New diagnosis

Hi Jo m2

I didn't have a mastectomy but did have grade 1 IDC oestrogen positive (ER+).  I can't offer advice on the mastectomy as I was very lucky with 3 areas totalling 69mm, they managed a lumpectomy for me.  Hopefully someone will be around now who's had a mastectomy and can offer advice as your post has dropped to the second page. 

Key things of advice generally would be ensure you do your exercises and at some point you'll probably be put on the ER+ tablets (of one sort of another).  Try them and see how you get on and if you start to get side effects, look to different brands as their coatings can make a significant difference to how you react.  (I am on Anastrozole and am fine with Teva and Accord).  

Hope this helps a little and there's a lady who's had/having an immediate reconstruction can give more advice.

Best wishes, Lesley

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and the advice. Many thanks and lots of happy travels !

Hi Jo Moat

So sorry you find yourself in this situation.

I got my diagnosis of grade 2 invasive mucinous carcinoma, ER8 / HER2- on 17 Nov last year. I also had 2 areas so was advised I needed a mastectomy.

Like you I chose to have immediate reconstruction with implant. I had my op on 20 Dec, stayed in hospital for 2 nights, and kept the drain for another week. I found the whole experience hugely emotional. Just trying to get my head around having cancer, then the anxiety of having to have an operation which I'd never had before.

In my experience the operation wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd imagined. The drain could be a bit painful and certainly awkward, but it doesn't stay in for too long.

What I wasn't prepared for is the level of fatigue I felt, and still feel some days. That definitely takes some adjusting to. I would definitely advise baby steps, taking one day at a time, and not putting too much pressure on yourself. Hopefully you will have someone at home with you for support.

If you have any specific questions I might be able to answer please don't hesitate to ask.

Very best wishes to you x

Hi Pangles, thank you for taking time to respond. Thanks for the advice and will take on board what you have said about baby steps. I am so scared, just like you said far too much going on, it’s only been 4 weeks from diagnosis to surgery and I really am trying to get my head around it all. Surgery was cancelled two weeks ago due to consultant getting COVID then I also tested positive. Good  days and bad days, trying to stay positive but can be difficult at times. Surgery booked for next Monday. Fingers crossed. 
How you doing at the moment? x

Hi Jo moat. I am at the same place but my problem is my surgery is such a long time after my diagnosis in late Feb! :( 

Following this post for advice as I will have too a double and impants.

Hi Stellakos,I totally understand.  I’m so sorry you have had to wait since your diagnosis. Part of me wanted more time but another part of me just wants it over and done with. Don’t know about you but My head is all over the place. The worst time was waiting for the biopsy results as this took three weeks. 
Have you got your date for surgery yet ? 
Wishing you all the best, stay in touch. X

Hi Jo

I was so scared too. It's only natural. I'm sure everyone is. I found the whole situation so overwhelming and all consuming. I look back now and wish I hadn't been so worried but it's easier said than done. 

I struggled quite a lot with sleeping. I had so many 3 or 4 am wake ups. After the op you'll need to sleep on your back for some time and I wasn't used to that. I stayed with family all over Christmas and actually preferred to sleep in a reclining chair rather than a bed.

Sorry to hear your operation was cancelled because of Covid. That was a huge fear of mine so I can imagine how stressful it must have been. You just want the operation out of the way and the cancer removed ASAP. Monday is not long to wait now. Try and distract yourself as much as possible.

Have you got front fastening bras? I still live in mine day and night. My surgeon said I no longer need to, but if I find it comforting I can carry on. 

I'm doing ok thank you. I started taking Tamoxifen about 6 weeks ago so I guess my body's still adjusting to that. So far I've been ok. I've had some hot flushes but nothing too bad. I'm wondering if they are contributing to my fatigue though..? I have a follow up appointment with oncology in about 5 weeks time so that's reassuring.

I hope today is a good day for you x