Forum Discussion
MaryB83
7 years agoMember
Looming double mastectomy
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!
24 Replies
- MaryB83MemberHad op yesterday. So far so good, bit sore on the left side. Feeling pretty good all things considered
- poodlejulesMember@Silba and @MaryB83 thinking of you and wishing you a successful op. and a speedy recovery , all the best x
- Giovanna_BCNAMemberHello @Silba wishing you all the best with your surgery tomorrow, take care of you.
- SisterMemberMy kids are a bit older than yours @MaryB83 (12, 13 & 16) but the only thing that has worried them has been the impact on my health through surgery and chemo. They weren't even fussed about the lack of hair.
- MaryB83MemberI think a large part of it is that this is such a permanent part of treatment. Chemo, hair loss, body aches etc are all relatively temporary, but this is forever (even if I have a reconstruction, it will never be the same). I worry about the impact on my kids (they’re only 8, 6 and 3). I know they’re tough and resilient, but it’s got to be hard On Them and I don’t want my lack of boobs to be a constant reminder of what I’ve been through to them.
But hey, my life is far more important than boobs and I’m of course having the surgery and I will be fine afterwards, it’s just this lead up is giving me too much time to think!! - SilbaMemberI am going to be having a bilateral mastectomy on the 30/10/18 , so I'm apprehensive too , not so much about loosing my boobs , they have done their job. but about how to manage the few weeks afterwards.
Unfortunately I admit to being a control freak ,so not been able to do everything at home my way is going to drive me nuts, but then after 6 months on chemo , this is the next step, then radiation after a few weeks.
So I guess we're together in the same boat , so take comfort someone else is feeling exactly like you and that is normal.
Good Luck , - Legs75MemberI 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. 😊 - primekMemberMixed 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
- KezzaGMemberHi @MaryB83
I had a lumpectomy on my right breast along with lymph node removal on the 21st August. Unfortunately the pathology results weren't what I hoped and ended up having a double mastectomy on the 4th Sept. I was also large busted (18G) and was completely overwhelmed, devastated.... the list goes on.
I'm not going to say it's easy at all and the days and weeks after I was an emotional mess. But as time goes on it does get better. I've just had my second round of AC and am struggling with that more than the double mastectomy.
I have been fitted and received my prosthesis and new bras in a size D. It actually surprised me how comforting it was to have these and the difference it made in my confidence, although my scarring is still quite sore so I only wear them out for short periods of time.
Looking in the mirror has gotten easier and talking to friends and family about how I feel and getting their support has been invaluable. Knowing you are still the same beautiful person to those that you love the dearest has been the most encouraging and supporting words to keep me positive and on track.
I also have to remind myself on the tough days that if I hadn't of had this surgery then I may not be here in the years to come.... and that wasn't ever an option.
I wish you all the very best and hope that all goes well for your surgery. You will get through! Sending you love and hugs xx
Kezza - AllyJayMemberI 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))).