Third Surgery in three months - Terrified and Hysterical

Dx October 2007, lumpectomy 14th November, double mastectomy with immediate skin sparing reconstruction December 5th - drains removed* and discharged 23 hours later. *against wishes of nurse removing them, and registrar who phoned surgeon for confirmation - who said the risk of infection was too great, remove them.

fantastic recovery - till 10 days later when breast with the cancer started pouring fluid - put on anti biotics, wound dressing changed daily, became necrotic, wait and see policy, today head surgeon announced implant must come on in two days time - reconstruction, if possible (what ever that means) 6-12 months…

I sailed though diagnosis, lumpectomy and recovery, double mastectomy and recovery, but am now hystserical - almost out of control.

I can not cope with waking up and seeing the disfigurement. I am not vain, I don’t even wear make up, but I do live at the gym am have always walked around naked.

I don’t even know why I am writing - but it’s stopping me screaming.

Would it be stupid to say, “take the other one out too” - at least then I would be symmetric - at least then I will not be terrified that the other one will have to come out later down the line - highly likely the way my luck has gone these last three months - and I would be spared a fourth operation.

Sorry for the ramble - I just can’t get a grip.

Can you post your problem in the hope we can help?
Liz.

Dear mumjen

Firstly, welcome to the forums. I am sorry to read about the problems you have had following surgery and would like to suggest that you are welcome to call our helpline for a chat to one of our specialist nurses. The nurses are experienced breast care nurses who will be able to offer you further support and information, the number to call is 0808 800 6000 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.

Best wishes
Lucy

Hi Mumjen, I too had a double mastectomy in Oct 2007, I was supposed to be having immediate reconstruction . Due to cancer only being in one breast and the fact that I had two tumors in it my oncologist told me at 4.30 the night before my op that i would probably need radiotherapy so was only doing recon on good breast. Si i woke up with only breast which looked enormous due to swelling. Was sent home with two of three drains in and district nurse took them out. After two weeks got infection in recon breast and was given antibiotics which i was on from 8th Nov to 26th Dec. Took out implant on 19th Dec. So my good breast is now mis-shapen. there was nothing to having the implant out as they went in through the first scar and it healed up very quickly. On saying this there is still one patch of redness that will not seem to clear and they wont start my chemo until it has. Now I’m getting worried about chemo being delayed. I also have had three ops this year as i originally had milk ducts out earlier which is hoe the cancer was found. I am sure you will be OK. It is a bit deformed but you will be able to ask for a partial prosthesis to wear to put you on till recon implant is back in. Keep your chin up and remember no-one knows what you have got on under your clothes as Trinny and Susanah once said about breasts or no breasts.
Wishing you all the best Sandra x x