Mastectomy but not worried

[Moggy and Fish Mum]

Morning Dee, confess perhaps not as well as initially expected but I am okay thanks. The tumour was a little bigger and more aggressive than was thought, plus there was some DCIS as well and results showed margins were too small so I needed a second op. Fortunately I have a brilliant surgeon who I have come to totally trust, he’s amazing. Currently recovering and return next Thursday for results. HER2- but await my Oncotype DX results so fingers crossed I won’t need chemo. Radiotherapy and oestrogen blockers a given. I have been in more pain this time around and have had a wobble or two, but by and large I am okay with where things are. In fact, being diagnosed has altered my perspective on the world - whilst it’s fair to say the “cancer thing” never leaves my brain, I think I now appreciate every day just that little bit more. I must add that I have GAD and OCD; the latter takes the form of repetitive thoughts so at least my “cancer thoughts” are more “real” than most of the nonsense I usually get caught up in. OCD is hard to explain to anyone who doesn’t have it so you’ll have to take my word for that! I have found physical illness much easier to cope with than mental issues - those around me have been amazed at how calm and logical I have been about the bc - that’s probably down to my neurodivergence and the fact that I am on SSRIs. Anyway, thanks so much for asking xx

[Itiswhatitis]

Hello Moggy and Fish Mum

How are things with you? I hope you’re lumpectomy went well and you are well on the road to recovery and I do hope you continued to not worry because as you say and I completely agree anything can happen and so there really is no benefit in worrying. All we can do is deal with what life throws at us as best we can.

Lots of hugs 

Dee, x

[Itiswhatitis]

Hi Rose

It has been a little while now, so I am wondering how you are?  I hope all is well with you and you have adjusted to the new you.

Lots of hugs

Dee, x

[Rose961]

Hi Dee,

Back at home from last Saturday.  The Mastectomy went well, I am not yet familiar with half part of me. No pain, uncomfortable drenage, tomorrow it should be removed. Slowly I will contemplate the new " me".   Confused because I don't know where to start to lose weight? Be more active? Eating well? I have the impression that all I did so far it was all wrong.  Thanks for sharing with me! All the best, xx rose

[Moggy and Fish Mum]

Hello Dee, my situation is different as my lump is invasive but small and low grade. My op is at the end of this month, not 100% sure what will follow yet. I initially went cold thinking about the “dreaded C” but to be honest, I feel I have accepted it. As someone diagnosed with GAD (and on meds for this) I have always been a worrier … what if? Suddenly, with virtually no warning, I have a cancer diagnosis. And my brain has kind of said … you worried and worried, then it came out of the blue so, worry or not worry, it can just happen. And now, worry or not worry won’t make any difference to what treatment I will have, how I will feel (physically) or what the outcome will be, so really there’s no point in doing it. Instead, what it has done is to sharpen my appreciation of day to day life, enjoy the sunshine, appreciate the little pleasures because as the last three weeks or so have demonstrated, anything can happen tomorrow. And I don’t have any control over that. 
I am due a lumpectomy but who knows, might end up with a mastectomy and if I do, at present anyway, I don’t mind. No one wants a scar but I figure it’s better than being dead. 
If anything, I have been a little concerned that I am not worrying enough, so I was glad to read your post. Thank you. 

[Rose961]

Thank you Dee,

Very nice reading your message! It's exactly what I was expecting to hear! One thing has already fullfilled my mind! I can't cope with all the complications associated with reconstruction. I might get used to, as you wonderful have done and never ho back on this subject anymore!  Thanks and my warmest regards 🙂 

[Itiswhatitis]

Hello Rose

Sorry to hear you have had this diagnosis especially since you have already been touched by cancer.

I am happy to report I continued to be  accepting and comfortable with my situation.  I had my mastectomy in October which went really well and in all honesty I am now living my life as if nothing happened.

I did not have reconstruction and that was totally the right decision for me, I really do not mind being flat on one side. In fact I am currently indulging in coffee & cake having just bought a very pretty new bra which my prosthesis pops into perfectly.

If you can, try and find my post called “Positive post to give some hope at a difficult time” that really sums up my journey and if I can help further please message me again.

Good luck with everything and keep me posted on how things are going.

Lots of hugs, Dee x

[Rose961]

Very clever lady! I just the diagnosis of DCIS High grade on the breast where 12 years ago I had surgery plus radiotherapy and now the consultant want me to have the Mastectomy, not sure about the reconstruction, I am 61. Have you had yours and did you manage until the end without fear and did you go for the reconstruction? Thanks very much 

[Itiswhatitis]

Hello lovely ladies,  

I was diagnosed with High Grade DCIS at the end of August and will be having a mastectomy in 2 weeks but I am not in the least bit worried or concerned. Is that odd?

Would love to know if anyone else felt/feels like this?

Dee