Hello,This is my first time on the Forum. I went for my normal Mammogram, i didnt have a lump or anything.Although years ago i have had 2 lumpectomys which were benign. I was diagnosed with low grade DCIS in February, after having all the usual biopsies etc. i was told that all i needed was a Lumpectomy. I had this done in April. I recieved a phone call off my Breast Care nurse 2 weeks later, to tell me that i would have to have a Mastectomy.You can imagine how i felt after this phone call!Telling me this on a Friday . My Doctor and Family were not pleased that i was informed this way. I did see my Consultant, and he told me that all the tissue was not removed. I had my Mastectomy (right breast)9 weeks ago, on the 7th. June. I stayed in Hospital overnight, and for the next 5 days the District Nurses came to empty my drains. I did do my excercises, and my Husband cared for me.And my Family were wonderful and supportive. I am doing well , i still have slight discomfort, and still have numbness under my arm, where the 2 lymph nodes were removed.And i still feel tired if i do too much. I did go to the Hospital a few times, to have fluid drained from the site. And the same Breast Care nurse that phoned me about my Mastectomy, asked if i wanted her to phone me and let me know my results from my OP!!!I couldnt believe it.I bellowed---NO As i believe she was disciplined over it, and shouldnt have given such news over the phone. What did help me, prepare for my OP. Was watching the Victoria Derbyshire Video, when she had her Mastectomy. I must have watched it about 10 times! I go for my Bra fitting on Thursday, and my Prostheis, as i didnt want reconstruction. I do feel sad that i have "lost" my right breast, but it is a small price to pay. I am now debating wether, to have my left breast removed, to prevent what happened.But my Doctor has told me to discuss this with my Consultant in January. I am on 20mg.Tamoxifen, and as yet no side effects, although i did have a Hysterectomy when i was 38yrs. On the whole my OP, thanks to the video i watched, went smoothly. The only part i didnt like, was when the Surgeon was marking my right breast, with his felt tip pen,it seemed to go on forever. i did feel like breaking down, i felt humiliated. I know this has to done, but surely they can do it when we are under!! I hope my letter will help someone, as this Forum has helped me.I am on it everyday, but its the first time, i have written anything. x
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