Hi, I just learned, two weeks ago, that I have breast cancer. I had my meeting yesterday and I’ve been told that I have 2 small tumours in my right breast and the best option will be to have a mastectomy. I am terrified. Any words of comfort please.
Welcome to the group no-one wants to join. I had my mastectomy with lymph node clearance 7 weeks ago and, apart from some fluid build up, am virtually back to normal. Whatever you are thinking about how the operation and recovery will be is not what it turns out to be. I too was petrified and I can honestly say I had no pain following the operation (apart from the drain touching a nerve) only some discomfort which can be alleviated by standard painkillers.
Thank you so much for your reply. It puts my mind at rest. I suppose I’m not the only person who thinks ‘This can’t be happening to me’, but I’ve got to face up to it and try and be brave, as hard as it is. Thanks again and I hope you are feeling better soon.
Hello there, what ever you are feeling is ok! I too have two small lumps but they are quite close together so they are hoping lumpectomy will be enough. I had no idea anything was wrong and actually nearly cancelled my first routine mammogram.. thank goodness I didn’t. I was diagnosed on 9/12 and still don’t really feel it’s happening to me! Hopefully you will get a date for surgery soon, mine is pencilled in for Thursday.. but lots are been cancelled. If your tumours are small that suggests they have caught it early so will be very treatable. This group is a wonderful place to chat and share. Sending love x
A very warm welcome to the community, though we truly wish you had no need to be here.
Terrified seems like a perfectly reasonable response, I'd say. You may feel like you are riding an emotional rollercoaster. It's a little like grief - disbelief, anger, reasoning etc.
There are some good thoughts to hang on to at the worst times - breast cancer is very treatable and outcomes are excellent. My treatment finished over 4 years ago and I am out in the world getting on with my life. There are many of us here who are out the other side of treatment and thriving and we are here to help and support you however we can.
There is no need to be brave - just be you. You will be brave, and strong and resilient but you will most likely also be upset and angry and bereft. It's all OK- cry when you need to, laugh when you can.
In truth, cancer treatment is not something any of us would recommend - but it is do-able and you will surprise yourself.
I know it seems so hard to have to face mastectomy and it can be an emotional thing to deal with, but you will be offered options regarding reconstruction if that's what you want and there is help to deal with your feelings.
If it helps to know - I had 3 tumours in my left breast and there was spread to my lymph nodes. I had 8 rounds of chemo, a mastectomy and full node clearance and radiotherapy. I didn't have reconstruction and although I have a lovely prosthetic that mimics the breast I had removed, I mostly stick a lovely thing known as a knitted knocker in there and off I go. Most of the people who have met me since finishing treatment have no idea.
Now that you've found us, have a little look around the site and give us a shout if you need help with anything. keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.
Cyprusfav - thanks so much for your words of comfort. I’ve been told they are hoping to do the mastectomy on the 26th Jan, just hopingthat due to the current situation it doesn’t get put back. It’s so comforting to know there are others in the same situation as me. At the end of the day no matter how good and understanding your family and friends are they have no idea what it’s like to go through this. I’m so happy that I have you all to talk to. Good luck for Thursda. Xxx
Ronstar - thank you so much - just the fact that 4 years down the line you are fine and getting on with your life gives me such hope. My Mastectomy is loosely booked for the 26th Jan, prior to COVID test and pre-op. Just thinking of you will give me hope! Thank you xxxx
Thank you Lesley63. It is so good to have such positive feedback. Like you I think I will be having my lymph nodes removed as well. Thank you so much, and I’m glad you are almost back to normal. I can’t wait to feel like that too. Take care x
Hi my heart goes it to you, like you say ‘it can’t be happening to me’ I feel the same....confirmed diagnosis and my world has turned upside down. You will find the strength and optimism to fight this ...we are there for you! Sending virtual hugs and positive thoughts xx.
Hi Squeaky1, thank you for your kind words. I keep waking up thinking that it was just a bad dream - then the reality kicks in. Nobody understands unless they have been through it or are going through it. Praying that I will find the strength I need. It helps to know you are all there for me. Thank you again. Be strong xx
