Hi I am a newbie I have my pre op today and having a double mastectomy and lymph node removal both on the 15th April I am so scared anxious and thou I am trying to be strong and postive it’s hard x 
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Hello cat62, it’s a frightening place to be in and people tell you to be strong, to be positive and that can be difficult. Things will get on an even keel and you will move forward, it’s easier once you know what your treatment plan is and you can get on with that. I had lumpectomy, axillary nodes affected so removed, then chemotherapy and radiotherapy. That was 15 years ago. I’ve had a few bumps along the way but all ok so far so good. It always helps me to hear of positive stories over a long period of time, so I wanted to share a bit of mine with you. Wishing you all the best and sending hugs xxx
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Hello there and a big hug to you . Wishing you all the best for your surgery and recovery - I’m a few years now post - lumpectomy / radiotherapy etc. Just wanted to say don’t put extra pressure on yourself to feel strong and positive you are entitled to feel the way you feel however that is . There’s a lot made of this strong positive thing and it annoys the hell out of me frankly - if it serves you fine but if you don’t feel that way all the time ( and why would you right now ) then it doesn’t mean that you aren’t a strong or positive person . We are strong and positive because we have to be - there’s not really a choice but the way that is expressed will vary from person to person and most of us will have been a complete mess at some point . I was quite angry as well as in danger of losing my sanity for a couple of days whilst waiting for the results of my first procedure that I already knew had failed but I was still determined to get through .The best advice I can offer is to take one day at a time and try to enjoy moments / minutes / and then bring those to mind when you are feeling low . I found that being outside in nature and swimming and Yoga were very helpful but something simple like a cuppa with a good friend is very helpful. You could enquire if there are any support groups locally either formal or informal . At our last one there was a lady who was due to undergo a Diep procedure in a few days who was very upset it after a chat with the BCN who answered her questions and then talking with us all and getting bits of advice from different people she left feeling calmer . There isn’t one near me but I have heard that Maggie’s centres are extremely good as well xx
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Thank you means a lot xxx
Thank you
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