Post bilateral Mastectomy advice

Hey Susan

I am more than happy to be here for you and I know what you mean about people thinking we are super women cause that was how things were for me before BC.

Have a good chat with your doctor tomorrow and let them know how you are feeling. From the other posts from the girls it appears it is normal to have that tight feeling etc. but it certainly doesn't sound comfortable for you.

Hope we have helped to make you feel a bit better about things.

Please stay in touch and let us know how you go with the doctor tomorrow.

Lots of love, Mich xoxo

So much for responding and so sorry to hear all you are going through. After speaking with a lovely girl at BCNA she pointed me here first. Yes I did get my journey kit which I have found invaluable.

 

Only 7 years ago I had major reconstructive bowel surgery which was a long slow recovery (and a massive change of diet!) and was strong enough to cope with that. I think i gave my friends and family the thought that I was superwoman, tough and strong etc. that I don't think they know how to deal with this weeping, angry, frustrated me who is so sore and cut up to even get a hug. I do appreciate your comment that the old normal is gone and I have to learn to take it each day. am seeing my GP again tomorrow to check leaking drain incisions and will ask her to refer me to someone for councelling. last week she thought I was not depressed but suffering post traumatic stress, I think she may be wrong because this is just not me at all. Luckily my lymph nodes and clear margin were clear and so no radio/chemo needed. Reconstruction is not viable due to my blood disorder as the risks of bleeding and infection are too great.

 

I am hopeful that once I am off antibiotics and pain relief I will settle. Berlie sent me a new bra with pads which I will try once the incisions begin to heal (from my shoulders, under my arm pits like a fan, down to my lowest rib on the L side and the R side and connected straight across my chest)

 

Anyhoo I will come back tomorrow after my visit to doc and let you know how I go.

 

Thank you so much again.

 

I just noticed other messages which I will reply to later as it's taking ages to type with the swelling I have...thank you all

xx

Welcome to this network but sorry to here about all the surgery you had to have. It's hard at first to get used to the mastectomy scar.I had my mastectomy in 2010(my second bout of bc cancer) and then after that I had chemo.I can remember looking in the mirror,bald and scarred,and saying the same as you -  I look like Frankenstein's bride!! It's "normal"to cry and grieve for breasts you've just lost. You will feel tightness(like duck tape across your chest?) and numbness and weird shooting pains.It took about 4 -6 weeks for it to settle down for me.However,I still have tightness which is apparently adhesions. Once I got fitted for a prosthesis and bought proper mastectomy bras,I felt more comfortable and confident.It is a big adjustment to get used to so give yourself time-cry if you need to. You've lost alot of weight but perhaps losing both breasts might account for some of it? Please blog back here for support,information or to vent your fears - I think it helps.Your pink sisters know what you are going through.

                    sending hugs, Tonya xx

Welcome to this network but sorry to here about all the surgery you had to have. It's hard at first to get used to the mastectomy scar.I had my mastectomy in 2010(my second bout of bc cancer) and then after that I had chemo.I can remember looking in the mirror,bald and scarred,and saying the same as you -  I look like Frankenstein's bride!! It's "normal"to cry and grieve for breasts you've just lost. You will feel tightness(like duck tape across your chest?) and numbness and weird shooting pains.It took about 4 -6 weeks for it to settle down for me.However,I still have tightness which is apparently adhesions. Once I got fitted for a prosthesis and bought proper mastectomy bras,I felt more comfortable and confident.It is a big adjustment to get used to so give yourself time-cry if you need to. You've lost alot of weight but perhaps losing both breasts might account for some of it? Please blog back here for support,information or to vent your fears - I think it helps.Your pink sisters know what you are going through.

                    sending hugs, Tonya xx

Hi Susan I had the bi lateral mastecomy too and mine often felt too tight too, it still does when I get tired or don't take in enough fluids. It's a crappy time and having to have an extra surgery sux. It takes time to process all that has happened and time to find out what the new normal is. Apart from the physical wounds, there are also the emotional wounds that tend to get overlooked. I saw a physologist (under protest) but proved to be very beneficial for me. Also coming here is a step in the right direction too, we have been there. I am actually at home recovering from having my ovaries removed on Tuesday, so feeling a bit sad and sorry for myself too today, but tomorrow I will pick myself up, dust off and keep on keeping on planning all the fun things I can do with my life. Much love and support huny, we are here for you. Tanya