Double mastectomy

I have mine on Wednesday, just preparing the bedroom for when I’m discharged. 
part of me is scared but the bigger part of me is - get rid as soon as possible. I know I’ll hit the emotional wall after the op.

much love x

I'm hoping they book me in again soon I'm heartbroken that I let my anixety get the better of me thanks for getting bk to me much love ️ 

Hi there.

I had my double mastectomy in January. I can completely sympathise with how you are feeling. Before the operation, I was a mess; scared, anxious and I couldn't stop crying.

However, as soon as I came around from the surgery, I felt better. I think it was knowing that it was done so I couldn't stress about it anymore & that the cancer had been taken away.

I had been very nervous about the thought of looking at myself post surgery (I couldnt have immediate reconstruction) and had worried it would take me a few days. But I actually managed to looked 'down' whilst they were performing the post surgery checks and was ok. It was tought seeing my new side profile for the first time, but with the support of my family and amazing bcn, I coped with that better than I thought I would too.

Everything you are feeling is completely normal, but please do talk to someone rather than bottling it up.

Sending you love and best wishes xx

Hello! I had a double masectomy in May and it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I thought it might be. I was home the next day and did take a few codeine and paracetamol but pain was minimal. The biggest issue was the drains as they were cumbersome and did start to get a little sore just before they came out (day 10). 
It is completely understandable that you are nervous but I am sure the operation will go smoothly. I was home the following morning and did take it easy for a few days but felt like I was back to normal in 4-5 days. I did do the suggested exercises and made a really good recovery. 
I wish you all the very best. You will surprise yourself how strong you can be. All good wishes 

 I had mine in April 22, I was in and out the same day, the pain was absolutely manageable which really surprised me, I choose to sleep on the recliner sofa for a couple of weeks just because this worked for me, I found the corset very uncomfortable, I was allowed to take it off for 1 hour a day but putting it back on was incredibly painful so I didn’t remove it after the first time. I completed all my exercises every day. Unfortunately I still carry the phycological scars of being flat, I couldn’t have reconstruction. I have only looked at my chest a handful of times and I do really struggle, My partner has only seen it once and that was when the dressings were removed. Having said that I don’t feel comfortable wearing my prosthetic’s so I go flat and depending on what Im wearing I can cope with that. BUT we are all different and I’ve read and seen a lot of women online who embrace this, and given the choice I’d rather still be here with no boobs than the other outcome. I know its so very easy to say but please try worry, sending you much love x

Sorry you are finding being flat difficult. I had double mastectomy 2020 and admit too I do occasionally get a bit sad but I am in my ,70s and my breasts were very large and far from pert. I was originally told I would get a reconstruction plus a reduction so was looking forward to being pert. I cried when I was told no reconstruction. But I was glad that they didn't leave me with a boob on one side and nothing the other. I can't say I miss wearing a bra and I don't get upper back pain. I also have some lovely silk scarves. I have knitted knickers forwww.google.com/url for putting in my swimming costume and for strappy tops  with built in pocket which I buy from Amoena  xxx 

Thank you for your response, Im no spring chicken either, I was 59 and had (intentionally) lost 8 and a half stone, so you can imagine, they were like spaniel ears…but they were my spaniel ears..I was offered a Diep reconstruction but when the plastic surgeon examined me he couldn’t find any fat!! Talk about a victim of my own success!! Then my cancer spread to my lungs and brain so every option went out of the window., Oh god I agree with you about wearing a bra, I don’t miss that at all. I did get some knitted knockers when we went on holiday, what a fabulous bunch of ladies they are, I also agree with you about losing both rather than one….our minds are odd aren’t they, I wish I could embrace being flat.

I hope you are getting on well with your health since you cancer diagnosis xxx

Just wondering if breast implants were ruled out and would that work for you

 I was told that I could if I lost weight ( opposite problem to you) maybe have reconstruction later. The surgeon said she had done one on a lady in her mid 80s. 

I am doing ok cancer wise but just recovering from  tri-fusion foot operation. There always seems to be something.

I do wish there was something they could do for you. I won't pretend you are likely to ever be ok with being flat but it will get better and I am sure your partner won't be bothered as long as you are there.  

Some people make a feature of it by getting tattoos. Not for me - too painful .

Xxx

Ohh I imagine that’s pretty painful and affecting your mobility too, I hope you recover really soon.

I was seriously considering the tattoo option but because of the cancer spread so soon and being back on chemo I’m not allowed tattoos now, the same reason that I can”t have implants. Thank you for your thoughts, it is what it is now and think in life we do tend to take everything that’s thrown at us and just get on with it.

I will be thinking of you as you plough forward. I hope you are near a Macmillan center where you can rake advantage of some of their free. Sessions

 I did their beauty pamper one (not sure if I have the name right). It is all about how to apply make up etc when going through chemo. A wonderful goody bag to take home too. I also did some acupuncture. I think Maggie centres have some good ones too. 

Not a nice journey especially when having a repeat but you will get there. Lots of hugs xxx