Recently diagnosed

[keepmumsane]

Hi lovelies, I had a single mastectomy on friday and it was totally ok. I was terrified about the anaesthetic, how Id feel about myself,  pain levels...

Actually,  its ok. Im super tired. I came home with drains in, the district nurse comes daily to empty them and assess my progress. 

Pain seems to be really manageable. I have panadol and voltaren. My shoulder and upper arm are tender and sensitive, but I started my physio yesterday and the gentle stretches help.

As for how I feel about myself, well I have just accepted it. Im sure it will catch me up , but my surgeon doesnt want reconstruction for me until Ive done my chemo and possibly radiation . I was upset by this before the surgery,  but now I just want to get going on everything.  

The night before my op I was very upset. But tue nurses and all the hospital staff are very kind and look after you well.

It will be better than you expect,  my surgeon said it, snd on the other side he was completely right.

Much love to you. Xxx 

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

I get very anxious too Judy...I'm naturally a worrier anyway,so it's totally understandable to be feeling like this X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hi Guys...managed to get chance to get back on here and catch up with my pals😊.How are you both?Glad you managed to get out and have some fun on your Christmas party Chez(sorry I don't know your name?)..we deserve treats and make the most when you can get them😊...I had mine Saturday,it was good but I got very tired,but that's prob due to my age and not the BC!
Have finally got my hospital dates,tommorow having dye injected into my lymph nodes,ready for Masectomy Thursday morning (18th),so can't believe how quick it's coming.Its scary,but at least I'm being well looked after and it's being done swiftly😊
So your op is 23rd Dec Judi?Xxx

[ollisj6]

Just come back from hospital the op is going ahead for the 23rd Dec when the surgeon examined me she said it wasant easily palpable so they are going to mark it so have to have that procedure done day before with ?guide wire put in knew my blood pressure would be high when the nurse did it this afternoon my anxiety levels where on the ceiling.Take care luv Judi

[Chez666]

Hi judi, about the same as you by the sounds of it.....yesterday was a crap day and was a complete mare to my poor hubby, have my date through today for op29th so can't think why I have cheered up. hope the appt with Surgeon went well? Lots of hugs x x

[ollisj6]

Hi everyone my head is a mush today for want of a better word im going to see the surgeon at 2pm and then hopefully surgery will go ahead on the 23rd Dec i just want to get it over and done with now time seems to go so slow and i seem to be having more down days than up at the moment sorry to moan folks hows my two buddies who are at the same stage luv Judi o

[Chez666]

Morning everyone, thanks for the messages back, they do mean an awful lot. Like invisible handholding and just makes you feel comforted. I went to my works Xmas do last night, bit mixed. Some were great, others a bit awkward but overall pleased I went and made an effort to dress up and do make up. Even painted my nails!!!! Looks like there is a trio of us with surgery pre Xmas, not what we planned or asked Santa for, but we will get through this, Ollis and CollieR8.... Today's a positive day, Sunnis shining 😄😄😄😄😄😄

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hi Guys how are you all feeling?
This site is wonderful and so nice to have other ladies to share things with,as we all in the same boat,just different stages.
Chez and Ollis,you are probably at the same stage as me?
I had my pre op checks this morning,as I've been told I'm having Masectomy /lymph nodes op next Thursday,so it's happening fast.It was one if the hardest desisions I've had to make .
Keep in touch ladies and keep positive as best you can.
Hugs XX

[ollisj6]

Hi chez we will definetly keep in touch as we are both at the same stage i go on Tuesday to see the surgeon with possible surgery on the 23rd fingers crossed probably my blood pressure will be through the ceiling when i have my pre assesment im so scared but am trying to stay positive and reading about these other ladies which have been through it keeps you going keep in touch sending you a big hug Love Judi

[Nimbus]

I'd like to echo Wemblo. Panic eventually gives way to a feeling of wanting to give oneself the best chance of coping.    

Everything goes both very slowly and very quickly from now on. I had same problem diagnosed in June. Op in August. Radiotherapy in October.Tamoxifen on-going

What has helped me most:

recognising how much the medical staff want to help

making time to rest and think and help myself by spending less time on things that feel unnecessary

someone to go to appointments with

finding the practical suggestions and supportive posts on here

telling people one at a time - it gets easier

kindness of so many people

meeting others who are a little further along the journey and have found ways to cope

best thing somebody said to me: Be Strong.

J

[Wendyy]

Welcome Chez x to the club you never wanted to join. I'm now the other side of surgery and rads and trust me it is doable. Don't be too hard on yourself and accept that some days you'll just want to pull the duvet over your head, other days it will be easier. I found that doing usefull things like batch cooking for the freezer helped me feel I was still in control of my life. My house was cleaner than it has ever been, it definately isn't now! But you realise those things don't really matter. You've come to the right place for for support and advice. Hope it helps. Xx

[Chez666]

Hi, this is my first post as also coming to terms with a diagnosis of grade 3 invasive Ductal and I keep breaking down in tears too. I have read a lot of the other posts and I don't think we are unusual, we are just very scared. I met my surgeon on Tuesday and they can't give me a date as I have bruised badly, the Breast nurse was nicer but it's so unreal. Perhaps as we are at the same stage we can keep in touch and support each other? In the meantime I am going to let the tears come and accept whatever help I can....take care and big virtual hugs

[ollisj6]

Thanks so much for your kind words i cant believe how much better i feel after reading your experiences i feel as though you are my friends already.

[ollisj6]

Thankyou so much for that, you are right dont google i have been much to my husbands annoyment talking to other ladies who have been through and going through this is so much better and although my hubby has been so much of a support he doesnt understand as much as someone who has been through it,i will just be relieved when the 23rd is over and done with.

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Wemblo a notebook or diary is a great idea,that's what I'll do😊...
Rachel X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hi Ollis...I feel for you and was recently diagnosed with Grade3 invasive Ductal last Thursday and am just about getting over the shock and trying to deal with it as positive as I can,even though some days I just want to sit and cry😕...but it's my beautiful daughter,family and friends that keep me strong😊...you will find the strength too and once you know what's going on and treatment dates etc,you can deal with it better.
I have my 2nd app tommorow,so have a long list of questions for the consultant and nurse.I really hope I can get my op done before Christmas,as I just want it done.
I agree with Grumpy,googling is the worst thing you can do,as it just makes you worry more-I stick to this great site and trust in my Consultant.
Take care and let us know how your treatment goes.
Rachel X

[Wendyy]

Hi Ollis. I can empathise completely. I had a Grade 2 invasive ductal mixed carcinoma removed at the end of August. Your tears at the moment are entirely understandable. I was the same until I knew what I was facing and believe me it does get better, 'normal' life does resume. The help on here is wonderful, we all share one thing, the diagnosis. Hopefully after your appointment next week you will be able to put things into perspective. My advice would be write down any questions that you have. Ive kept a notebook and am still adding to it ready for my next appointment in January. Happy to share my experience with you.

[grumpy]

First of all DO NOT GOOGLE there is far too much stupid stuff out there. Stick to this site, and other reputable cancer organisations.

Second, of course you are scared, your body has let you down without warning in a dramatic way. Let your tears flow, and gradually your brain will kick in again as you get more information about your treatment plan. You will have a designated McMillan nurse who will go over anything and everything until you understand what is going to happen - keep asking questions until everything is straight in your mind. I took notes at every appt so I could read it all at home, then rang the nurse for a chat when I was confused.

This is not an easy process and scrambles your brain, but as everyone here can tell you, it IS do-able, and there is so much support here. Don't forget that we all deal with this differently, and no-one can tell us the right way to do it.

Finally, I was diagnosed March 2010, and I'm nearly at the end of treatment, feeling fit and fine and thanking the NHS every day. Yes there have been tears and grim days, but I'm still here even with a bit of my boobs missing, and its absolutely fine!!!!

Big hugs

Grumpy

[ollisj6]

I was diagnosed yesterday with Grade 2 invasive Ductal cancer i have an appointment with the surgeon next week and hopefully surgery on the 23rd December i would really like to talk to someone who has gone through this type i am so scared at the moment and keep breaking down in tears.