2020 I had BC in right breast - mastectomy and implant, auxiliary node clearance, chemo, radio, tamoxifen (that I had to stop because it made me so ill), implant removal and reconstruction from thigh.
Annual mammogram at 5 year point picked up BC in left breast.
I had a lumpectomy 2 days ago.
I’m all over the place.
Last time round I was in hospital for several days because of having a full mastectomy and implant. I felt protected and cared for and I was able to have all my questions answered. This time I went home the same day and really felt pushed out. It’s lovely to be home with my partner and daughter - but my daughter is autistic and she worries a lot and asks lots of questions.
I’m not in pain anything like I was last time, but I am struggling to get going and do things. I’m doing my arm exercises and I went for a walk today - but everything exhausts me. I know i’m 5 years older and not anywhere near as fit as I was, but should it be this hard?
I keep getting very emotional. And I just feel very alone right now
You are not alone , there’s lots of us on the forum who understand what an emotional rollercoaster ride this is .Just the stress of diagnosis and the anaesthetic will leave you feeling exhausted. It’s early days after your op - things will get better . Come and chat /vent here
So sorry that you’re here again - I don’t think it’s surprising that you’re struggling to get going . It took me a week to feel something like normal again after lumpectomy and even then I managed to have nasty fall about three weeks afterwards - because I was trying to rush and take a fast walk somewhere when my body clearly wasn’t ready to rush . It’s still an operation and a general anaesthetic. Sadly the shoulder I fell on has never been quite the same . Because you have had lumpectomy as you say you have been rushed , you have the added psychological burden of knowing you’ve been here once already and you are straight back to being a Mum with an autistic child as well . You haven’t had the cushion of a few days in hospital to give you and your family time to adjust. We often compare ourselves and our progress to that of other people and find ourselves lacking and it’s not helpful though it’s hard not to do it . For you the comparison is with your younger self but it’s still not helpful . Try to show yourself a little kindness and patience and keep going with the exercises and walking - you will get there xx
Hi i totally understand how you feel. I had BC in 2004. So had mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with LD flap and implant. I was in HDU for 24 hours then in a hot room for 7 days to ensure the flap had a good blood supply. I felt supported and very well cared for. Fast forward to June 2025, I had a recurrence of IDC even though I didnt have a breast! I had capsulectomy, WLE and implant replacement. This time it was day surgery. I had to be on the ward for 7am but didnt go to theatre till 4pm. Due to lack of space we couldn’t take a partner so I just had my book. I went to recovery about 6.30pm and was told id still be going home. Like you I felt I was being pushed out and asked to stay the night but I felt like they really wanted me to go home.
Things are so different now. Its a quick in and out and we have cope with the emotional stress regardless. It was less surgery compared to 2oo4 but still a big deal. I really feel an overnight stay should be allowed if your surgery means your going home after 9pm at night, which is what happened to me.
I still feel embarrassed that I asked to stay in as its so expected that we will be pleased it will be day surgery nowadays.
Sorry im probably not helping but just wanted to say youre not on your own xx
It is really hard & it’s totally understandable to feel this way. I can remember waiting all on my own in day surgery for hours, not having been warned in advance that nobody would be able to stay with me. I really do think that there is a lack of support. Lumpectomy is classed as minor surgery but it’s still cancer surgery & affects a very intimate part of you. I’ve had other surgeries & this was in a different league emotionally.
Yes it feels kinda of like “oh it’s just a lumpectomy get over it” Wish there was more support. I understand the NHS is stretching to breaking point though - it’s not the health care professionals’ fault. But it’s still horrid