Hi! I’m a week and 1 day on from a lumpectomy, node extraction and chest wall perforator flap and still in a lot of pain and discomfort. Diagnosis came after a routine screening and completely unexpected I’ve always been fit and healthy (50 years old) and even ran a half marathon 3 days before surgery. I just feel like I wasn’t ill but am now unable to do things for myself 
. I’ve got radiotherapy and hormone therapy to come. I’ve had to stop HRT which has bought back hot flushes which are unbearable - again HRT was working so feel like things have been made worse when everything was ok. I know I would have been ill if the cancer wasn’t treated but it just all feels too much right now and I don’t like being a burden on my family - I like to be the one looking after everyone. Sorry but just needed to unload!
Hi lovely, I know exactly how you feel! I’m 57 so a bit older than you but I was active, working and going steadily to the gym and enjoying it and unexpectedly got diagnosed for the second time with a primary breast cancer in the same breast that had lumpectomy and radiation 4 years ago… so I had mastectomy, and mid back flap reconstruction and it’s such a long recovery process! I’m now around 2 and a half weeks and I still feel the stiffness and the pain and I can’t even think about driving and need help at home. I can’t and shouldn’t lift my arm but I understand that it’s the natural healing process for such a complex procedure, so sending love and healing energy 
xx
Hi. I completely understand. My situation is slightly different, I am 67 years old and had a single mastectomy and lymph node clearance exactly two months ago. But the feeling of disorientation - going in a short space of time from being fit and well (I ran, walked a lot, did Pilates and went to gym) to being a ‘patient’ and not being able to do everything for myself was a massive shock. I didn’t even know who my GP was or where the main entrance for our local hospital was. Just be kind to yourself, it’s a lot to adjust to in a short period of time and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Gradually things improve and you readjust but I wouldn’t pretend it’s always easy. I hope your recovery goes well x
Hi. I’m now 5 months post DIEP flap surgery and just wanted to say it does get easier. I found the 1st 4 weeks horrendous but after that could feel improvement every week but it takes time, they are huge surgeries and you have to be kind to yourself and let others look after you for a short period.
Re HRT I was also taken off and it was horrendous I felt like I’d been hit by a train and spent 6 months crying everyday so did my own research and most of the advise on HRT is based on a study which has now been discredited and should not be used. My advice find a menopause and breast cancer specialist to speak to. I am now back on HRT and feeling so much better.
I booked private appt with Menopause Care Dr Charlotte Gooding who is a regional specialist in menopause and breast cancer. Although it is stated in NICE guidance all women diagnosed with breast cancer should have access to menopause specialist not all Trusts have this, mine didn’t.
I would also recommend reading the book Oestrogen Matters by Dr Avrum Blooming that is very insightful (can get on Amazon)
acupuncture is also supposed to be good for hot flushes
Definitely worth exploring options with appropriately qualified specialist .
Take care xx
Thank you - this is really helpful. I’ll have a look at the book and into what support is available locally.
Thank you - good luck with your ongoing recovery too.
Hello, this forum is the perfect place to unload as it’s full of people who understand what you’re going through. I’ve posted a couple of times and had the most lovely replies.
You and I had surgery on the same day. I had a lumpectomy and sentinal mode biopsy. I am still sore most of the time and the bruising has startrd to develop quite a lot in the last 24 hours. Because of the location of the cancer I had to lose my nipple and am getting quite a bit of nerve pain from that. I haven’t been brave enough to remove the dressings yet.
Some days I think I’ve turned a corner, while other days it’s hard to be bothered to get off of the sofa. While I’m not sporty like you, I am quite active and it is weird to be so apathetic. I think part of it is the worry about what the pathology might show and the knowledge that I may have to have further surgery.
I think it’s important to be kind to yourself and know that things will improve - this experience is hopefully a tiny moment in a long and full life.
Sending you my best wishes and a big gentle hug xx
Hi lovely. Gentle hugs,
Firstly the pain. You’ve been professionally stabbed and it’s bound to be sore. It will gradually improve but for now take both paracetamol and ibuprofen as per the packet so they overlap. Don’t wait until you feel sore just take them. You’ll know when you wake up in the morning when you can cut back and stop.
Secondly I totally agree about the treatment making you ill rather than the disease. My diagnosis was February and I’m now coming out the other side without HRT. Letrozole didn’t agree with me and I’m just about over the side effects. Give yourself grace.
Thank you! I hope you continue to recover well. This forum is great and so supportive 
Thank you for your reply. I have been to the GP today and got some more strong painkillers and accepted I need to keep taking them rather than trying to be a hero and get by without!
Exactly. To heal you need rest, to rest you need to be comfortable.
I am four months tomorrow from a double mastectomy and tissue expander reconstruction. I have had complications with necrosis which has got me down a lot but I am listening to my body instead of the doctors and have been back at the gym, yoga and playing golf for the last 4 weeks. I can’t swim again until my necrosis has fully healed. I am 52. I could not shower until 2 weeks ago and the hot sweats over the summer were horrific. I would go in for my dressings changing and the sweat would be pouring off me. My nurse suggested I try the ‘menopause and cancer’ charity. They hold group sessions they run all over the country. Go on their website. They specialise in helping people like you and I who can’t take HRT and are struggling with the symptoms. I have got the second session next week. I am also trying Gabapentin but can only take at night and it makes me sleepy. It has helped a little with the nights sweats. I am waiting to see if I can try fezolinetant but my GP said it is not available to everyone so she is checking. Everyone tells you to be kind to yourself, I did not want to be pampered I just wanted myself back. I was told because I was fit I would be back doing everything at 6 weeks. I have gained weight because I could not exercise and eating wrong foods because I was down. Good luck, I hope they hold sessions near your home you can attend if not reach to them on the website x
Thank you! I’ve had a look at the menopause & cancer charity, they are not in my area but I have signed up for some online sessions. This forum is so helpful and friendly
At 76 and fit it was quite a surprise to me to have to lose my left breast. All went well I’m pleased to say. What I’ve realised in the subsequent two years is that it is the cure that makes you feel ill. I had 15 sessions of adjuvant radiotherapy and felt pretty well to start with. Then in subsequent months I just got more and more lethargic and lost interest in food etc. Not really ill but just having to drag myself, and my Border Collie dog around (she wasn’t best pleased). It has taken nigh on two years but now I do truly feel like myself again (older and not so fit but that would’ve happened anyway). If only we could be prescribed a patience pill. Now trying to reclaim my cottage garden after two years o neglect. On reflection I do thank my lucky stars that I didn’t really get ill or need treatment - I needed patience and acceptance and to thank my lucky stars every morning. It’ll come to you too I’m sure.