Well - my time has come. I go into hospital tomorrow for mastectomy on Monday. The housework is done, my bag is packed and all I have to do now is think about it!! I am doing nothing tonight and am sitting alone - not well planned I know. Just feel like hitting the wine right now!
I know there are others having surgery this week too so good luck to us all. God I just cannot imagine life with one boob for a year or so until I get reconstruction - any time I do think about it I just cry.
I’m feeling the same, my op is still over a week away but I’m already having panic attacks about it, not particularly the op, more about how I’m going to feel afterwards when I look down and I’m lopsided!! I too have to wait for my reconstruction until after I’ve had my radiotherapy so it’s probably going to be about the same time as you.
Can’t really offer you much advice but just to say, you’re not alone and let me know how you get on.
Take care
Tish xx
PS: Get the wine open if you fancy it, I’ve done the same almost every night this week!!
Done it and got the t-shirt. Actually it’s now just over 2 weeks since my op. I was petrified and a week before my operation I was having my pre-operation assessment when I was called by my consultant and given the option of having the op a week early. I was in a dilemma but knew that the op had to be done whatever so I had no time to think about it before I was having it. The op itself was fine - all went to plan and had all dressings taken off yesterday and it is completely healed. I have to say that the hardest part is when you start the exercises (which you must do) as I was really stiff and sore but you have to force yourself to do them and get the movement back.
I’ll be thinking of the two of you but please believe me I wasn’t in much painful or discomfort immediately after the operation and any pain is kept under control with drugs.
Rebz I know many of you have already gone through this - and I am glad to hear you are doing well. I spose I know I will get through it too- but the feeling of dread and emotional pain is immense - and I know its only goin to get worse after with having to look at it and start living with it. I am so so emotional tonight - which I spose is to be expected
Hi again Fiona
I never thought I’d be able to get to grips with the operation and I was a mess beforehand but was so surprisingly ok about it after the op. Had the odd wobbly moment but I think it was the anticipation and run up to the op that was worse than the actual op itself and I think you may find the same thing.
xxx
Just thought i would wish you both the best of luck for next week. Im not in the same situation as both you ladies ive had a lumpectomy and node removal. Get final biopsie results on Tuesday to see if i need further treatment.
I will be thinking of you both this week. Its normal to both be scared but after the operation you can both start to feel positive about moving forward and as my 10 year old son says to me everyday “it wont be like this forever mum, you can only get better now”
Just read your posting and wanted to send you a great big hug…I had both a lumpectomy and eventually a mastectomy and to be honest by the time I got to the point of the second surgery they could have taken my head off!!! (So long as I was asleep of course!)
I dealt with the full mastectomy better than the 1st op, at first I was really scared to look at myself, but when I got home I gently over a period of maybe a week just kept touching the area, I suppose I was getting used to the feeling of it. I was kind of relieved to get it off in a way, and just before the op I did say goodbye and thank it for breastfeeding my children!!! How weird is that?
I must be honest and say that 3 years later I have rarely missed having the breast, and as for the operation I was home after 3 days and out gently walking within the week.
On the morning of the op I did take lots of things into the hospital with me, pictures and a little book of positive thoughts that I kept reading right until the operation. I think that it helped me keep control and focus my mind.
I will be thinking about you, just take one step at a time, try not to let your thoughts run away with you and just think in a couple of days it will be over and you can start the recovery process.
BIG HUGS to both of you, I’m sure you will be fine. Had my mast last Wed (so now i’m an old hand!) Don’t worry about pain its not an issue. Emotionally its awfull but my advice is cry when you want to & don’t hold it back. Its good to cry.
hi to both of you
i had my op tuesday…come home this morning.not much pain and lots of movement already…on the emotional side…i kept saying to myself “if this is what it takes to get rid of the cancer” and it has helped me immensley.good luck to all
regards karen