Half way through chemo

Hi Jackpot

I had a mastectomy then chemo.  Sorry to hear you’re struggling, but at least you have evidence that the chemo is working, which is great news.

Personally I found the mastectomy surprisingly easy, and definitely easier than chemo.  I got to hospital, a load of different nurses and doctors came and asked me questions and gave me chance to ask my own, and then I went down to theatre and was soon asleep.  I felt fine afterwards, soon sat up in bed and just relieved the dodgy boob had gone.  I didn’t need any further pain relief and was soon walking about and eating.  I couldn’t do any heavy lifting or strenuous gardening for a while but was otherwise quickly back to normal: we had visitors just a couple of days after my op and they didn’t even know I had had surgery.

If there is anything specific you’re concerned about do ask here and I’m sure someone will be able to advise.  Meanwhile wishes for the rest of your treatment  xx

Thank you for telling me your experience.  They have told me I csn have immediate reconstruction, which I think is the way forward for me, but I think its just the psychological side I am struggling with more than the operation itself

I had mastectomy and immediate implant 12 days ago. Just paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief needed for a couple of days. I had a drain in for a week and that was really annoying. I had implant over the muscle layer which worked well for me. Very bruised still. My surgeon explained everything and gave me loads of options. Nipple gone but areola saved so the look is amazing. He says he can reconstruct nipple later if I want! All in all much easier recovery than I expected. As said above I'm am just happy the cancer is gone.

Happy to share photos if there is any way to do it.