An unwanted "gift" for my 40th birthday
Hi everyone, In the middle of January, I felt a lump in my breast and went through the usual tests - mammogram and ultrasound, and then biopsies of both breasts. At the end of February, roughly two...
Forum Discussion
Hi CozyCat
Sorry to read your unwanted “gift”. It sucks doesn’t it? I am new to this as well having been diagnosed with DCIS in my right breast mid Feb after a routine screen. So hard to process as I didn’t feel any different but they were telling me I needed a partial mastectomy, removal of the nipple and the sentinel lymph node. I am now 10 days post surgery and trying to process all that has happened seemingly so quickly. So in terms of advice on how to prepare, I don’t have a lot other than trying to take it all one step at a time as this helps me feel more in control. I’m learning to control the controllable and let everything else go. I’m learning to manage the pain better and stay on top of the medication so it doesn’t get too bad. Ice packs have helped as I’ve had so much swelling and bruising. Think the phantom nipple pain is the thing I’m struggling with most and got told to massage the area but that hurts more! It’s been difficult to look in the mirror and accept the changes but I’m guessing time will help with this.
Sorry to read your unwanted “gift”. It sucks doesn’t it? I am new to this as well having been diagnosed with DCIS in my right breast mid Feb after a routine screen. So hard to process as I didn’t feel any different but they were telling me I needed a partial mastectomy, removal of the nipple and the sentinel lymph node. I am now 10 days post surgery and trying to process all that has happened seemingly so quickly. So in terms of advice on how to prepare, I don’t have a lot other than trying to take it all one step at a time as this helps me feel more in control. I’m learning to control the controllable and let everything else go. I’m learning to manage the pain better and stay on top of the medication so it doesn’t get too bad. Ice packs have helped as I’ve had so much swelling and bruising. Think the phantom nipple pain is the thing I’m struggling with most and got told to massage the area but that hurts more! It’s been difficult to look in the mirror and accept the changes but I’m guessing time will help with this.
Go Gently as this is such a shitty ride to be on and I’m learning the grief and loss is an emotional roller coaster. Take care and hope you find some joy in turning 40.