day 2: choices

Hi nimtathren,

I can relate to the surgeon tell you the situation. It can hit you with the  "shock  "and you also feel in denial.. " can this really be happening ? ".. and just want to pretend it is not happening.

I was told early on.. to take things day by day, step by step. Sometimes you need to proceed moment by moment. Time passes, and things will return to some normality in time.

So many things to get your head around. You have decided on a mastectomy I take it, then they will do biopsy to determine the grade and further treatment.

It IS very scary, but treatments have come a long way.

Feel free to ask questions or vent on here. The emotional journey and the physical journey are a big thing. Try to keep calm and centred, even if you cannot do it all the time, and acknowledge the range of emotions you feel also. I went into denial I think, although at the time I did not realise it. I remember feeling shock and fear, also love and anger, sadness and bargaining..  to the universe..  please let me be cured. It came down to trust..hope.. all will be ok.. and taking things step by step. Asking for help and resting when necessary, were helpful strategies.

I figured they had to do something to rid me of the cancer, although I was not very happy about the lumpectomy on my  breast. Now I am used to the new shapes of my breasts. I had another lumpectomy on the other side in 2003, and my boobs are sort of even now, but smaller. They are also level, just about, and uplifted somewhat..so I am happy with them...

We can adjust in time, so be kind to yourself; get all information and make an informed choice on the direction that is best for you.

All the best, Kathy.