im having a double mastectomy with auxiliary lymph node clearance on the 1st November. Finding it hard to believe it’s happening even though I’ve had 6 months of chemo! Wondering how to get my head around it. How have others dealt with it? Going from a 10G to nothing seems so extreme!

Mixed emotions of getting rid of cancer and losing your breasts. I too had a bilateral mastectomy but I chose a reconstruction. My surgeon did shock me when I awoke with some breasts due to expansion. I dudnt really grieve my loss until later. It was a big relief to be rid of the cancer. Kath x

I had six months of chemo, followed by a bilateral mastectomy with full node clearance on the left and sentinal node on the right. During the six months of chemo (for me a nightmare) prior to surgery, my head accepted that those two comfy cushions on my front which had been the source of much pride as a teenager, a source of nourishment for my babies (four years and five months total), in my twenties and much fun thereafter, had to go. They were trying to kill me. Not just some theoretical Hollywood tearjerker movie, but for real. If I kept them, I was going to die sooner rather than later. With my husband's love and support (39 years married) and that of my adult kids and their partners, I've come through. A couple of speed humps here and there due to other medical conditions, but here I still am two years post diagnosis and No Evidence of Disease. Sure I miss my boobs, but I know I've given it everything I have to live a longer life, and that is more important to me and my family. Keep going and you too will get there. Ally (((hug))).

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate implants. I didn’t have to have chemo but from diagnosis to surgery was less than a month. I could almost feel the lump had grown (which it had) and I just remember thinking that I just want this out of my body. I did not care at the time that they were removing my breasts. But it is a lot to get used to emotionally, physically and mentally and 6 months down the track I’m still on that journey. But it does get easier as time goes on. I wish you all the best and know that once they are gone you won’t have to worry about those dreaded things getting any cancer in them. That is definitely a huge weight of your shoulders. I hope your surgery goes well and sending blessings to you at this time. 😊

Had my specialist appointment today. Tiny little bit left after chemo (less than 1%) but it’s now all gone!! And definitely hadn't spread!!

And @MaryB83 it is very extreme. Unfortunately there is no way to get your head around it apart from knowing that it is necessary and you really don't have that much of a say. That in itself becomes a kind of consolation because there is no way that any of us would choose to do this willingly. Wishing for you that your surgery goes beautifully and that your anxiety and stress levels can be done and over with. Big hugs lovely, all the best and please let us know how you are going. Xx

Looming double mastectomy | BCNA Online Network

24 Replies

lrb_03
Member
7 years ago
Excellent news, @MaryB83
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kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@MaryB83 Brilliant!
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MaryB83
Member
7 years ago
Had my specialist appointment today. Tiny little bit left after chemo (less than 1%) but it’s now all gone!! And definitely hadn't spread!!
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arpie
Member
7 years ago
Wishing you all the best for your recovery & results @MaryB83 xx

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Kiwi_Angel
Member
7 years ago
@MaryB83 hope u are recovering well - big hugs xo
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kmakm
Member
7 years ago
GAs are exhausting but mostly it's the emotional fatigue of this operation. It's a big deal. Be kind to yourself and take as much time as you need to recover. K xox
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MaryB83
Member
7 years ago
So far so good. Feeling a bit stiff and bruised (no bruises showing). Drains out tomorrow! Can’t wait! Surprised at how tired I am though
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LIttleBlueWren
Member
7 years ago
Hi @maryb83
Hope your recovery is going well.
Littlebluewren

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Giovanna_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Hi @MaryB83
Good to hear that all is going well after your surgery, take care of you
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kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Well done @MaryB83. It's such a bizarre thing to do isn't it, but for the best. Onwards and upwards! K xox
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