MASTECTOMY

Hi Wendola,

Hi - I too had a mastectomy early this year but in March just before lockdown. I think I understand how you feel. After surgery I had radiotherapy in June and now finished Herceptin treatment too. So life should be normal. It is in many many ways. I feel well and thankful to have had all the treatment.  But things are not the same really. I think the timing of the Covid did not help us and of course gave us a vulnerability at the beginning of the virus at least which made me feel different from others. Due to shielding at that time it didn’t help me feel that I was on the road to recovery. All through the treatment - I-had six rounds of chemo -  what kept me going was to return to my usual activities and a normal life. But it’s not and I feel the world has changed. We have had a long time away from normal living due to treatment and then closely followed by shielding. I live in central Scotland and life here is much curtailed. But I can’t complain really as I have recovered well. I don’t look the same due to the mastectomy and my short hair which I have never had before. I have always been shortsighted but my eyesight has worsened which can be an effect of chemo and steroids. I now in spite of doing exercises for three months after surgery have a sore arm/ shoulder. I am seeing a physio tomorrow.

Just read this through and it sounds as if I am moaning. I really am not but your post made me reflect on how things have changed. Everyone you meet or call says how are you now. Of course you say I am fine. You say to your family I am fine as you want to keep upbeat. And I am fine but am I? During treatment I had every intention to go to our local Maggies centre in the hope of meeting others who had gone through this but again that’s not been possible. I have contacted them and they have offered me a place on the moving forward course but it’s online and so I feel it wouldn’t be the same. 
So let’s hope this virus settles soon. 
Best wishes

Jojodot