Fast forward!

Hi Jane,

Thank you for the advice and support - I really appreciate it.  Will take things one day at a time and remember to laugh - and be grateful for the wonderful care from my breastcare team.  All the best for next month for your surgery - I will follow your progress posts.

Michelle xx

Hi Mel,

You understand exactly - thank you for your cheering message - I read it twice and it meant so much to me.  I have decided against reconstruction also - just want it gone and healed in the shortest possible time. There are so many forms to fill out, and so much reading to get through, that the weekend will pass quickly I hope - the My Journey kit was such a help, and I could talk to the surgeon with at least a bit of knowledge and not sound too stupid.

Thank you for the hugs!  I needed that.

Michelle xxx

Good luck for your operation! I had a lumpectomy in 2002 followed by chemo and radiation. Then in August last year, I found a new little lump which required a mastectomy and chemo again. I'm seeing my surgeon in May to arrange a mastectomy on the other side and a double reconstruction. I'm not nervous at all, because I found the recovery from the previous surgeries to be really straight forward. I also had my ovaries out in January to get my high estrogen levels down. Instant menopause at 44! But after all I've been through, I'm feeling really happy and healthy again. I've lost my hair and grown it back twice, but I always kept my sense of humor and took things one day at a time. Nothing will happen to you that you can't handle, it just seems scary because it's all so serious and unknown. Just remember to laugh a lot and do things that make you happy! All the best xx Jane

Hi Michelle I can truly understand how you must be feeling at this difficult time. I was diagnosed in October last year with multiple cancers both breasts and both breasts were removed within two weeks. I then had a bilateral node clearance two weeks after that. I was still getting my head around the fact I had cancer and all these decisions were made for me. I felt like I had lost all control over my life but I quickly decided I needed to put my life in the experts hands. From day one I feared chemo more than anything. I found the masectomy to be alot easier on both my mind and my body than I had imagined. I cried once in hospital when I saw my cut that extends from under my left arm to behind my right arm due to trouble removing my nodes. I sat on the floor of the shower and cried with one of the nurses. She was only 25 and in remission from blood cancer. She gave me incredible strength and I believe our paths were meant to cross. My advice to you is put yourself first, ask questions no matter how silly they seem, rest when you need to, speak about your feelings to your family, remember your loved ones will still love you after your breasts are gone. You are giving yourself the best chance of a great outcome. I look at my scar now and see it as part of me.I'm very proud of it as it reminds me how strong I am and how much I've done to beat this and be there for my children. I decided right now reconstruction is not for me.. I bought prosthesis but have only worn them twice.. They are comfy etc but just not for me now. Speak up and tell your care team if something doesn't feel right whether it's your drain site, cut etc. I hope the next few days aren't too stressful for you. It is doable and you will look back and say wow I went through all that. Take care Sending you lots of healing hugs Mel xxx