Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi What can I say? Things can only get better because from what you have said - they can't get any worse. I think you will find lots of friends on this web site. They can't help you physically but can offer moral support. You can also use this site to let off steam - and that helps. Try taking one day at a time. Thinking of you. God bless. Liz ... View more

Hi I buy my bras over the internet. Try these - http://www.nicolajane.com/ or http://www.amoena-online.co.uk/ or http://www.eloise.co.uk/ They have a very good return policy. Unfortunately mastectomy bras are very expensive, I find them comfortable and give me confidence. Liz ... View more

Hi I am a year 1 teacher - 5 and 6 year olds. I was diagnosed last May, had a mastectomy in June. The head teacher and staff all knew I had b.c. and were very supportive. The parents and children and the governors (some of the governors are parents) were told I was having an operation. I think a few parents / governors probably do know why I was off, but noone has actually said - although many have asked me how I am. When I returned to my class - some of the children asked me where I had been - so I repeated - that I had been in hospital and had had an operation. Two of my more scientific children wanted more detail and asked which part of my had been operated on - so I said "inside". I think the children are too young to be told. If parents had asked me specifically - I probably would have told them. No point in hiding things - some parents work in the local hospital. I hope this helps. Good luck. Liz ... View more

You poor thing - you have obviously been to hell and back. I can't really offer you advice , only support. There are plenty of people on this site who will also give you support. Maybe - take one day at a time. Think about yourself and your son. Make use of your friends -to talk to, and do things that you and your son want to do. Good luck. I will be thinking about you. Liz ... View more

Hi I have only just discovered this thread. I agree with what many have said. I had a mastectomy in June. I did not want reconstruction as I was told it would involve two ops and a longer recovery period. I would rather have two breasts - but one breast is better than bc. I find my prosthesis is great - I don't think you can tell which side is real and which is false. I wear bras with pockets and go swimming regularly - wearing a costume with pockets. Liz ... View more

Hi et I'm glad you are ok and home. The drain is horrible - but at least your op is over. Try not to think about the results - concentrate of getting stronger. Take care of yourself. Liz ... View more

Hi ET Just want to wish you all the very best for Thursday. You want to take one day at a time. I had a mastectomy in June. I had the op first thing in the morning. I was able to drink a cup of tea in the afternoon and have something to eat at tea time. I hope you are able to do the same. Good luck. Liz ... View more

Hi Yes swimwear for people who have had a mastectomy is expensive - even with VAT taken off. I have bought two costumes over the internet. I found they have a good return policy if they don't fit. One was from Nicola Jane - http://www.nicolajane.com and the other was eloise - http://www.eloise.co.uk I find the costumes I bought comfortable and they give me confidence. I hope this is helpful. Liz ... View more

Hi I was diagnosed with DCIS - 8cms and told I needed a mastectomy which I had in June. That was the advice I was given. I was told noone can tell if and when it would develop into breast cancer. I really really didn't want the op - I hate hospitals and I hate the idea of a general anaesthetic. I would prefer to have two breasts BUT I would prefer just one breast and no breast cancer. I was rough for two weeks after the op - then recovered very quickly. I feel well now, wear a prosthesis - which I feel very happy and comfortable with. People in the know tell me I look good - and that helps. Whatever decision you make - I will be thinking of you. All the very best. Liz ... View more

Hi What an awful experience for you. I had a mastectomy in June. I was told about a small shop selling mastectomy bras near where I live. It is run by a lady who has had a mastectomy. I was measured there - by someone who knew what it was like to have only one breast. I have also bought mastectomy bras and swimming costumes from Amoena and Nicola Jane - on line. They send them very quickly and have a good return policy if they don't fit or are not suitable. Liz ... View more

My good ness - how awful. Reading your post - I just felt I had to reply. At least you know you have people thinking about you. I hope you enjoy your holiday, then when you get back you will have the energy to get things sorted out. Take care. God bless. Liz ... View more

Well done Debs and Sharon and the BBC. I thought those interviews really got the point across strongly. You have done so well both of you - in representing us all. A big thank you. Liz ... View more

I have been reading through this thread and I am most impressed by everyone who has contributed. Well done to you all. This is a great achievement. I will be up early on Monday morning to watch the BBC. Good luck Debs. Liz ... View more

Hi I use this web site quite often. I live near Newport, and had a mastectomy in the Royal Gwent last June. Liz ... View more

Hi Flora I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow. I will be thinking about you. I had a mastectomy at the beginning of June. I was lucky that I didn't have to have any treatment after. (if you can call having a mastectomy lucky). I went back to work 5 weeks after my op. I am a teacher so that meant I had one week back in work - then the Summer hols - so really it was September. I feel well but find I get tired more easily. You will need to take advice form your specialist, doctor and breast care nurse, and also listen to your body. I think pychologically going back to work did me good. I felt much better when I was no longer on the sick. Good luck. Liz ... View more

Hi I had a mastectomy in June. My breast care nurse said I could start driving as soon as I had good movement in my arm. I think I started driving about 3 and a half weeks after the op - short distances at first. Walking and exercise - I think you need to listen to your body - do what you can but don't over do it. I started taking short walks about 2 weeks after the op and then started swimming. Good luck. Liz ... View more

After having a mastectomy in June I bought a new costume with pockets and a silicone prosthesis. Both fit really well and are very comfortable. As they cost quite a bit I have decided to try and get fitter and I now swim twice a week. I find the prosthesis really good - it always stays in place. I have found the swimming has improved my arm movement since the op and feel it is good exercise. I bought the costume and prothesis on the internet. Liz ... View more

Hi My husband and I have recently returned form a two week holiday touring Europe. We have trouble getting health insurance. My husband has a bad back and is waiting for the result of an MRI scan. I had a mastectomy for breast cancer in June. The insurance company said they would insure either my husbands bad back or my breast cancer - not both. After much discussion we decided to take the cheapest option and not insure his back or my cancer. Maybe not a good idea but it saved us over £100. We decided if either of us needed treatment while on holiday we would just have to drive back to the UK asap. I don't think this helps, but it makes me soooo cross that being ill costs so much money. Liz ... View more

Hi I had a mastectomy in June this year. I found my friends have really really helped me get through this. My family were there for me but they were soooo worried themselves. I wanted to talk and talk and I was lucky to have friends who listened. Perhaps your friend would like to go shopping, or out for a meal. Maybe you could send her some flowers and arrange to meet her when she is ready. Tell her you have been on this site, that will show her how much you care. Maybe she will find this site helpful too. She is lucky to have a friend like you who will be there for her. Liz ... View more

Hi I am sorry you have had such a bad experience. I had a mastectomy in June - I had to wait 5 weeks for it. Those 5 weeks gave me time to come to terms with it - and do plenty of research. My breast care nurse was a wonderful support. I think it would help you if you could talk to yours. I wish you all the best. Take care. ... View more