Hi all Just jumping into this thread as I had a single right side masectomy with immediate reconstruction (DIEP, using my tummy tissue) just last Weds so it's all new to me and I'm still dealing with the emotional and physical scars that it all brings. I just wanted to ask Carol Lina if your surgeon has recommended you speak to a psychologist as part of the process? My plastic surgery team (I'm seeing them as I was having the DIEP reconstruction) insist that women see their psychologist to discuss the process and to check that they are ready emotionally (or as ready as anyone can be). Although I'm not sure this is only if you are definitely having a reconstruction. It might also be worth asking if your hospital has a 'show and tell' evening for reconstruction options where you can meet other women who've had the different reconstructions, see the work of the surgeons involved and ask any questions. I went to the one at my local hospital just a week before my op and it put my mind so much at ease. This really is a very difficult, distressing, emotionally hard time and there's so much information to take in. I think the medical staff often forget that although they deal with this all every day, for us, it's a single major event in our lives and we haven't experienced anything like it before so need time to absorb, understand and accept it. I think I've been fairly positive throughout my process but it's been a rollercoaster as I was initially told I would only need a lumpectomy and things have slowly escalated into needing the masectomy. And I have some very dark sad days when I get upset about how my body has changed and how exhausted, frail and vulnerable I feel. And I let myself have those days because they are necessary. I'm in the early stages of recovery post mx (its 8 weeks of rest after a DIEP) and I feel frustrated that I can't do the things I want as I'm fiercely independent and live alone, but I have to focus on the fact that the tissue needed to be removed to try and preserve my life. It's a tough road but I think most women who face it are incredibly strong, even on the most rubbish days. So I hope you get the best advice and support you can Carol Lina to get the right results for you. Wishing you and everyone else strength!
... View more