New here and desperately need support please

My brother retired there last year. So a nice cheap holiday. 

Well I hope you have a lovely time 

Hi Suzanne34 Have a read of my profile, I’m surprised they would recommend a mastectomy with early stage but maybe it’s your type that requires that. I had a 13mm tumour with some DCIS no lymph node involvement and on I’m currently in week 8 or 12 weekly low doses of chemo with very limited side effects!
I’d say the early first 6 weeks of diagnosis were the hardest and I just tried to keep busy with distracting myself as much as possible, try doing things that involve hand eye coordination (I’m a Picture framer/ art therapist / artist) and that really helped get me through those tough weeks.  You’ll get there, this community cares a great deal xx

Hi , it was me that’s requested the mastectomy as I wanted to try to regain some control over what’s happening.. it says you’ve sent me a friend request.. how do I accept it ? Xx

Hi Suzanne's, this is my first time on here. I too was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer on 16th Feb. I was adamant I wanted a masectomy, I just wanted to make sure it had all gone, (not got much bust anyway). I had masectomy on 1st March, felt brilliant then the numbness wore off. Its a little uncomfortable and tender. Thank god for pain killers. I've just taken dressing off to give it a bit of air as I've just had a bath. Looks lovely, very neat and I don't feel less of a woman infact I'm embracing it. Get results from lymph node removal this afternoon. The point I'm trying to get across is think positive and be strong. You will be anxious before surgery, its fear of the unknown(a few gins helped) but believe me you will be alright, you will be strong and you will smile again x

Thank you for your message I truly appreciate it , I’m the same ( no bust really ) and can totally relate to the feeling of just wanting it gone .. I wish you the best of luck with your lymph node results.. please let me know how it goes and I don’t think they would appreciate me drinking gin in the anaesthetic room but I definitely know I will be having a large glass of wine when I get home .. how long did you have to stay in hospital for ? X

Hi Suzanne34, I was at theatre arrivals for 07.00, had all observations done and met with surgeon and anesthetist. At 09.30 I had blue nuclear die injected into breast( to show nearest lymph nodes to cancer area.) Then it was just a matter of waiting. I was with a good bunch of ladies all waiting for different operations and to be honest it made us all feel relaxed and we had a good laugh. I was the last down for breast surgery(those with underlying problems go first) I went down at 14.30 woke up in recovery 17.15. Felt fine just a bit groggy. Had cup of tea slice of toast (hard work to swallow due to sore throat) had a pee (bright blue) got meds and paperwork and was home for 19.30. 

Oh wow that’s made me hopeful I can get home the same day that would be so much more preferable.. nothing like your own bed , thank you for answering all my questions it’s so nice to speak to people who have been through it .. very best of luck for today x

Don’t worry about the op, easy to say, but once you’re there it’s all over in no time.

Went into surgery first thing and was back on the ward by early afternoon. 
Stayed in overnight as I had full node clearance and a drain in.

The treatment was very good.Lots of tea and biscuits. 
I didn’t have any pain and by the time the pain killers had worn off I was home. 
Had a tiny blood test and anti clotting injection before being released.

Had to wait 24 hours for a glass of wine!! Set your alarm and make it a big one - I did !

The worst thing was remembering the drain was attached and not trying to walk around without it ! It was only in for a week and was removed painlessly by the BCN.

So you can do this - sending hugs xx

Thank you for your support, I’m guessing that glass of wine will taste even better after the 24 hour wait .. and yes it will be a large one .. I’m so nervous but I’m hoping it’s the waiting and that once the day of the operation is here I will be ok .. I’d cut it off myself if I could just to get it over with xx