Mastectomy

Has anyone had one, i have had a lump removed and been told that the cancer is a grade 3 and a highly agressive one…i have to under go a full mastectomy in 3 weeks time…i am scared to say the least i am not a small (breast) woman either and thats also scarry…has anyone had one and how did you feel after what afects has it had on you and what other treatment have you had…i need somewhat of a confidence boost…ty
Caz

Hi!

Can’t help with your query but just bumping this up so that someone else can answer, please!

Hi reddragon

You are welcome to call our helpline where you can speak to someone in confidence about your concerns about your upcoming surgery, they can point you in the direction of our other support services too which you may also find helpful. The number to call is 0808 800 6000, Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2. I have moved your post to the undergoing surgery thread where more people in similar situations may see your post, I hope you don’t mind.

Best wishes
Lucy

I underwent a left mx 6 mths ago and there was no pain whatsoever 3 days in hospital and I was back to work soon after arm plays up a bit but i found by using even more it gets better . I am 42 and have a 10 year old and 17 year old -if you would like to talk please send message
best wishes
jayne

Hi

Sorry you have to undergo this. My experience is not as positive but will share a “warts and all” story. I had mx and immediate reconstruction so maybe a different experience to that which you will have, also everyone is different and has different healing, emotional and medical responses… I had physical problems with healing and infection of the wound which have been more recently resolved, I was unprepared for how low this would make me feel. I also began to experience problems with shoulder mobility due to being unable to do the exercises due to poor wound healing, think doing exercises really does help. However the emotional aspects were the worst for for me, particularly the shock of new body post op.

I found that I only got positive stories about how well women recover from the BCN so when things went wrong I ended up blaming myself, feeling sad and inadequate etc as if it was my fault that I could not heal properly.

My advice - don’t be too stoic. You are reasonable in being afraid and upset so do not feel that you should be braver. It is horrible but some women here do recover well and get on with life. Think that good support helps so stay on the site.

Love

Jane x

I had mx 10 weeks ago and by 8 weeks was back to normal had op 2.30 on the monday came home wednesday morning could have come home the next day my choice not to. I did not really have pain more discomfort under the arm, you must do the excercises they really do help and take care not to overdue household chores it does take 6 - 8 weeks but your body will soon tell you if you are overdoing things.
Fortunatley I needed no further treatment so cannot comment on that. but the mx it self was not as traumatic as I thought it would be it is surprising what you can get used to.
Are you going for a recon. I have not as due to Hubby being poorly needed the quickest recovery option, have now got prothesis and feel comfortable and confident most of the time. You will have down days we all do, hope all goes well for you.

Best wishes
Maggie

Hi,I had mastectomy 2 1/2 years ago and i have got to say it was the scariest moment of my life! When it was over though i could not believe how easy it was and i didn’t even have any pain! Its always the fear of the unknown but it is amazing what our bodies can take.
I have had 2 reconstructions just recently so if you need any help or advice please ask. Hope this has made you feel better and look forward to hear how you are doing Love Helenxx

I’ve just had my mastectomy - 6 days past - and full node clearance (I also asked the surgeon to take out a fatty lump on my upper arm too which is a 3 inch incision on top of the rest) and all is going well so far. I ignored the fact my surgery was imminent and looming until I got to the hospital and then I tearfully asked the nurse for reassurance. She brought it in the form of two ladies who had had the same proceedure 4 days prior and who were pretty jolly and quite comfortable. I haven’t found it particularly painful and I feel a great sense of relief now that I’m post op.