Petrified of mastectomy

@elsa771 @stafford22 I’ve actually had very little help from BC nurse, she keeps telling me not to worry if I ask her something, that they see it every day, so I gave up. I rang the nurses on this site instead. But on the plus side they are great here on the ward. X

1 Like

@stafford22 @elsa771 I actually think that support after the operation is possibly more important as we are in no man’s land. No support groups near where I live, well within a 1.5 hour drive. It would be nice to talk to people face to face sometimes.

2 Likes

I totally agree - my bcn has just fobbed me off if I’ve contacted her about worries or symptoms- I gave up. I rang macmillan nurses instead & they were lovely & reassuring.

2 Likes

At least we are able to do that… and we have each other.
I’m just dropping off to sleep all the time. X

1 Like

Absolutely everyone on this forum are amazing. :sparkling_heart:

2 Likes

Yes, amazing community on here :+1::people_hugging:

2 Likes

Hi, how are you feeling today? Hopefully brighter & more human after the anaesthetic has worn off. I slept better last night & have been a bit more mobile this morning. The pain level is quite low & I have a tight straight jacket feeling instead but it’s manageable. I’m basically just relaxing & pottering now & again. The relief that the op is over is finally hitting me - I was very apprehensive. The surgeon said to me after my op as she came for a quick visit - the cancer is now in the bin! It made me smile. X

2 Likes

Hi had my mastectomy yesterday after having a lumpectomy in December was dreading the drain more than the op (don’t ask me why) it’s not as bad as I thought the drain I mean. Not sure how I’m going to be when healed. Elected not to have a reconstruction which I don’t regret.

2 Likes

Glad to hear you’re through the op and the drains are not too bad.

I had a double mastectomy, no recon, last summer and the whole surgery thing was not as bad as I had anticipated- it’s the unknown that unnerves us all, I think. I always found the waiting for results so much worse than the surgery.

I hope you continue to make a good recovery - I did find that without the recon, I was physically back to how I was before quite quickly, and seven months on I’m actually fitter and healthier than I was before have cancer!

Good luck with your recovery xx

1 Like

Thank you

Hi. I have spent most of today in and out of sleep! Effects of anaesthetic I presume. I also have a lot of heartburn.
The nurse removed my waterproof dressing, replacing it with a dry one. It forced me to look at the scar, (the nurse was lovely about it all), which I found very emotional but am glad I have done it now.
Wow, what a statement, and that’s exactly where it belongs, in the bin…
Have you started on your shoulder exercises? X

3 Likes

Sounds like they’re looking after you well. Rest is the best medicine as they say. I’ve been pretty sleepy today too. I have started my exercises, it’s not been too painful really but I am having muscle spasm in my upper back & neck. I’ve got a heat pad on at the moment. Hope you have a good night :pray:

2 Likes

And you. Plenty of rest. Goodnight.:raised_hands:

1 Like

Well done both of you and thank you for sharing. It sounds like you are doing really well - definitely makes me feel (slightly) less nervous for next Sunday xx

2 Likes

Hi Everyone

I had mine Monday and while it seemed to be ok pain wise i have terrible nerve pangs… hypersensitivity and numbness.

Is this normal? Does it go with time?

2 Likes

Hi @foxtrot. Yes, is the short answer. I had surgery in September so I’m a few months down the road now. The weekend I came home I had excruciating stabbing pains in the back of my armpit. It made me cry it was so bad. The nurses said it was the nerves where they had been damaged during surgery, and if it continued they could prescribe a nerve painkiller so do ask if you need it. It lasted over the weekend and then disappeared, thankfully. My scar is still stiff, achy and numb - I think the numbness will be there now as part of me, but that pain is long gone. xx

1 Like

Oh that’s really helpful! thanks for sharing your take…

Yes the stabbing pain is in the armpit with me too… the numbness also quite strange but better than the stab

2 Likes

I hope you feel better soon. It’s a lot to deal with so just take care of yourself. X

1 Like

Hi @foxtrot. Oh my gosh, same here, the nerve pain is going up through the side of my neck and side of face… Armpit not bad pain just numb.
@flojo what nerve tablets were you prescribed? Feeling awful today x

3 Likes

Sorry to hear that @sue9. I didn’t need any in the end but they were going to prescribe something like Gabapentin. I think the thing is don’t suffer in silence. I hope it passes soon. X

2 Likes