Hi there, this is my first post and my journey started the beginning of April when I noticed a dent in my right breast. I had my first appt in 2 weeks with mammogram and ultrasound- clear on mammogram but lump showed on ultra, biopsies done- 2 weeks later confirmed as grade 2 invasive ductal and 1.8cm- but MRI needed due to non show on mammogram. Treatment was initially planned lumpectomy. MRI lit up more areas, more biopsies followed and then confirmed as 4cm and plan changed to mastectomy.
This was naturally a shock but also expected - reading info on this site prepared me for the news. The weeks have been a blur, the speed at which everything happened…the original date for lumpectomy was kept for Mx and implant reconstruction…and that was 2 weeks ago…and basically for anyone who has surgery coming up I just wanted to say that it is possible to have a really great recovery. I was really scared just before going - catastrophising that I would die on the operating table or wake up, every possible thing that could go wrong…but it was fine. I don’t know if it was the painkillers but I was practically high with happiness when it was done and I came around. The relief was immense. Yes it was sore and the drains are awkward at first - the first 5 days were the most painful and I slept tons when I got home. My husband was fantastic taking care of me and it’s really important to have someone there 24/7. Once I started to reduce meds after day 5 I felt my brain wake up again. I was worried about some of the lumps and bumps on the breast but within a week most had settled and honestly 2 weeks later it looks great, not perfect but pretty amazing. I’m doing my exercises on the arm and every day is better, I can move more, I can walk further. I need a nap every day as I get tired easily and I’m just going with it.
The results of the SNB are next week and yes, I’m nervous. I can feel the doubts and worries creeping in, the what if scenarios, the doomsday thoughts - it’s so hard to even believe all that has happened in 2 months. But I reckon if I can get through major surgery and feel so good after 2 weeks, I can face anything - well that’s what I’m trying to tell myself at least!
I know every story is different and some surgery experiences are negative and that I may still experience side effects like cording but I just wanted to share for any woman recently diagnosed and scared …as my friends kept telling me:‘You got this’.