Hi, I had my lumpectomy last week. My cancer was really small but just under my nipple so had to have it removed. When the dressings are being changed I don’t look and get upset. Does anyone have any advice on the coming to terms with it? I think next time they come I will just have to face it, have a good look and get it over with maybe?
Hello ,
Welcome to the place none of us wanted to join. Now you are here, you will find so much support from people that understand.
I think it is natural to feel like this, some people it may affect more others not so much.
What I will say is 'whatever you see or how you view it'...... it won't look anything like that as time goes on, you will notice changes from week after week, month after month. The other thing to keep in mind when you look is .... that isn't 'it' - what your seeing is the scar that took 'it' away.
I ignored my for a few weeks, I couldn't bring myself to look. I say that, I would look down at my boob from above - but couldn't look in the mirror and when I did I hated it, I then wouldn't look again, I would do a 'passing glance' and slowly built up.
Please keep in mind what you see now will change, at first I had a deep dent, a strange triangle shaped hollow and with time my body healed and every few months I could see a difference. Now three years plus forward my body has filled that triangle dent, the scar is faded - I had one area of puckering along the scar line and even this seems to keep improving.
Please know you are normal and these feelings are normal..... you have gone though so much in these last few weeks and months. Give yourself time to heal mentally and physically - so long as the area is healing well, not hot or swollen, then you look at the area when 'you' are ready - there is no rush - do it at your own pace.
If ever you feel lonely or want a chat a lot of us meet up on the 'AWAKE' thread - we all seem to drop in and out both night and day.
Hopefully, this is a link to the 'AWAKE' thread....
You are doing really, really well. You have come so far and possibly don't even realise this 
Your message so helped and I’ve been squinting and bathing with a bra on for two weeks( like a crazy lady) as you made me realise it just wasn’t the time to look and that was ok. It’s really spooky as I just felt ready have my first proper look and then I found your reply! I think just waiting until I was ready meant I wasn’t all upset , I just handled it really well! Which surprised me a lot!! I hope you are ok and have had a lovely weekend. Sending hugs back and many thanks as you so helped me to just chill out and not rush this healing process. You rock!!! 
