Hi, Just wondered whether anybody else having mastectomy around this time would like to buddy up! I’m due to be having bilateral Mx without recon next Wed (17th feb). This will be my 3rd op in as many months - started off with IDC found by my first routine mammogram at end of Oct 09, and each WLE (Dec & Jan) has revealed more (and more) DCIS. Had SLNB first time round so not expecting armpit surgery next week. I’ve found all the posts on here very helpful - especially sustaining me through what has seemed an interminable wait - it took 'til today to get the results of my second surgery on 13th Jan (over four weeks)as the slides were sent away for second opinion. I’m very sad about needing mastectomy, but feel its the best option now for me… I know from all the ladies who have posted that its recoverable from… Thanks and good luck all of you
Going in for mastectomy and shoulder flap reconstruction on the 15th with level 1 lymph node clearance. 45yrs old diagnosed last month.
I have invasive lobular carcinoma with two tumors so I felt mastectomy is the right choice for me. Good Luck! I think we deserve it!!xx
Hi, I’m having a mastectomy on Thursday 18th. Decided to go down the MX route as the lump is quite central and near my nipple and consulant said that cosmetically a lumpectomy wouldnt give good results, and also I feel that I’d rather get it done now rather than risk having to have it done later anyway (luckily I’ve never been much of a “boob girl”, so not really emotionally attached to them!)
I’ve been told there’s no evidence (on ultrasound & mammogram) that there is any spread to my lymph nodes, but I’ll be having the SNB on Thursday as standard. I wont be having immediate reconstruction as they said it’s very likely I’ll need chemo and rads and that the rads can affect the feel of an implant.
It’s all happened quite quickly, I only went to my GP on 20th January and have now been offered a cancellation appointment for Thursday which means I’ll have the op 2-3 weeks sooner than first thought, so now I’ll be on the road to recovery when I would have still been on the waiting list.
I know the next fews months are going to be hard (that’s probably an understatement!), but I’m trying to stay positive. I’ve had a few little down moments but have lovely supportive partner, family & friends around me to help me through all of this, and the BC care team at the hospital have been really positive and reassuring and I feel like I’m in very good hands.
It would be nice to buddy up with you both as it looks like we’ll be going through this journey at roughly the same time and it’ll be good to have someone to share it with.
thinking of you both during your ops this week and looking forward to hearing back from you,
take care
xx
Hi there, just wanted to wish you well for the op on the 18th and to say you’re sounding very positive, well done I’m sure it must help. I’m always amazed (sometimes alarmed) at the different advice that we’re given. I had an MX with immediate recon on 28th Jan (tissue expander implant )and despite not knowing whether or not rads would feature in my treatment, was told it was fine!
Happy to talk at any point and share experiences to date. Wishing you lots of good thoughts for next week.
Just wanted to wish you all well for your ops. I had left mx 6 months ago and whilst I can’t say it was easy I am now getting used to the new me and feeling well.
Good luck to everybody this week - just think … this time next Sunday it will be over (although we will probably be very sore). And thanks Clare/RhodaBee for your well-wishing - it is good to be reminded that its going to be so different 6 months down the line.
Sometimes you just can’t see past the op date…
love
Maggyxx
Good luck everyone, I had mine 1.5 weeks ago on 3rd feb. Had a double mastectomy and temporary implants and sentinel node biopsy. It’s not going to be easy, I’m still very much recovering, but just got to grin and bear it for the next few weeks.
Meggy, Tina and Fab Forty
Good luck to you all. I hope your ops go well and you recover quickly. I had a mx last June for widespread DCIS. It wasn’t fun at the time and I went through a range of emotions, but I now feel very well and lead an active life. Your ops will soon be over and you will be on the road to recovery.
Paula - I hope you are recovering well.
I will be thinking of you all.
Liz
Hi this is my first time posting. I’m due to have a mastectomy on 24 February and would love to also buddy up and share your journey if I can.
I was due to have a WLE on 10 February but after MRI scan they found the lump to be slightly bigger and DCIS and said a mastectomy would be better. The waiting has been terrible as I had got myself all prepared for the op on the 10th and then everything changed. I have a really supportive family and friends and know these next few months are going to be tough but would like to wish the other ladies all the best for their ops this week.
Hi Barneyb - sorry you’re facing this too. I can guess how thwarted you feel having to wait another two weeks for treatment to start. Good luck with the wait & the op - I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have after this week, when mine has been done…
love
Maggyx
I love my boobs too. They are such a special part of a woman’s body - i’ve been in floods of tears today just mourning them in advance!!! I feel like writing them a poem to celebrate all they’ve done - all the enjoyment & nurturing… etc etc. Its going to be hard to get used to the new me… more hard work…
Had an appointment at the hospital today and discussed what is happening, I’m having left mx with immediate reconstruction and SNB. Signed the consent form and it all suddenly feels very real and quite scary now.
Good luck to the ladies having their ops this week, will be thinking of you all.
I have posted a link below to our new resource pack which you may find helpful, it has been designed for those newly diagnosed, just click on the link to access the order form. You can also order more information publications on the same page by clicking on the links on the same page under the ‘quick order list’.
If you would like to speak to someone in confidence please do call our helpline on 0808 800 6000, the line is open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2, our team of specialist nurses and trained helpliners can offer you further support and information. Hope this helps.
I’m really sorry to hijack this site but I’ve had my mastectomy 2 weeks ago and I feel so feeble that I can’t work out how to post a new question! Sorry!
I just wanted to ask is it normal to have a dead chest and a very uncomfortable area where they took the lymph nodes with an arm that is a dead weight! Thoroughly dependent upon painkillers and Ibroprufen and feeling pretty rubbish! I do so little and yet feel totally exhausted…
I’ve had two lumpectomies to compare with in last seven months so thought recovery would be similar…
Oh dear, this is not what I expected and no one (surgeon or BCN) nurse warned me… Can anyone advise or provide any reassurance?
PS I am doing my exercises very gingerly…
Welsh girl
PS I sincerely hope I’m not frightening anyone due for mx in next few weeks, but I probably am! I am so very sorry to disrupt this site.
I had MX almost 3 weeks ago and can confirm all symptoms you describe. I am starting to feel slightly better but only in the last couple of days. Hang on in there, I hope you start to feel better soon.
Hi to those others just been done and good luck to those just about to go through it. I’m back home after one (sleepless) night in hospital. Ops went as expected. Worst thing is pain at drain sites and knowing how to cope with these great long tubes hanging down either side!!! Which look so gross!!! Ah well…! District nurse was due to come today to check on me but can’t come due to blanket of snow & ice over us again.
Keep warm & take care
Maggyx
Yes it is normal to feel the way you do. I had a mastectomy, nodes taken,and immed recon with implant.
Rest as much as possible and continue to do your exercises that is very important, your body as gone through a trauma and it will take time but in a couple of weeks you should feel so much better, all the best ann x