Mastectomy trauma

Going through breast cancer treatment Surgery
21

Morning @Tulip29 and fellow flatties,
I hope hearing all these stories is making you feel more positive already. I do also agree with @scientistamafier. If your head feels now that the op will be mutilation, this may affect how you feel during and afterwards? Hopefully changing mindset will help you.

I knew as soon as breast cancer likely that I wanted mastectomy with no reconstruction. I was very nervous before but it was easy-in and out the same day, no pain relief needed, my surgeon didn’t use drains or dressings so could see it straight away, breast care nurse came into recovery area and got me to try bra and softie, physio came to give me exercises to do at home from day 2 I think it was… this was easier than chemotherapy.

My advice, do your exercises as you are told to keep things from seizing up-doesn’t take long. Get some camisoles so you can step into them -easier than pulling things over your head and maintains independence. Bamboo camisole and pillowcase to rest arm on as really cool and soft. I was given a little heart pad to put under my armpit to stop my arm/side rubbing which I covered with bamboo (bought 2 pillowcases-used one for pillow and other to cut up). Use the rest time to be kind to your body, good food, fluid, rest, gentle exercise to reduce blood clots in legs so if any treatment down the line, you’re prepared and if no more treatment, you’re ready for life :grinning:
I love my flat side, really neat scar, prefer to go flat but since my other side is saggy 32DD, not always possible. Wish I had had the option for bilateral removal.
My priority is to live. I’m 57 now, diagnosed May 22. Mastectomy, 2nd op axillary clearance, Chemo, radiotherapy, anastrazole, abemaciclib, bisphosphonates, cording… I try to think, is this the worst thing that can happen, and if the answer is no, then it can’t be that bad so get on with it.
Fingers crossed I keep answering no.

I tend to find the bit before is worse, thinking, wondering, panicking… at least once you get through it, you’re just moving forward. Good luck, lots of hugs
X

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Hi
I have deceided to have a single massectimy. I am having my lyph node left alone. I am 60 and a widow so am by myself. I had ovarian cancer 13 years ago.
Try not to think of it as mutilation but as a choice you have made to maintaine your health. You have made this choice so try and own it. My surgery is tommorow. Your body is a wonderful thing and you need tobe able to liok at it and thank it for what is doing for you every day. I look at my body now as a map and each scare tells a story and i have a lot of storys. Pls be strong i wish you well on your journey. I hope to talk to you all soon. Penny.

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Dear Penny, Thank you for your thoughts and I wish you all the best for your surgery tomorrow which I hope goes well. I appreciate your advice very much. I’m in two minds as to whether to agree to the lymph node biopsy. See you on the other side. With love and all good wishes from Tulip xxx

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Hello all you wonderful ladies, just reporting in to say I had my mastectomy on 21 September. I’m coping ok with the dressing on and there’s so much padding it still looks like a little breast under my clothes. I think the real test will be next week when the dressing comes off and I get my histology results. The soft breast forms feel comforting under my sloggi bralette. Sending love and best wishes to you all from Tulip xxx

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I’m looking forward to getting rid of this tube and drain tomorrow. I guess they check the under the dressing at the time. Not looking forward to seeing it myself. I find out from surgeon by phone on Thursday what the reports are x

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