BILATERAL MASTECTOMY 2 YEARS ON

Congratulations! 2 years!

Wow! I have just had my bi lateral mastectomy with expanders put in 24/6/16. and I am getting those phantom sensations now....the itchy nipple drives me nuts! Very bizarre! I was wondering if it goes away, but looks like it may not! Oh well, just another side effect that hangs around...I still have the numbness in my toes and fingers from my chemo!

I too lost an instant 4kgs after my mastectomy...my boobs weighed 2 kilos each! and yes its bittersweet....but i can honestly say I won;t miss my huge boobs and am looking forward to shopping at regular outlets for bras and like you, not spending $100 upwards each on a couple of bras every 3-6 months! and to my clothes not having to be taken in at the wist because I have to buy a larger size to get over my boobs!

It's funny how people react isn't it? None of my own family want to know about my cancer "I'll get over it" - mind you I didn't expect anything more from them I suppose we aren't close and they all ditched me after my Dad passed in 2013, I only told them as our Mum had breast cancer too....but none the less, it hurt that I got that reaction! I can't really say my own kids have been too supportive either....and I have found myself wondering, how it would be if it were "worse" as some people have so kindly (not) pointed out "it could be worse!" ....the things people say to you is astonishing! .....Thank goodness  I have my husbands family

I found this disease can be very lonely at times, even when you ARE surrounded by loving people...you don't want to come across as a whinger, but some days you do need to just let it all out...and boy do I hate it when they are surprised you start crying or talking a hundred mile per hour to get it all out! that's partly why I keep a journal...it helps

I also think it's amazing that after each treatment finishes, they think you're OK now! Like now that I've had my mastectomy....little do they realise the pain, side effects, mental effects etc that come with it all.....some days I just say NO! I'm not OK! 

While it's upsetting and hurtful at times, you have every reason to hold your head high....look at what you've been through, come through...be proud of YOU....YOU are awesome! and if it means you only have less than a handful of people on your cheer squad, then so be it. 

Sending you a BIG hug....keep smiling

Xx