Really struggling with needing mastectomy
I have really been agonising over needing a mastectomy. I just feel horrified that they want to cut my breasts off and wonder how I will accept and deal with lookiing down to see no breasts. I have had really huge boobs all my life and 9 years ago finally had a reduction. Went from F/G cup to D. I have liked the size of my boobs for the first time since I was 14 yrs of age. So now the irony of getting them completely chopped off. But how do you deal with having no boobs? I'm really quite terrified. I know I have to do it to get rid of the damn cancer. But I guess it's also because I have never felt sick, unwell or anything. Just found a lump. I feel completely fine. So even I guess just accepting that I really DO have breast cancer? And I really DO need to treat it....is tough. I've had terrible complications from Chemo and been very sick. Heart failure and heart block and got a Defib implanted...that all seems way more real then the actual breast cancer. Now I have to face having the mastectomy. Not sure what I'm looking for here...just wanting to spill perhaps? Thanks all.
Feeling like a failure
Hi. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts, two weeks ago and am heading in for surgery on the 13 February. I am having a bilateral mastectomy. To be honest l am not overly concerned. I am very over weight and have very big heavy breasts. I have absolutely no self esteem when it comes to my body anyway so it is not a major thing physically. It probably sounds ridiculous but it will probably be an improvement as l do suffer with bad neck and shoulder pain with the heaviness of my chest. I am a Christian and have a strong trust in God but I am feeling a bit lonely and like a bit of a failure. After a big day of diagnosing or meeting with surgeons it is hard coming home to an empty house and having no one to share it with. Thank you for letting me pour my heart out as l don't feel like l can do that with my friends.
I'm not hideously disfigured...
I had a left side mastectomy on Tuesday. I have been really scared to look in the mirror. Finally worked up the courage today. I am ok, surprised myself....still me. Next step check up on Tuesday. Then more waiting to see if I need further treatment. I really want a bra now, but will wait till I'm less tender. My husband loves me, my teen boys laugh with me. Learning to love and accept the new me.
Reclaim Your Curves - Sydney Support Lunch Sunday 25th August
Hello! Our next lunch is on Sunday 25th August at our usual venue of Dragonfly Cafe Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park 12 noon to 3pm. We get together and chat all things reconstruction and/or breast cancer/coping/surviving etc etc etc. Please feel free to invite anyone that you may have met that would find our group helpful.
Webinar - 'How do I reclaim my confidence after treatment' 18 October 2018 7 pm - 8 pm
Webinar Invitation Body Image - "How do I reclaim my confidence after treatment?" Date: Thursday, October 18, 2018 Time: 7 pm to 8 pm AEDT Duration: 60 Minutes Where: Online - join via your computer, tablet or smart phone Presenters: Dr. Haryana Dhillon, A/Prof Susan Carroll and a Cancer Survivor CLICK HERE TO REGISTER If you are unable to view the above button please click here ** If you are not available on the night you can still register and we will send you a link to the recorded webinar to watch later. About the Webinar Cancer can affect you in physical and emotional ways. Changes to your body can affect the way you feel about yourself (your self-esteem) and make you feel self-conscious. You may feel less confident about who you are and what you can do after treatment. You may worry about starting a new relationship after cancer treatment, especially if your body has changed. This webinar will discuss some practical strategies to help cancer survivors to reclaim their confidence after treatment. Meet your presenters Dr. Haryana Dhillon Haryana is a Senior Research Fellow in Cancer Survivorship at the Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, University of Sydney. She is also a member of the Board of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and Council, and chair of the Survivorship Group of COSA.Haryana co-leads a Cancer Survivorship Research Group based in the University of Sydney. The group is supported on peer-reviewed funding, allowing studies in cancer and cognition, physical activity in cancer populations, and symptom management in cancer survivors. She maintains an active research interest in health literacy and communication in the cancer setting. A/Prof Susan Carroll Susan is a Senior Staff Specialist and Clinical Associate Professor for Sydney University who has 18 years of experience working in major tertiary hospitals in Sydney. Her specialty areas are in the treatment of breast cancers, haematological malignancies and lower gastrointestinal cancers. She is a strong advocate for kindness and compassion and patient focused care, and in ensuring optimal treatment for her patients by embracing innovative technologies within her specialty areas. TBC Cancer Survivor We look forward to your participation,
