This is my first post, so I thought I would say hello as I have found the forum so supportive .
I was diagnosed with TNBC mid September, three mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies and MRI later , I have made the grueling decision to have a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.
I know I have made the right decision (one of the hardest I have ever had to make).
I’m having my mastectomy on Wednesday next week.
I’m terrified and as the day is approaching I am getting more and more emotional, as I know my body will never be the same again. Almost grieving my breast…I know that sounds a bit odd. Did anyone else feel like this ?
It will be a relief when it is over and that the tumor is no longer in my body.
Although I have amazing support from family and friends and I am so lucky to have this. I still feel very lonely and isolated .
Claire sorry you find yourself here no it doesn’t sound strange at all, I said bye to my boob before therapeutic mammoplasty do a different operation to the one you are having but reading your post you’ve chosen decision that your happy with and that’s important because the shock of having to suddenly make all these decisions so quickly after being diagnosed is something none of us ever expected to be having to make take it steady post op let your body knit back together be gentle with your exercises post op to get your full range of movement back. I got sticky dots and put them up so I could see my reach progress each day. Sending Shi xx
Dear Shi. Thank you so much for your reply. I am sorry that you are having to go through this as well. Thank you for your kind words and advice. Great idea with the sticky dots. I will take it easy and ask for help (something I’m not very good at ). Sending lots of love and strength back to you xx
Hi @claire721
Glad your happy with your decision that’s a good start , when I was told needed a mastectomy right breast was devastated but excepted was only way foreword was dreading the surgery but at the end of the day wasn’t so bad staff were great . Recovery was slow but I didn’t rush it
I like the idea of black dots . I used a picture I had on the wall and used that just take each day as it comes except help rest when tired and remember if it helps you being cancer free small price to pay
Hope all goes well for you xx
Claire I was tnbc in 2017 so few years on from you take it a day at a time, a treatment at a time fo everything your own way, there are no right or wrongs just do what you need to do for you everyone here at bcn will as much or as little as you need just reach out everyone here understands and will listen Shi xx
Dear Claire! It is totally normal to grieve, your body will indeed never be the same anymore.
I’m writing to you from the other side. I had my double mastectomy 2 months ago and what I find surprising is how normal it feels (and looks) now. The sensation is gone, obviously, but overall the look is MUCH better than I expected. The recovery is also quicker than you think. You’ll be fine (and cancer-free!). Sending good vibes your way.
Straight before surgery I took a long bath and peeled and moisturised my body which was a nice thing to do.
Thank you for you reply and kind words. It’s good to hear surgery wasn’t so bad, for you and hope it will be the same for me. So difficult to not think the worst case scenario when you’ve been diagnosed.
Thank you for your reply and kind words. It has helped me a lot and eased my panic and anxiety to know you have got through this and had good results and cancer-free as you say.
Hi @claire721
Don’t forget the practical side wear clothes that button up , post op bra
V pillow helps sleeping on your back I also had heart shape pillow for under my arm which was comfy and stopped seat belt rubbing when I was been driven home
Wish you the best of luck xx
Claire sorry you find yourself here 
as much or as little as you need just reach out everyone here understands and will listen