Forum Discussion
Overwhelmed and feeling down
After 2 opinion from different drs I have been told that a total mastectomy is only option for me due to the multiple lesions found in my breast. I am feeling rather overwhelmed at the thought of losi...
Dear Karenp23
First thing, you haven’t done anything to deserve this. Cancer has very little to do with deserving or otherwise. No-one actively seeks it and as my surgeon says, the reasons for breast cancer are still a bit of a mystery. But it has happened and as you say, while much better not to have happened at all, your signs are good. Losing any part of your body is no fun, but I had rather lose a breast than an arm or a leg. Mastectomy is not the end of the story, it can be the start of a new story if you can look at it that way. Think about the options, including reconstruction, and you may find it helps to channel your energies towards recovery rather than escape (given the latter, sadly, doesn’t really work). Cry all you want, it’s good to release your fear and disbelief. Once you start treatment, things tend to get a little more organised and clearer. Best wishes.
First thing, you haven’t done anything to deserve this. Cancer has very little to do with deserving or otherwise. No-one actively seeks it and as my surgeon says, the reasons for breast cancer are still a bit of a mystery. But it has happened and as you say, while much better not to have happened at all, your signs are good. Losing any part of your body is no fun, but I had rather lose a breast than an arm or a leg. Mastectomy is not the end of the story, it can be the start of a new story if you can look at it that way. Think about the options, including reconstruction, and you may find it helps to channel your energies towards recovery rather than escape (given the latter, sadly, doesn’t really work). Cry all you want, it’s good to release your fear and disbelief. Once you start treatment, things tend to get a little more organised and clearer. Best wishes.