Breast Cancer Now Forum

I agree! Hi Keruval, I feel as if I could have written your post! I am in a slightly different position though as I has a bilateral mastectomy more recently (2 weeks ago). (Also I am 40). I too had large breasts (E cup) and wondered how I would cope looking so different. I\'m pleased to say that it hasn\'t bothered me at all, and I think my attitude has influenced my family and friends too. They seem to be getting used to me flat-chested. It is great not to bother with a bra and the softees they gave me in hospital are still in the bag. I think I\'ll go along to the prostheses BCN too and have one for \"special occasions\". It does seem to be unusual though as most of the hospital staff have asked me when I\'ll consider reconstruction. btw: my hubby feels the same 🙂 ... View more

I\'m home too! Hi to all those who remember me posting a few weeks ago. I was discharged on Saturday after 8 days in hospital (following a PBM). Unfortunately things didn\'t go according to plan. I developed an internal bleed following the initial surgery and had to go back to theatre the following day. All this blood loss caused my iron levels to drop so I needed a blood transfusion and have been feeling lousy. I feel slightly better today and am going back for a check up tomorrow. Did anyone else have huge swellings around the drain sites after they were removed? For all of that, I am still so pleased that this surgery is behind me. The dark cloud has been lifted and it feels good. Thanks to Smudgergirl and Suefab for all your advice. ... View more

Thank you once again Thanks to you both for all your advice! I\'m going on a short break before the op but I will definitely let you know how I get on afterwards. ... View more

Thanks again Smugergirl Its encouraging to hear that you didn\'t need much pain relief. I realise though that everyone is different. I will take in a sports bra then. I hadn\'t thought about a sports bra! Yes, I\'ve been told that I will be in for 5 days, so I\'ll remember to take in reading material. Any other ideas for the hospital stay? I\'ll definitely let you konw how it goes. Thanks again. Lou ... View more

thank you! Thank you so much! It is so reassuring to have 2 people really understand where I\'m coming from. Although I have thought about this for a number of years, I never really discussed it with anyone other than my husband. I think this is why friends think it is a sudden decision. As you say, I want to be around to see my children grow up too. I am also not having an immediate reconstruction. My surgeon tells me that because this is elective surgery it is fairly straightforward and recovery should be shorter. How did you find the recovery? Did you need much pain relief initally? Also, I have been told that the prosthetics nurse will visit me in the hospital. Was this the same for you? Do I need to take a bra along for the prosthesis fitting. I presume the wounds will be swollen and chest drains in etc this could be difficult. Apologies if these sound silly 🙂 Thank you again for your posts. Lou ... View more

advice needed for prophylactic mastectomy I am scheduled to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy next month due to a very poor family history of bc. I am finding it really difficult to tell close friends and family - having to explain the decision etc. Anyone else found this really difficult and how did you deal with it? ... View more

excellent idea! I would certainly welcome a chat forum on early menopause. I am currently facing the decision of having an oopherectomy or hysterectomy (age 41). I too, feel isolated, and would value other\'s experiences. How about it Breast Cancer Care? ... View more