Breast Cancer Now Forum

So pleased you have got it sorted.  You must be very relieved.   Good luck with the surgery and recovery.   ... View more

Hi Saffyalice, I am sorry you are going through this.  I had mastectomy on my right breast like you but I chose to not have reconstruction as I didn't have clear margins so feel I need to reduce any tissues to prevent the cancer coming back.     I am waiting for genetic testing and hoping it will result in the left breast being removed.  The left breast has already been tested and I worry there is cancer there already.  I do feel I have a good case for it to be removed. I am desperate to have equal breasts and feel that I have control over future cancer (as much aa that is possible), I have looked into going private if the surgery on the NHS is not an option.  I have started putting money aside each month to help finance it if needed.  I appreciate that a reconstruction will be more expensive. A friend did suggest that I should speak to the GP about the psychological impact it is having and see if that would lead to the necessary surgery.  Currently I am still having treatment so I am not at that stage yet.  It is a lengthy process and counselling and psychological assessments would be involved and with Covid-19 it would probably be delayed as it isnt seen as essential and they are reluctant to remove a healthy breast. Good luck and I do hope you get this sorted. I know it is emotionally hard as you can't ignore your boobs and see your chest everyday! ... View more

I hope all goes well for you.    It is funny that your husbands comment was about the size of your boobs.  My husband's comment was that my boobs were so small no-one would notice if they went so I think they are both on the same wavelength.    The bra I found the best after surgery was a silhouette sleep bra.  It is very soft and doesn't dig in to the scars and it gives to go over the dressings.  It is quite pretty and feminine too, later I moved onto wearing nursing bras as I found them more comfortable.  I purchased sports bras but they hurt too much as they were too restrictive and pressed on my drain scars.   With regards to getting back to riding it will really depend on the treatment after surgery.  If I had just the originally planned surgery I am sure I would be riding by now (about 3 months after).  I was able to drive 2 weeks after surgery and went back to work.   Spending time with the animals will certainly help your recovery.  Take care of yourself. ... View more

Hi Horseylass,   So sorry that you have to be part of this group.  I was diagnosed in December 2019 and had a mastectomy at the beginning of January.  I am currently having chemotherapy before I have further surgery and radiotherapy later in the year.  My homelife seems very similar to you, my husband has a farming background and is always out working.  Even the day I came home from the hospital after surgery he had stuff to do so left me in my own.  My advice is try and get some food made up (casseroles, soups etc) which are easy for your husband/you to heat up to get you through the first few days.  I was able to make simple meals within a few days.    My husband initially wanted to talk about things but soon after the surgery he stopped talking about it and now it feels we pretend nothing is happening.  It seems to be his way of coping.  Try and surround yourself with friends or family you can talk to instead of your husband; you will need someone to help you through this emotionally.    Zip up tops and button shirts are essential, I ordered mine from Amazon and also had my post surgery bra from there too.   I have a horse and although my husband looked after her initially, by day 10 I was able to clean out the stable and give her bags etc.   It gave me some structure to the day and I pottered around at my own pace.  My girl is very calm and gentle and has great stable manners so I know I am safe around her.  I haven't ridden yet but my girl is fine to be left for a while so I am not rushing into that.  I find spending time outside with the animals relaxing and it is normal so I feel I can forget about what is happening to my body.   Although this is tough you will be able to do things but take it steadily.  You will have good days and feel like you can do a lot and other days when getting up is all you can manage.  You need to listen to your body but you can get through this and I found it isn't as bad as you first think.   The hardest thing I found is telling friends and family.  At the moment with not being able to see anyone it will be harder to let others know your news.  I hope you are able to find a way to speak to others about what you are going through. Good luck with everything. ... View more

Hi Jan,   Thank you for your reply.  I feel ok about the chemo. I am more worried about the practical stuff.  I will speak to Macmillan about financial advice and work rules for my partner and I.   I hope you are ok.   ... View more

Hi Holeinone,   Thank you.  I am glad I posted on here it makes sense now.  I hope you have recovered and well. ... View more

Thank you.  That makes it a bit clearer.  Initially 6 months off work was what I was told by the nurse but then I calculated the treatment was 4 1/2 months so what you said about your journey made sense.  I will look into financial support there has been lots of good advice on this forum. ... View more