Tomorrow is the masectomy!

Hi Sandy, good luck tomorrow with your surgery. I have had a double mastectomy, and the pain is not too bad. You have done the tough bit, the lymph nodes, this will not be as bad. I had half of my lymph nodes out in December 2010 when I had my first mastectomy. When I started reconstruction in September last year, I also had the second breast removed, and it was a lot easier than the first one with the node removal. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. I have had no regrets at all about my decision re mastectomies. It has given me enormous relief. Love Chris xx

I will do that!

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful support, it goes a long way towards the mental wellbeing!

Sandy

Good luck for tomorrow.Like you,I had a lumpectomy first(2003) and then it came back so had a mastectomy in May 2010.I think I got used to losing my boob bit by bit.When the nurse took the dressing down I was quite ok about it but I was high on pain killers-that helped! Although you are glad to be rid of a diseased boob,it is still a grieving process to work through.I wear a prosthesis in my bra and outwardly,you'd never know.But getting dressed and undressed can sometimes be upsetting at first.The scar is  a constant reminder. I don't do naked anymore.I also have trouble finding tops/dresses with higher necklines.These are only little irritations that challenge us and can be overcome.Hopefully the trade off is a cancer free life. Let us know how you are when you get home.

                                       Tonya xx

Good luck for tomorrow.Like you,I had a lumpectomy first(2003) and then it came back so had a mastectomy in May 2010.I think I got used to losing my boob bit by bit.When the nurse took the dressing down I was quite ok about it but I was high on pain killers-that helped! Although you are glad to be rid of a diseased boob,it is still a grieving process to work through.I wear a prosthesis in my bra and outwardly,you'd never know.But getting dressed and undressed can sometimes be upsetting at first.The scar is  a constant reminder. I don't do naked anymore.I also have trouble finding tops/dresses with higher necklines.These are only little irritations that challenge us and can be overcome.Hopefully the trade off is a cancer free life. Let us know how you are when you get home.

                                       Tonya xx

Thanks Kathryne, I think that is what confuses me the most, I have not had a breakdown yet and feel that maybe I should have by now! My GP has suggested a counsellor but I am not comfortable with the idea and therefore can't see the benefit. I find I get a lot of support from this forum, and although our "journeys" all differ, at least I know that others have been through or are going through similar issues and understand.

Sandy

Thanks Natalie, my chemo was FEC x3, then Docetaxel X 3! Like you, I found the chemo absolutely horrendous and never want to repeat it. Infact, my last round was on Dec 12th and I have only just lifted myself out of the "fog". I feel I lost 6 months of my life from the side effects.  But hang in there, we do this for a purpose! And ask for medication to deal with the side effects if you havent already, I found it helps.

Sandy

Hey Sandy

All the best for tomorrow, I was surprised when I had my surgery in August last year how well I handled it. The surgery itself was not painful at all and I just accepted this what I had to do to save my life, it was some  weeks later that I lost control and had a good cry. Although we all have cancer in common in a way it is a very individual journey, there is no right or wrong way to deal with it, so if you want to cry then do so. You have to grieve for you loss. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and wishing you well. Take care. Kathryne XX