Well after being recalled to breastscreen for further testing i was given the news that I had breast cancer on the 3rd Sept 2013...oh my what a brick wall i hit:) So this is how my "journey" started ....now after a few tests and a visit with a surgeon I'm off for a "Bilateral Mastectomy" which is happening next tues. I dont have any doubts about doing this but my head sometimes strays and negative thoughts creep in....so i think I'm just needing some reassurance from those who have been through it especially those who did not have reconstructive surgery straight away. Thanks and am looking forward to your comments:)

I was diagnosed on the 2nd September,and had my mastectomy on the 17th.it was my first time ever in a hospital,and I was pretty damm scared.anyway,the ladies on here reassured me that it was very doable,and do you know what?- it was.i came home after 3 days,and the pain was minimal.sleeping on my back was the hardest thing for me.im not sure how much harder it will be with a bilateral,but I'm sure it would have its own challenges.i wish you all the best,and I have found that reading what I can,and talking on this site,has really helped me.

Sorry about your bc diagnosis but welcome to this network. I've had bc twice and the last time was in 2010 when I had a left mastectomy. I was high on pain killers when my dressing came off and I looked at my chest.I recommend this cos I seemed quite ok about it ,which really surprised me.I was in hospital for 3 days and came home with a drain in. The pain wasn't too bad cos your chest ends up being numb.The drain will be a pain and a nuisance but usually comes out a week later.I haven't had any reconstruction,just use a prosthesis in a mastectomy bra.I got fitted for it about 6 weeks post op.Have you had the Berlei bra and soft forms ordered for you from this network?I'm not ruling out recon cos I don't like being lopsided but I'm in no hurry.Blog back here if you have any questions.We all support each other at this network cos we know what you are going through. sending hugs, Tonya xx

It is very scaring. I found that some people turn your back on you. Other people have been great. You go through every emotion so good to talk about it with your loved ones. I have just finished treatment. Now I wait if the cancer is goe or not

I had my bilateral mastectomy on Sept 10 although I also had immediate reconstruction. So my experience isn't quite the thing you want to hear about. However I do want to let you know that three weeks out of my op I am feeling better than I thought I would. I do not miss my old breasts as I considered them my enemy and what had made me sick in the first place. Whether you decide on reconstruction or not, you will be amazed at how well you will do when you think that you are getting rid of the BC. It is tough, I'll not gloss over that but very doable as you'll hear from lovely ladies here. I never thought of myself as particularly strong but I have found my inner strength and with the help of your family and the wonderful support from our amazing Pink Sisters, you will find your strength too. Love and hugs to you Janey xxx

Newly Diagnosed | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

TonyaM
Member
12 years ago
Sorry about your bc diagnosis but welcome to this network. I've had bc twice and the last time was in 2010 when I had a left mastectomy. I was high on pain killers when my dressing came off and I looked at my chest.I recommend this cos I seemed quite ok about it ,which really surprised me.I was in hospital for 3 days and came home with a drain in. The pain wasn't too bad cos your chest ends up being numb.The drain will be a pain and a nuisance but usually comes out a week later.I haven't had any reconstruction,just use a prosthesis in a mastectomy bra.I got fitted for it about 6 weeks post op.Have you had the Berlei bra and soft forms ordered for you from this network?I'm not ruling out recon cos I don't like being lopsided but I'm in no hurry.Blog back here if you have any questions.We all support each other at this network cos we know what you are going through. sending hugs, Tonya xx
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago
I was diagnosed on the 2nd September,and had my mastectomy on the 17th.it was my first time ever in a hospital,and I was pretty damm scared.anyway,the ladies on here reassured me that it was very doable,and do you know what?- it was.i came home after 3 days,and the pain was minimal.sleeping on my back was the hardest thing for me.im not sure how much harder it will be with a bilateral,but I'm sure it would have its own challenges.i wish you all the best,and I have found that reading what I can,and talking on this site,has really helped me.
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago
I was diagnosed on the 2nd September,and had my mastectomy on the 17th.it was my first time ever in a hospital,and I was pretty damm scared.anyway,the ladies on here reassured me that it was very doable,and do you know what?- it was.i came home after 3 days,and the pain was minimal.sleeping on my back was the hardest thing for me.im not sure how much harder it will be with a bilateral,but I'm sure it would have its own challenges.i wish you all the best,and I have found that reading what I can,and talking on this site,has really helped me.

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