I’m so scared- just been told I’ve got cancer

Hi PatsyP2, Its going to be about 2 weeks for me to get results of scan and meet with a breast surgeon to get my treatment plan.  Then, hopefully, my op will be soon afterwards.  My only worry at the moment is how I am going to be able to cope afterwards as I live on my own and already have a restricted right shoulder with the op going to be on my left hand side. I find myself making a mental note of all the things I need to do with my left hand!

Hi Lesley. I can fully understand that you must be worrying as to how you will cope, especially if you do not have full use of your right shoulder. Do you have anyone nearby who will be able to help? I had a lumpectomy and node clearance five days ago and have full use of my arm and shoulder but I suspect it must be more difficult with a mastectomy. I suspect that you will need to get as much in place to help beforehand as you can with regard to essentials (meals, dressing, etc) and then ensure that you just look after yourself after surgery and turn a blind eye to the house and everything else. 

The two week waits seem never ending. Although my BCN gave me my scan quickly I had to wait over two weeks to see the surgeon. Although I had been told what surgery would be involved if the CT was clear, I needed it to be confirmed. And there is that worry in our heads that the cancer is growing or spreading whilst we await our appointments. I am again in a waiting period following surgery but am trying to focus on the fact that the surgery has removed the cancer form my body and also try to concentrate on other things for this brief period before other treatment kicks in. 

Good luck with your results and I am sure that there will be others on here who can give you some practical advice and recommendations on coping after surgery in your situation.

@ Luce007 too. Waiting is not the best thing in the world. I make myself a target for each day even if it's just making a shopping list...today its dusting the tops of my bedroom cupboards.

As for loss of movement, I also didn't have the full mastectomy as mentioned above. But I wasn't totally unable to use my arm. Full range of movement came back slowly by doing the exercises recommended by the physio. 

Bonus, i wasn't allowed to use the vacuum cleaner. Another thing is trying out ready meals. 

Also I was promised a district nurse if required to deal with the drain. As it turned out I luckily got fitted with a mini one. 

Hi Lesley,

I had a mastectomy and reconstruction  on 29th September. I had 3 - 4 days when my shoulder and arm were quite stiff whilst in hospital, but everything was manageable at home at a slower pace. Is there someone who is able to assist you at home for the first few days with bathing/ hair washing etc? Most of my discomfort stemmed from the reconstruction as opposed to the mastectomy itself.

You’ll be sent home with pain relief and exercises to do. It’s important to pace yourself. I’d suggest getting lots of food that’s nutritious and easy to prepare, perhaps freeze some of your favourite meals or purchase some tasty ready meals. I know what a shock all of this and the anxieties you’re feeling but our bodies are amazing and want to heal. 

Take care x 

I'm not having reconstruction, I've already decided to stay flat and wear a prosthesis if I feel the need, so, hopefully, I won't have too many problems. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone who can help with 'personal' care so was hoping I would be able to get assistance from Macmillan Nurses. My daughter doesn't drive, has just had twins and has 4 other children!  I've had lots of offers of assistance from friends and neighbours so I will just have to squash my 'independence' and ask for help. It is so difficult to ask for help when you have always coped on your own. 

Asking for help is difficult when you've fended for yourself for a long time. It's probably the main thing that I struggle with. 

I would wait and see how you are. I couldn't shower or bathe but washed myself in sections lol. 

Things just took a little longer than normal to complete. Mm patience was a good thing to learn.