Feeling sad

I always think it's good to face how you're feeling, whether that's tears or not. It's hard when a route is mapped out, but then you have to veer off course. It is exhausting as many here will explain better. I try to concentrate on one step at a time. I haven't had my treatment yet but am on course to setting another date soon I think. Sounds like it carries on with being a winding route. There is an end to the road everyone assures me, so I pass that nugget on to you until someone else who can better help is around - hugs

Thank you for the reply. You are right, just hard to see the end when you are in the moment. Hopefully you get your dates soon x

Hi Alwaystired

i had a mastectomy Feb 16th it was my third surgery, I decided on this route as I did not want to have radiotherapy due to having COPD . I am not going for reconstruction , just prosthesis which I will get on the 7th April. I know some people feel bad at losing a breast, but I feel that I am lucky to have got rid of the cancer before it got worse. Hopefully you will decide which way to go, and if you get days when you want to have a good cry, don’t hold back.

best wishes

3 surgeries, that is tough going. I think you are amazing for choosing to live without your breast. It's all such a minefield, as soon as you think you are going down one path it changes to another-the universe is telling me to stop making plans .  I need to be sad for now, I'm giving myself a few more days then I need to pull myself together and move on xx

Dear 

I had a single left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction 3 years ago . Everything went like text book . 
I too read all the literature the breast surgeon gave me but in my hospital it’s actually the plastic surgeon who decides what kind of reconstruction is most suitable - if any . She was brilliant and so reassuring. I am happy I had my reconstruction using my tummy tissue. Please feel free to ask me any questions . Please note - pain relief was only paracetamol and occasional codein - honestly I do not remember any pain . Discomfort yes but no real pain.

This is all so disappointing for you , they tried their best to save your breasts and the are still trying the best for you .

take care

Ruby Rose  

Thank you for your reply and for sharing your experience with me. I am having tests done soon to see if the tummy tissue will be suitable (vessels/tissue etc). He said there wasn't enough tissue on my back. It really is a lot to take in but it seems the best option long term even though the recovery is longer. They mentioned the reconstructed breast not being the same and possibly without feeling (my current lumpectomy one has constant pins and needles) so it is a lot to consider x

Yes it’s not quite the same but my breasts are definitely sisters  . The nerve twitching soon stops - very occasionally I get a tingle .
My recovery was very straightforward. I then had chemo . 
if you read my profile you will see more . 

i know ladies who didn’t get any reconstruction and those who have like me . All living happily . I must admit I love my flat tummy ! 

Love 

Ruby Rose  

You have had quiet the journey, you are 1 very strong woman . Feeling more positive now and I've stopped crying so that's a start. It's good to know that we aren't alone going through this. Thank you for your reply x 

Morning, I haven’t had my mastectomy yet but wanted to reply because I had very similar news recently and felt very sad too. I’d been so positive through chemo, then had my lumpectomy and targeted lymph node removal only to be told we needed to then remove all lymph nodes and have a mastectomy. I’ve seen the plastic surgeons and having scans to check vessels for reconstruction from my tummy. I feel like I lost my positivity and feel so anxious now... I think it’s the change of plan that throws everything out. I’m trying to think about the good parts of it all and where I’ll be once I’ve recovered and hopefully enjoying a non lockdown summer!!! Sending love and hugs xx

Sorry to hear this, I understand exactly what you mean. Trying to stay positive during this is difficult. I know I should be grateful that they found the other cells but I'm just not there emotionally yet. I'm hoping it will sink in after a few days and I can move on. I am also waiting for the tests, hopefully we both get the info we need. The op sounds awful but I know it needs to happen so I can carry on and hopefully be C free. Please send me an update when you get your dates- it would be good to keep in touch as we seem to be at the same stage just now x