Mastectomy on Friday

Hi Tulip22 mine is also Friday and weirdly I've waited since that date too! I keep going sick, then feeling okay! But it's all going to be great. I just think look at all these women here who have gone before us - they've done it and so can we  
Here they do simple mastectomy as a day surgery and that's what freaks me out the most, but we are in the best hands as they say xx

Ahh we’re on the same day. We’re on the same journey with dates. I’m just like you. I feel anxious then I’m ok. I know I was shocked it was day surgery then home with drains. Like you said all of these women have gone through it and so can we. I’ve got to just focus on the op and not any potential treatment. I know I’m def having radiotherapy but unsure about chemo until results are back x

I don't know much about further treatment, just the same in that testing will inform what's coming next. Can't plan anything can you, I would have loved a few days away really before anything else starts but will have to see. 

Exactly, it’s all up in the air for the next 3/6 months. The main thing is we get the treatment and we’re fixed and we can then enjoy life again. Which hospital are you going to? I’m in bath 

I had my op Tuesday x you will be ok x it’s different, a little sore but I promise you the pain is not as bad as you think . It does feel odd , but I’m still here , just focus on each step to getting well . Little by little. Good luck , let us know how you get on x 

Thanks Jayne, I’m glad the pain is not too bad. Well done. You sound really positive. I will be so relieved when the surgery is done and I can then recover and tackle radiotherapy a few weeks later (or possibly chemo but dr doesn’t think so). Have you been able to have a shower? Are you up and about? Just trying to plan what I’ll be like! X

The way I’m processing this is the surgery js removing the bc and when I wake up I’ll be cancer free. Then the treatment is to get any stray ones and stop it coming back. That's how my nurse explained it to me x

Glad to hear you are doing ok JayneMS xx

I'm 10 days post bilateral mastectomy and sentinel node removal (no reconstruction) and can concur with everything Jayne has said.

I was worried about showering until I'd had my drains removed (wasn't sure what to do with them!), so just had strip washes. But showering fine now, just avoiding getting any shower gel on my wounds - I've switched to soap free shower gel, as was recommended by others

All the best for you op  xx

Ahh thanks for your reply, good to hear you’re healing well. Thanks for the tip on shower gel, I’ll get some tomorrow. Take care x

Hi Tulip22

I had my mastectomy last April, without reconstruction. 

I too was anxious before surgery, knowing that my body would be changed forever. I got through it, I think, by dealing with each moment as it came. 

I thought it would be difficult to look at myself but was able to manage it after a couple of days.I healed well and was able to cope with any pain and discomfort. 

I'm not saying I love my new look! YET!. But my life isn't ruined and I don't think about my missing breast all hours of the day and night. I wear an excellent prosthesis and I still have a healthy love life.

Today I  was sorting through my bras. I'm going on holiday soon and I was delighted to find that I can wear a strapless bra and it looks great, I've always loved off the shoulder styles and feared I'd never wear them again.

Can't remember where I heard this but these days "I take my joy anywhere I can."

There is lovely life after mastectomy