Hi, I put on the brave face that so many of us probably do, but inside I’m a complete mess. I’m having a therapeutic mammoplasty with an uplift in a couple of weeks. I’ve struggled with body dysmorphia in the past and not quite sure how I’m going to deal with the physical changes to my chest. I was born with a congenital defect where my womb didn’t develop and was always really grateful that I at least had hips and boobs. I’m fed up of being told how strong I am and that ill get through this, its not like I have a choice.
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Hi @minahmoo. I am sorry to hear that you are nervous about your surgery. Its pretty normal to be worried about how things will look and feel after. I had 3 lumpectomies last year and a mastectomy with reconstruction this year. Because of the mastectomy and recon they did mammoplasty and lift on the healthy side to make things symmetrical. It looks amazing 9 weeks on and very natural. There is a thin scar but it will fade. The shape, droop and size are barely affected.
I’m sure you have already read about your upcoming operation and maybe searched the forum on here for similar posts. I always find it helpful to read other people’s experiences. You can search the forum.
You could also speak to your breast care nurse and ask about counselling. Most breast cancer patients can access free counselling. I myself have used this and it’s been amazingly helpful. It could help with the body dysmorphia concerns.
People told me I was strong too, that I’d get through this. I’d hear words like brave, inspiration and fighter. They thought this was helpful to motivate me, and came from a good place. It can feel frustrating to hear that when inside you are scared and feeling helpless. But these people care about you and won’t mind if you tell them your fears.
I think everyone on here who has had surgery for their cancer will totally get how you feel. Hopefully lots more will be along to reassure you and maybe offer some more advice or personal experiences.
Best wishes for the operation. When is it? Is it a day surgery or do you stay in?
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@minahmoo I’m sorry you find yourself here, the club all of us would rather not join. Your feelings are all completely normal, but you have the added stress of previous body dysmorphia. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty and I have to say he did an incredible job- in fact my affected boob is more perky than the other!!! Folk saying you’re so brave mean well and think it’s encouraging but sometimes you just want to scream and say you’re not, but most of us just put on a brave face. You don’t have to put on any face here, can scream and shout and just be you. Hugs xx
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I had 2 therepeutic mammoplasty op’s and it looks fab now still after 6 years (2018/9). I have recently had a lump removed in my axilla and some lymph nodes and am more worried what that will look like as I had an indent where she removed some skin too when she drained the seroma but she said wait and see what it will look like. My seroma was about to burst the stitches so was disguising the indent I can now see but looks abit better today than it did yesterday.
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