I think that it is understandable to feel angry. Firstly about having cancer. Why me? Secondly about having to have another op. Why couldn't they get it right first time? I felt a bit like this and also distressed that I have lost my good health. It is almost like grieving isn't it? You have been through a lot and if it would help to cry or scream do so. I now feel grateful that they are being thorough and going to get rid of the remaining cancerous cells in the second op. (Hope there won't be a third!) You have not said why you need the second op. I have got to the point where I will just do what is necessary to stay alive for a bit longer and get as well as possible. I do not know what treatment will be, but I know I have to do it. I do hope that you will feel less angry as time goes on and that your treatment will be speedy and successful. Take care and all the best. This is a club that none of us wanted to join. Sending you a hug.
Hi….I think anger is an emotion we’ve all had at some, or on occasions a lot of the time!…I had mastectomy 3 weeks ago….results from that were all good, but now an oncotype test and more waiting for results…..I know it’s all done to get the best outcome, but it doesn’t stop the emotions taking over from time to time.
Thank you for your reply. I think I feel angry because another op was never mentioned. I guess I like all the cards to be placed on the table so I am aware of potential pathways of treatment, so I was expecting to be told radio or chemo so when I was told another op to remove all lymph nodes ... I wasn't ready to hear this
As the day has gone on ... I'm feeling less angry as I have now had the opportunity to look into this surgery and side effects
What you have said has also enabled me to allow myself to be angry, upset etc. Thank you
I do understand your feelings. I like to know what comes next. You could have done without the nasty surprise of a second op. You had already had enough to be getting on with. My lymph nodes were examined during the first op. Two of the three contained cancer cells, so the surgeon took the decision to remove all of them. All along this journey things have not worked out how I wanted them to. Why could my lump not have been benign? He said that he was doubtful that it had spread to the lymph nodes, wrong again. Then when I thought I would find out about what comes next it is another operation. You must feel the same and it does make you feel angry and is very upsetting. Of course the medical people are trying to give both of us the best opportunity for a successful set of ops and a return as far as possible to normal life. But it is still perfectly OK to feel angry and to be upset. I am glad to hear that you are feeling less so. I was warned that if the nodes had to be removed it is very painful. I have not found it so. I do the exercises and find them OK with the exception of the one where you have to creep your hand up the wall, which hurts a bit. I have found putting a cushion under my left elbow (my cancer is on the left side) has helped me to be comfortable in bed and to sleep. I also obtained one of the cushions that you can put between your arm and your body to reduce friction. I hope that you will not have a lot of pain. We can do this and we will. Hope your op goes well. Take care.
I bought one because I’d seen it mentioned on some forum……but, I was given a ‘goody’ bag by hospital when I went for pre op, containing bra, soft prosthesis, seat belt padded protectors and a mastectomy cushion…..apparently this is not done by all hospitals x
Definitely not available at all hospitals unfortunately. I was given a bra n softie.But no cushion cant tell you how blessed I feel knowing someone who has experienced cancer n has been able to advise me what items are useful post op
Wish every hospital gave out goody bags with essentials They are needed
