Upcoming Surgery- so nervous
Hi everyone I have been booked in for an urgent full mastectomy of the right breast and clearing of the nodes ( i think that's the right terminology). I am unable to have any reconstruction at thi...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Kelkel89,
Sorry to hear about the shock of the mastectomy. I had a mastectomy first and then chemo and it happened fast. I think from diagnosis about 1.5 weeks. It does make your head spin a bit. But i focussed on getting the cancer gone and felt relief at that and maybe you will ultimately feel some comfort knowing that.
I think for anyone losing a breast regardless of how you feel about them generally that first glance can be a bit confronting. I waited a day and then had a little peek. It wasnt bad looking at all, quite tidy really and i felt some sense of care and gratitude for my body which had been through a bit of poking and prodding already. I am (was?) a c cup.
I think as advice Id say take a couple of things which give you comfort. You are going through a trial generally and need to be kind to yourself. Hospitals seem to always be hot and a small fan maybe? Take care to drink lots of water, i found hospital food a good boredom buster but if you arent moving around much constipation can result. Have some short walks as soon as you feel able.
Let the nurses help you if they offer. I was a bit too independent and would have benefited from a shower helper and a hand to the toilet. I ended up fainting due to low blood pressure after surgery and you want to avoid that.
Make allowance for yourself if you feel emotional. It takes a little time to digest the change both physically and mentally.
Hope this helps and wishing you the best.
Michele
Sorry to hear about the shock of the mastectomy. I had a mastectomy first and then chemo and it happened fast. I think from diagnosis about 1.5 weeks. It does make your head spin a bit. But i focussed on getting the cancer gone and felt relief at that and maybe you will ultimately feel some comfort knowing that.
I think for anyone losing a breast regardless of how you feel about them generally that first glance can be a bit confronting. I waited a day and then had a little peek. It wasnt bad looking at all, quite tidy really and i felt some sense of care and gratitude for my body which had been through a bit of poking and prodding already. I am (was?) a c cup.
I think as advice Id say take a couple of things which give you comfort. You are going through a trial generally and need to be kind to yourself. Hospitals seem to always be hot and a small fan maybe? Take care to drink lots of water, i found hospital food a good boredom buster but if you arent moving around much constipation can result. Have some short walks as soon as you feel able.
Let the nurses help you if they offer. I was a bit too independent and would have benefited from a shower helper and a hand to the toilet. I ended up fainting due to low blood pressure after surgery and you want to avoid that.
Make allowance for yourself if you feel emotional. It takes a little time to digest the change both physically and mentally.
Hope this helps and wishing you the best.
Michele