In need of advice

Gotta have faith 6 over 2 years ago

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Hey

a summary of where I am at

found lump dec 22

end of Jan told it was benign after biopsy and US taken (before results)

10th feb told I had DCIS hormone positive grade 2/3

Started tamoxifen so medical menopause at 35.

lumpectomy became mastectomy

swelling in lymph

biopsy confirmed cancer

ct scan was clear

genetic testing clear

her2 negative

Single mastectomy and full axila clearance 24th April

3 drains and two nights in hospital

injecting myself was really hard but we soldier on don’t we

awaiting results from pathology. Might need chemo and RT. Still off work as was signed off for 6 weeks

how I am now;

Im left handed so struggling with the numbness in my arm. I had to lose my nipple and the psychological impact of that is really hard. Spoke to macmillan a lot as my mood is so low and I’ve been referred for 6 sessions with Bupa which im waiting to hear about. Very supportive wife and family and friends but they all think now im post surgery that im better. I feel mentally low a lot because the temp implant is so different to what I’ve had my whole life.. does this get easier?
some days I wake up and I hate how I look. The physio is painful but I’m scared of the risk of lymphoedema and this numbness… when can I go back to work? How will I know of chemo is for me? I am thinking against the cooling cap because of the uncomfortableness and coldness.. will my hair still grow back if I don’t?

wish I could speak to people who understand how it feels. Breasts to me have always been such a big part of my identity and femininity..

sorry for all the questions I’m just really lost and was hoping someone on here could help.

forever grateful to macmillan and proud to have raised money on my bday this year via Facebook

Kim (recently 36 and struggling) x

cuffcake2000 over 2 years ago

Hi Kim, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It’s a rollercoaster of a ride and waiting for results I found the hardest part. I had a lumpectomy and full axillary clearance and 6 months down the line I still find I have numbness under the arm and a bit of an odd sensation in my arm. Whilst I am not left handed I did find it a while before I could drive comfortably. I do notice the numbness even when driving but it doesn’t affect it. Now I’m on radiotherapy it does also make it more noticeable but I’m hoping after a while it will settle again. One does get used to it and I do try and carry on as normal and use my arm as much as I can. Lymphoedema is a worry and I still continue to do my exercises. I used the scalp cooling cap throughout my chemo. I had a nice snuggly cardigan that I used to cover me although I didn’t get that cold really as the chemo unit was very warm. The first 10 mins are the hardest but you can have paracetamol to help and after that you get used to it. Some people keep their hair whilst cold capping and some like me loose some. It started to grown back when I changed from EC to Docetaxel. I was told it helps with the regrowth and I’m glad I preserved with it. It’s something you can try and if you don’t like you don’t have to use it. Please bear in mind though, if you don’t use it at the start of your chemo you can’t use it later down the line.
Im glad you have managed to get some counselling. Perhaps when you have healed you could look at getting a nipple tattoo or stock on nipple. Whilst it may sound strange people seem to be pleased with the outcome so this may help.
Wishing you all the best with the rest of your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

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