Mastectomy without reconstruction

Hi Fran I had 2 lumpectomies and lymph nodes taken out but they still found cancer dotted about in the breast so 2 weeks ago I had a mastectomy and waiting for my results god willing they have got it all … I was a mess with the drain the first time but this time I was ok I remember my surgeon saying if it comes out it comes out but just be careful , I’ve trod on mine got it caught in places and was ok it’s sewed in with a couple of stitches so try not to worry too much I’m sure it will be fine … I’ve decided to go flat too .. xx

Hi Pollyperk,

sorry to hear what you’ve been through , it’s not a club any of us want to be a part of hey! 
Hope your surgery went ok and wishing you all the best for your results ️

Thank you for the information re the drain and the fact you stood on yours and it was all fine gives me lots of reassurance :) it’s just another thing to content with alongside everything else right!! 

All the best on your journey and it’s always nice to speak with people who have gone through it and understand , sending lots of hugs xx

Hey Fran looks like our journey has been the same … I’ve been in this for a year I had 8 rounds of chemo first , and after the first lumpectomy I though I was getting there but 2 surgeries later I’m still waiting for my results which is so hard to carry on with everyday life with this cloud hanging over my head … Surgery went as well as it could I’ve not had much pain at all the only thing I’m struggling with is the excercises I have to stop at the advanced ones as it’s painful but will keep trying each day … I struggle with looking at my body .. it seems hard to except what this dreadful disease has done to us I wish you well in your recovery and always here if you need to chat xx

Bless you that’s a lot to go through, nothing about these journeys are easy but we will come out stronger for it

I’m glad your pain is manageable and sorry to hear about the exercises but I know what you mean!!

My shoulder is so sore which I knew would be the case having the lymph nodes but it’s just so uncomfortable to rest with that and the drain but it’s short term pain and hopefully means results come back clear!! 

when are you due to get your results? Waiting around for them is so difficult and time just seems to go slowly.

My journey started in November 2024 but it kept getting brushed off as hormonal and then eventually Duct ectasia which led to multiple infections and a hospital stay and even then they told me nothing to be concerned about and no further tests even though I asked for mammograms and biopsies , so the last time I had an inflection in January this year I asked for a private referral and was finally listened to just didn’t even think it would end up being cancer!!

I know exactly what you mean it’s a massive adjustment and it will take time, after my surgery I didn’t  look for hours as couldn’t bring myself to check it but I did it with my breast cancer nurse who was amazing and I just broke down , it was hard to see but it looks pretty good all considering.it will take time and it won’t be easy but we will learn to love ourselves again in this new version. have to take each day as it comes and know we aren’t alone in this.

sending lots of hugs and well wishes , really hope we get the results we need after all this xx