Forum Discussion
A Cup-One no longer two.
I have decided to opt for a single mastectomy Wednesday 25th July 2012.
I have always been an A-cup bra size- but from Wednesday I will just be "A cup". A single cup- no longer two. Although I was teased for being flat chested by family as a teen, now in my 40's my breasts have sagged a bit giving them some definition and I have really felt good about them over the last couple of years. They seem to have softened and aged more gracefully than the rest of me and upon "naked reflection" I now consider them be the most attractive part of my body. Being practical, I will give up one to prolong my life.
My decision not to have reconstruction has been met with compassion and understanding. Actually I think most people felt (and some said) it's not going to make a lot of difference and no-one will really notice. That is probably true.I was given the option to enlarge both, but I just don't think I would feel like me.
This is what it comes down to. I want to feel like me- on the inside. I don't want to have to hide what I look like nor the scars of what my life's journey have left on me, to make other people feel comfortable. I have to be able to live with myself and everyone deserves equally to have the choice of not having reconstruction.
My breasts have performed well to supply my two children with milk and I am grateful to them and I will miss my right breast with its birthmark actually I might miss the birthmark more as I have had it forever!
(I expressed for three months for my son who could not breast feed and my husband actually asked me as sson as he heard the diagnosis if I thought it was all that pumping with the machine that caused the breast cancer! LOL!)
21 Replies
- Apparently surgeons just have their personal way ofapproaching each case. I heard that this is the calm before the storm so am trying to relax -ha- as much as possible. So weird to think I have cancer. Even with one breast gone I just dont really believe it! wish all it took was surgery.
- Thank you Annie MRI showed 2 other lumps15mm&5mm. Have had 4lymph nodes taken. Are waiting on results-tomorrow?Will probably be having surgery to take further nodes Monday- feel good that I didnt have reconstruction.. Hope you are having a good day-I am being well looked after and loving not having to cook!
- Ive been thinking of you.Hope all went ok with your surgery and your recovery is going well.take care annie x
- Ive been thinking of you.Hope all went ok with your surgery and your recovery is going well.take care annie x
Annie, YEAH! The waiting is exhausting, which is part of the reason I am opting for a mastectomy. Especially as from the infomation I have been given it is quote "at least grade 2 invasive (IDC)" .
What do you do to help yourself get through?
Thanks again for the kind wishes x
- Thankyou and good luck for wednesday.I know exactly how you feel.Is an anxious wait.Then waiting on the results is even worse! there is a lot of waiting on this journey so be warned.Thankyou for taking time to think of me when you are going through so much right now. where are you having your surgery? Fingers crossed for a quick recovery and great pathology results x
- Thankyou and good luck for wednesday.I know exactly how you feel.Is an anxious wait.Then waiting on the results is even worse! there is a lot of waiting on this journey so be warned.Thankyou for taking time to think of me when you are going through so much right now. where are you having your surgery? Fingers crossed for a quick recovery and great pathology results x
- Hi firstly this is message has gone public.To send a private message you have to add someone to your contacts.when they accept then you can send private messages.Im not quite techno savy either. I was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago.with stage 3 and lymph node involvement her 2 positive and hormone positive.Im not sure what type of cancer you have so not sure if my treatment plan will be the same as yours. I had mastectomey 9 mnths of chemo with 12 months of herception, 6 weeks of radiation and now on Aromison for 5 years plus.Ive recently had my ovaries removed. I was 40 when i found out. I wont lie its been a long battle.Although ive had all my treatment and have no cancer its taken a toll on me physicaly and mentaly.I feel physicaly aged about 10 years. Im hoping for you theyve caught yours early and your treatment plan will be a lot less. But ive made it thus far and appreciate life a lot differant than before. you will meet so many beautiful people along the way.Doctors nurses and people going through the same as you.Its a blessing that i cant explain.I hope ive helped u somewhat. Lots of strength being sent your way. Annie x
- Hi firstly this is message has gone public.To send a private message you have to add someone to your contacts.when they accept then you can send private messages.Im not quite techno savy either. I was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago.with stage 3 and lymph node involvement her 2 positive and hormone positive.Im not sure what type of cancer you have so not sure if my treatment plan will be the same as yours. I had mastectomey 9 mnths of chemo with 12 months of herception, 6 weeks of radiation and now on Aromison for 5 years plus.Ive recently had my ovaries removed. I was 40 when i found out. I wont lie its been a long battle.Although ive had all my treatment and have no cancer its taken a toll on me physicaly and mentaly.I feel physicaly aged about 10 years. Im hoping for you theyve caught yours early and your treatment plan will be a lot less. But ive made it thus far and appreciate life a lot differant than before. you will meet so many beautiful people along the way.Doctors nurses and people going through the same as you.Its a blessing that i cant explain.I hope ive helped u somewhat. Lots of strength being sent your way. Annie x
Hi Annie
First of all I am not familiar with blogging so although I am intending for my response to be personal and to be private, I don't actually know if this message is private or automatically posted! LOL.
It was WONDERFUL for you to have taken the time to respond with your own experience and so COMFORTING for me to know that I am not the only one that has chosen this path. I had no intention to write a post but this group looked like it needed some support! ... I needed some support too, so I am most grateful for your reply.
I am wondering, how are you now, Annie? How long ago was it that you had your operation?
Thank you for your kind wishes. I also wish you, all the best for your health, happiness and your boys. xx
