Help lifting spirits

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum.  I am 78 and had a right breast mastectomy with implant.  That was nearly 4 weeks ago.  I think like your Mum I was a bit unrealistic about recovery.  However I have had a really bad infection in the breast, really dark red and swollen and throbbing day and night.  My surgeon put me on antibiotics a week ago but upped the strength after 4 days as it was still spreading.  I read from others that they had been put on IV antibiotics which I think I should have been.  I am normally really fit, not on any medication and my husband and I still travel to quite remote areas.  However I feel worn out with the pain and quite low.  I am sorry this is not the same as your Mum.  I think the letrazole is probably the cause.  I declined any anti hormone medication as I have read (and had friends) who have really suffered on these medications.  At my age the risk of cancer returning whether you are on them or not is just a very few percent.  I would rather not take them and have a better quality of life.  Please that is just my thinking.  I am so exhausted with pain I just want my surgeon to take out the implant.  I think living with a flat breast and having a prosthesis in a bra and swimmers would be preferable so I can get back to normal life.  
sorry,  not sure if this helps

I'm just wondering if she needs to go home for a while so she's amongst her own things and can potter about at her own speed.

Just a thought xx

thank you so much for replying and I am so sorry to hear that you have suffered with an infection  I hope you start to feel better soon. My mum was told that due to her age she would not be offered an implant but she doesn’t seem too bothered about it as she seem happy to wear a prosthetic when she goes out. I will some more research on the anti hormone medication as she may cope better without it if the risk isn’t too high. 

Thanks for replying, yes think she would prefer to go home but I am worried about her falling deeper into depression as she lives alone and doesn’t really see anyone. Unfortunately I would be unable to check on her as much as I would like due to being a busy mum and if she is here I can look after her, cook for her and care for her as I am able to work from home whilst she is here. I think you may be right that it would help so I will discuss again with her after her check up this week to see how she feels. 

Hi Jules2,

just to say I am fortunate enough to have a husband who has done absolutely everything for me.  When I had the drains he recorded the measurements.  After the lymph node removal I could t move my arm properly so he helped me to dress, wash etc.  I said to my surgeon that it must be so hard for people who live alone.  He does all the cooking and has tried to keep me from getting very down and keep me positive.  I think if I had lived on my own I would be very very low and worried.  Again, just my experience.