Hi all, I was diagnosed with a Grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, ER+, in September. Had a lumpectomy where they also found a DCIS ER+ low grade. At the follow up they said I'd need a 2nd surgery as the margins taken weren't good enough for the DCIS. At this point, I opted for a mastectomy as I have a medical condition where advice was that I shouldn't have Radiotherapy. Lymph Nodes were clear which was great news.
Surgeries done and all cancer removed. I have a seroma where my boob used to be so I'm now referring to it as my "mini boob". I'm considering DIEP. I'm fortunate to have private health through my work but even with that, the surgeons that do it are few and far between and located quite a way from my home so going to get myself put on the NHS list which I'm told is approximately two years long!
Medically I'm good but the hormonal and mental side is what i'm trying and sometimes failing to cope with. I was on HRT and obv had to come off it and for a while I was ok but since taking Letrozole, the stiffness and hot flushes are awful. From a mental health perspective, it's a weird battle between feeling stupid for being emotional because I know I'm very lucky - my cancer was caught very early and all good - I know it's natural to be upset and emotional about what's happened to me. I had some counselling through work and it was suggested that as I'm still in the throws of it because of the reconstruction, my emotions are bound to be heightened.
Anyone else have this mental battle - I know there are no guarantees that it won't come back, which is another side of the mental health battle?
Thanks for listening/reading x
