Hi there, im 37 and had a mastectomy last week. Although im quite a positive person, the after effects of this recent surgery have left me feeling confused and numb.
I feel as though i havent had any support being a young person, and feel very alone. Its like i have to battle for imformation etc…
Im trying to set up a coffee morning in Worcester to try and get younger people together that are in the same position. Anyone out there that feels the same way or has done?
Hi Juls1974,
I’m 33, have just started chemo (today!) and will have a double masectomy when finished - with no skin saving chances as my skin was affected.
I LOVED my boobs! And am devestated (although still trying to come to terms with the whole big “C” at the moment as was only diagnosed 2 weeks ago). Friends seem to think I’ll just be able to have implants instead so joke about nice pert boobs - but it’s just not that simple and I have no idea what the skin grafts are going to look like.
I’m also mourning the fact that I will probably end up being infertile - and, if not, I definitely wont be able to breastfeed.
I’m going to one of the Young Women Forums and there’s a section on breast reconstruction. Is there one near you? If not, there might be space on the London one still??
A meeting of people in your area going through the same thing sounds like a great idea.
xx
There’s one in Birmingham, but not until November. Come to the London one in July… 
Hi Sandytoes,
Many thanks for your response, I will try and get to the event in July in london, sounds a good idea. I had chemo first, lumpectomy and lymph node clearance a month ago and have just had RSM. Due to have radiotherapy mid/end july, followed by reconstruction in the new year! Just felt let down by lack of support/groups for our age group, hence trying to set up the coffee morning! If you want any advice re chemo let me know. Everyone experiences different side effects, some more than others. All i can say is too rest as much as possible. I went into overdrive when i was feeling better and i regretted it after {easier said than done though}.
Do you have any children already? I have a 4 year old girl and would like another some day but i dont think that will happen now. The big c does turn your life around.
Juls x
Hi Girls,
I had my mastectomy 2 years ago, at the tender age of 28. I had chemo and have remained fertile – surprisingly so. I’ve had a DIEP flap recon and it’s all me, no implants despite being an E cup. Are you starting FEC Sandytoes? Let us know how you’re getting on.
Annie xx
Hi Juls
I was 37 when I had to have emergency immed mastectomy Dec 2005, like you I was numb from surgery, then put straight into extended treatment - while we are all different and some ladies comment they are proud of their scars and happy to show them off I was totally the opposite - I hated them - to me it was a constant reminder that I may not see my kids grow up - I felt robbed as a woman/wife and went into quite a deep dark place - I became quite paronoid and depressed - I always hid it well with clever layer clothing and a good fitting prostetis - but hated looking down or in the mirror naked - at time of diagnosis I was probably at my fittest - best weight and on a feel good time of my life - after two years I had tram flap - cosmetically with a bra, bikini top or vest you wouldn’t notice - and straight away I was boosted - my friends commented I walked proud and tall again - its not the same, my skin from tummy is good - however my skin on chest from rads isn’t as good so a bit of colour clash (this is not common)- but far better than nothing - the shaping and size is great - I am now discharged and looking forward - I attended a younger womans forum and found it brilliant - made some really good friends, our threads are now in archived - Good Luck X