Can't sleep. Mastectomy in the morning

Oh bless you, it’s not easy, but know that there’s a whole community here who understands and are rooting for you and holding your hand from afar. It must be tough without any local support, makes me realise how (comparatively) lucky we are in the UK to have charities who help. 

Big gentle hugs being sent over the airwaves to you, sister.

hugs xxx

Thank you. My iv is in, I got a migraine and they were quite fast at finding out if I could take my meds. 2.5 hours before I get taken down to the theater.

Hi JintyJ

I had a lumpectomy four months ago and lymph nodes removed, I  finished my radiotherapy a few weeks ago and have recently been told I am clear. It is a shock when you are told and it is important you take a bit of time to let it register and sink in. I know your operation is slightly different than mine, but please do not be afraid, it will be absolutely fine. I last had anaesthetic nearly twenty years ago and even that’s changed, it was brilliant. The strides made in modern cancer medicine these days are amazing and they can do so much for you, however, there is also a lot you can do for yourself. Losing your breast must be doubly difficult, but they can do fantastic reconstruction now. I have a large scar across my left breast and one under my left arm, but you know what if someone doesn’t like them then tough - they are my battle scars and they are telling me I went through cancer and won.

You have made the first big step by finding this site. Please also get a good support structure in place, family, friends, good work colleagues, I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep yourself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. You may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever you do, do not visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information, your head will spin and it will stress you out, listen to your medical team and ask your Breast Cancer Nurse as many questions as you want, in order to put your mind at ease. Also, you get great support on here.

I know it’s hard sometimes, but try and keep as positive as you possibly can, have positive people around you and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to yourself - I promise you, you will get through this.

You are never alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

Take care and big hugs.xxx