Starting the journey - Waiting

Hi Louise. I was diagnosed in April this year. My story quite similar. I wanted to go on HRT therapy as I was feeling like sh**t. A routine mamogram before hrt found the lump. I was then sent for a ultrasound and then a biopsy all on the same day so I was saved the waiting somewhat but was in shock as this never happens to me!! I had to wait someitime before getting the results as it was over the easter brreak. When I was told it was invasive cancer I was in shock and remained so for weeks. The hardest part was telling my partner and my two children. Both my children are grown up and handled it differently. My son withdrew and went quiet and avoided me and monitored my every move,as in Mum you cant eat that, drink that its not good for your cancer.  I just want to hug him and make his concerns go away. My daughter bought me presents and asked loads of questions and offered support in her own way. My partner has been amazing and it is him I am taking this out on! I had a mastectomy on May23rd and a sentinal node biopsy. The biopsy was negative, Phew. Now I am dealing with having had my breast removed. On the one hand it was the best thing as now I dont need radiotherapy as they say they got it all ( god hope they are right on this one!) They tell me chemo would only help 1.8% so I dont need that either (once again hope they are right here!) Now I am left with  dealing with phantom boob pain! I get pain and tenderness in my left boob and that is the one that was removed! I am numb where my scar is but that is normal so dont worry. They will give you exercises to do the next day and I highly recommend you do them religously. You will feel a bit stiff but with the exercises that will pass. The op itself is not a big op so you will recover quite quickly physically. They should give you the results of the lymph test the next day as well and I wish you every good luck that the results are good. All I can suggest Louise is that you take it one step at a time and dont look to what-ifs. I do know this is easier said than done but whenever I went to what-if I shut it out and thought of the stage I was at right at that moment. Be kind to yourself. Take things gently. Don't look too far ahead. Treat yourself and lean on those that are there with a strong shoulder. Keep on here and let us know how you are faring and every good luck. My thoughts are with you and I am sending good vibes your way. XX Viv