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Duffer56, if you become a squeaky wheel (avocate for care rather than wait and see what comes) and pound your fists a bit with your GP, you can get a referral. An aside, you may already have this, yet you are entitled to a NHS exempt card that gives you free prescriptions for five years. Of course I had to ask at the chemist to get the form, my surgery does not provide it, and with a cancer diagnosis the plastic white card was supplied tout suite (for me it was).
The day before my surgery, I walked in the back garden with my shirt and bra off, feeling the sun wind and rain on my chest, specifically, my left side. I had a little talk with my breast, told it how grateful and thankful I was for the years it had been with me and how well it withstood the extended breast feeding with my son when he was a baby. This may sound silly, yet this expression I think helped me to heal and accept the changes...passages of recovery with a tiny bit equanimity.
The night before, I had a appointment with my BS and she gave me the news that my lymph node that was removed the previous week -- was clear. I had two biopsies (after three other's one was a stereotactic biopsy with 13 samples taken). I burst into tears of joy and it made facing surgery the next morning easier.
When I woke after my 10 hour surgery it more or less like a ball of socks appended to my chest wall. I asked how long till it feels like me and was told six months, now at eleven months out, well, it's just starting to be and -- mostly I forget about it. My stomach area is starting to have nerves reattach. Funny, my new tummy button was something I was not prepared for, although I knew it was going too. I like it, it looks very real and it's higher than the last.
Time will seem slow and fast in recovery. I found my time at E.Grinsted passed quickly and you can call your family as much as you wish. I know what you mean about the distance (I'm in Charing), that put me off too but my Onc said in the timeline of the process, this time away was a blink of an eye. My husband and 14 year son spent Father's Day in hospital with me and I bought and wrapped the presents before surgery, and had them bring them for our in hospital lunch to open them with 'dad'.
It's all going to go well Duffer56 and I'll be right here sending up good thought's and prayer, waiting for you to check in and let us know how well you are doing. Like Skigirl said, things can only get better
LB, x
The day before my surgery, I walked in the back garden with my shirt and bra off, feeling the sun wind and rain on my chest, specifically, my left side. I had a little talk with my breast, told it how grateful and thankful I was for the years it had been with me and how well it withstood the extended breast feeding with my son when he was a baby. This may sound silly, yet this expression I think helped me to heal and accept the changes...passages of recovery with a tiny bit equanimity.
The night before, I had a appointment with my BS and she gave me the news that my lymph node that was removed the previous week -- was clear. I had two biopsies (after three other's one was a stereotactic biopsy with 13 samples taken). I burst into tears of joy and it made facing surgery the next morning easier.
When I woke after my 10 hour surgery it more or less like a ball of socks appended to my chest wall. I asked how long till it feels like me and was told six months, now at eleven months out, well, it's just starting to be and -- mostly I forget about it. My stomach area is starting to have nerves reattach. Funny, my new tummy button was something I was not prepared for, although I knew it was going too. I like it, it looks very real and it's higher than the last.
Time will seem slow and fast in recovery. I found my time at E.Grinsted passed quickly and you can call your family as much as you wish. I know what you mean about the distance (I'm in Charing), that put me off too but my Onc said in the timeline of the process, this time away was a blink of an eye. My husband and 14 year son spent Father's Day in hospital with me and I bought and wrapped the presents before surgery, and had them bring them for our in hospital lunch to open them with 'dad'.
It's all going to go well Duffer56 and I'll be right here sending up good thought's and prayer, waiting for you to check in and let us know how well you are doing. Like Skigirl said, things can only get better
LB, x
Duffer56, you have been and are in excellent hands and I too went through the route you have...Maidstone then E.Grinsted for diep. Skigirl is so right on all fronts. I had ups and downs and to let my body heal was difficult at first. You will get used to the 'new normal', it takes time and I too wish you all the best. By the way, I've been seeing a woman psychologists from week three out from surgery. If you have private insurance, this is also covered. Now, ten months later, it still is and has been an excellent addition to my recovery. LB, x
By the way, I've been seeing a woman psychologists from week three out from surgery. If you have private insurance, this is also covered. Now, ten months later, it still is and has been an excellent addition to my recovery. LB, x
