way after. My timescale was roughly same as yours diagnosed 5 Sept, MX 18 Oct followed by rads in December. 
I was really surprised how well the op went, are you just a single MX? I was in and out same day, I didn’t want reconstruction (not many hospitals doing them at moment due to virus) and I can honestly tell you I had no pain, I had stocked up on enough paracetamol and ibuprofen to look like a drug den but really didn’t need them. The drain was a bit awkward but it’s only for a short time. You will be absolutely fine and well looked after. Keep in touch, sending huge hugs xx Anne

Yes, quite often the thought of an operation is almost worse than the fact you have cancer; but think this, when you wake up again, the cancer will be gone! 

if you need further treatment, then just ask about it, don’t consult dr google, it’s full of misinformation and scare stories and frequently out of date! Your first bet should be here after your team, your BCN will be an absolute mine of information (but sadly she will also probably be quite busy!) or the breast cancer care site. (By the way, no question on here is too daft!) 

If the worry keeps you awake, then there’s a ‘thread’ in this group that is entitled just that, ‘AWAKE....’ and you’d be welcome to post day or night, there are quite a few of us post there, and can sometimes give you a giggle too! (You might need to be a touch loopy, the regulars are known as fruit loops!) 

Whatever happens, know your are never alone here, we will hold your hand (virtually) through all that gets thrown at you

Hugs xxx

Thank you for your kind words I was ok while I was at work but now I have to shield until my op. I have to much thinking time the lack of sleep don’t help least I’m eating better now. wish it was the 20th it would be all over and done with I keep telling myself I’m not the first person to go threw this I won’t be the last. There’s always someone worse of than you  Sending virtual hugs back x

Hi Janet2020, I like yourself was diagnosed on 6 July 2020. It was really strange as I went in for my mammogram and following that they took biopsies but the consultant was that certain following the monogram she told me on the same day that I had cancer. It came as a complete shock as I did not expect them to tell me on the same day and thought they would have to wait for the results of the biopsy. They advised me that the consultant would call me a couple of days later to discuss further and during that time I kept trying to convince myself they had got it wrong but that was wishful thinking on my part. I just didn’t want to believe that at the age of 34 I had breast cancer. They booked me for my surgery on 3 August and having to shield was tough but   I tried to keep as busy as possible. I had never had surgery before so like yourself I was dreading that more than the fact I had cancer. I tried to remain as positive as I could especially when speaking to loved ones but when I was on my own I couldn’t help but worry. I had my surgery on 3 August and although I was petrified prior to surgery it all went really well. I had a mastectomy on my left side and was awake in recovery after a couple of hours. I woke up feeling really rested and when my surgeons came to see me they were surprised how alert I was. I went home a couple of hours later and have not really had much pain or discomfort. Had my drain taken out 3 days after my surgery and have been sleeping well. My advise would be just take each day as it comes and don’t push yourself to hard. Do the exercises they advise you as it definitely helps and don’t over do it.  Rest when you feel tired. Everyone I have met during my journey has been so helpful and lovely and when I was in for my surgery they really couldn’t do enough for me. It’s natural to be scared and so was I but you will be absolutely fine. Just try and remain positive and remember we are all in this together. If you need someone to talk to or have any questions let me know. Always happy to support. Sending love and hugs x