Really struggling with needing mastectomy
I have really been agonising over needing a mastectomy. I just feel horrified that they want to cut my breasts off and wonder how I will accept and deal with lookiing down to see no breasts. I have...
Forum Discussion
Hi TannieT
So sorry to see you here, joining our select little group xx
The diagnosis alone is very confronting, let alone, losing your breasts as well - and you've been thru so much already. :(
Is your surgeon giving you the option of reconstruction? You may like to get a 2nd opinion.
Definitely join both groups (as mentioned by Mez_BCNA ) ...
You've found the right spot here tho, for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story. Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said. Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉
Mine was ILC - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and am finishing up with the tabs now!
Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!! This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below).
She is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically! Her own reaction to her diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect! She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html.
Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching!
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/
There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737
Take care & all the best for your surgery & ongoing appointments & treatment xx.
(And definitely consider recording your appointments so you can go over it again!)