Struggling with Negative Emotions
Good morning, I am new to the forum so apologies if this subject has been discussed previously. I had a double mastectomy in March 2024. Breast Cancer is so prevalent in my family, but all other fam...
Forum Discussion
Hi @jconnolly4285
I'm sorry that you are having some negative feelings, but I also think that is completely normal.
I completed neoadjuvant chemo prior to surgery, so whilst I am also generally a private person there is no getting around the visual marker of hair loss! As such, I encouraged my husband and children to talk to whoever they needed to about it for their own support.
But yes, I understand that you might not want to be known as the "cancer" person. I was told to think of my diagnosis as more like a chronic condition (such as diabetes etc) and that helped my way of thinking.
I chose a double mastectomy through the private system and am comfortable with my decision. I think about the surgery as a form of amputation, but of a part of your body with less function than something like a limb. A process of grieving for the loss of that body part is completely normal (even though it was trying to kill me :D ).
Often radiotherapy is required following lumpectomy and this can be avoided by having mastectomy, so the processes are different but not necessarily harder/easier.
My surgery was in May so my scars are still quite visual, but I am advised that they will fade in time and I can also get nipple tattooing etc, which will help to hide scarring.
Definitely let your team know about the pain. I would encourage you to focus on rehab with an accredited sport program or physio - over here in WA the Cancer Council offers free programs - exercise always makes me feel great. Also seek out specialist breast cancer counselling to to heal your mind (particularly if you are hesitant to talk to your husband) and keep posting on the forum.
I'm sorry that you are having some negative feelings, but I also think that is completely normal.
I completed neoadjuvant chemo prior to surgery, so whilst I am also generally a private person there is no getting around the visual marker of hair loss! As such, I encouraged my husband and children to talk to whoever they needed to about it for their own support.
But yes, I understand that you might not want to be known as the "cancer" person. I was told to think of my diagnosis as more like a chronic condition (such as diabetes etc) and that helped my way of thinking.
I chose a double mastectomy through the private system and am comfortable with my decision. I think about the surgery as a form of amputation, but of a part of your body with less function than something like a limb. A process of grieving for the loss of that body part is completely normal (even though it was trying to kill me :D ).
Often radiotherapy is required following lumpectomy and this can be avoided by having mastectomy, so the processes are different but not necessarily harder/easier.
My surgery was in May so my scars are still quite visual, but I am advised that they will fade in time and I can also get nipple tattooing etc, which will help to hide scarring.
Definitely let your team know about the pain. I would encourage you to focus on rehab with an accredited sport program or physio - over here in WA the Cancer Council offers free programs - exercise always makes me feel great. Also seek out specialist breast cancer counselling to to heal your mind (particularly if you are hesitant to talk to your husband) and keep posting on the forum.