Mastectomy

Hello,

I didn't have a mastectomy  but looking at your list, you had a lot of proceedures and I suspect a lot of general anesthetic.  It can take a long time for this to clear your system and what you describe is typical. My lumpectomy was relatively quick but subsequent chemo complications meant I needed another operation on my spine. This time it was much longer in theatre. I went to rehab from the hospital after 3 days and I felt so awful. I was in a single room and I was physically sick then I cried and cried. I phoned my OH to collect me. Fortunately he was out. Doctors came and found me in a state. They explained the aneasthetic has side effects that linger. They put me back to bed for 12 hours to sleep, even having tea on tray. I did feel better the next day but I had several other days when the pain returned etc when I got upset again.

I think how you are feeling is probably very normal. If you can, take yourself for a long rest,...bedroom, sunny garden chair, cool sofa,.....and read a good book, or watch Netflix or a tv Box Set for several hours. As you get less tired and the pain subsides, you will feel less depressed I am sure. Your body has been shocked by the diagnosis and ravaged by the treatment. It needs time to heal.

I wish you well but get medical help if the feelings get worse or continue for the long term.

Love Karen

Hi Karen, that sounds like a plan think I need some me time. Thank you for your response I hope you are on your recovery journey and doing well. X

Hi there! So sorry you find yourself here but you’re amongst the best friends you could have on this journey!  I had mastectomy last Feb and was RELIEVED to get rid of the offending article and 5 lymph nodes under my arm same side. I had chemo which was rubbish but got through it with the help of fantastic chemo staff and family/friends. I then had numerous rounds of radiation which was easy and again the staff were great fun…(one radiographer said..”not doing you, you’ve turned up in an Arsenal shirt!” He was a Man U supporter! I’m now on letrozole since last November, with rash on arms legs as side effect but gradually diminishing. I found having a sense of humour, asking questions, speaking to macmillan navigators and being on this forum were my sanctuary! Crying and feeling low are part and parcel of dealing with all that has been thrown at us, plus the drugs. Keep the faith and know you are not alone.  Keep in touch on this forum. I really wish you well. Xx

Thank you x

Hi Tavares, I had a mastectomy a year last February too I have noticed around scar swollen and hard what yours like had 16 lymph nodes removed

Do mention to your GP as altho I don’t think I’ve got lymphoedema he’s referred me anyway.  Best of luck everyone going through this but there most definitely is light at the end of the tunnel! X