Hi Granniesmith and thank you for your post.

 I'm sorry to read about your situation. This must be a difficult time for you. I am not surprised you feel withdrawn.

People often experience a whole range of emotions when they have cancer. There’s really no right or wrong way to feel. But we know that talking can often relieve some of the distress and anxiety. Macmillan has some useful advice on how to cope.

We also have some information on our website about cancer and emotions and tips for ways of coping.

Some people find counselling useful. It may be possible for you to receive NHS counselling, but how long the waiting list is will vary from area to area. Some GP practices may also offer counselling. The NHS website has information about accessing NHS counselling on their website. Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed with BUPA to offer free counselling for cancer patients.

 Maggies are a great source of support for patients and can also provide counselling and talking therapy to help patients process what they have been through and help people cope and hopefully move forward. Maggies also have information on how to approach your specialist and maybe able to help you with what questions to ask.

You may also like to post your question on Breast Cancer Now forum where you may find other ladies in similar situation.

I hope you find this helpful

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards

Tina

Hi Granniesmith, I had my healthy breast removed 8 months after my initial cancer surgery removed my other one. The second go around wasn’t much different for me so I didn’t have many questions to be honest. Only that two different surgeons did each surgery so had slightly different views on the need for chest drains left in situ. And my second surgery didn’t involve any lymphnode clearance so it was a quicker surgery and more straightforward. I hope that helps :)

Good evening thank you for a quick response. Can I ask did you have to answer so many questions why you wanted your healthy breast removing? 

Hi GrannieSmith,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear how your mammogram has affected your self-confidence. I had a lumpectomy 14 years ago. Six months later, I discovered a lump in my other breast. My surgeon decided that this was pre-cancerous and advised routine monitoring. Just under a year after my initial surgery, I discovered another lump in my original breast. This was another cancer. Surgeons are usually very reluctant to remove a healthy breast, as they claim that this is of no long-term medical benefit to the patient.

I discussed the options with my surgeon and we decided that a double mastectomy would be the best way forward. I don't think that he would have condoned this, if one of the breasts had been clear, but, because the other breast was pre-cancerous, he was willing to proceed with this procedure. I would suggest that you draw up a list of questions about your options and take this with you to your consultation. 

My cancer was Pure Mucinous Breast Cancer, a less aggressive and early type of cancer. I feel better since I had this done, as I feel that as much as possible was removed. I too had large breasts and couldn't have reconstruction, due to previous, non-cancer related surgery. I find my silicone prostheses very heavy at times and often use a lighter weight, foam replacement, or go flat. I did feel self-conscious at first, but have gradually come to terms with the "new me". 

I see that our nurse, Tina, has suggested various avenues for you to try. I attended Maggies and The Haven and spoke to counsellors there. I also attended some of Breast Cancer Now's courses. The "Moving Forward" one was particularly helpful. I also attended some self-help support groups and I gradually began to feel proud of my scars - these have afforded me 14 extra years of life and I can still look forward to the dawning of each new day,

I do hope that your new surgeon will agree to a double mastectomy, but, if not, I would certainly consider taking up some of these suggestions.

I'll be thinking of you on Monday. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello, yes I did but because of the aggressive nature of my cancer I pushed and insisted it needed to be done for risk reducing reasons. Not to mention, as you said my mental health was in the toilet with my appearance and my fears of finding another lump.

Thank you for your reply Jolamine

i will keep you updated re my appointment tomorrow. 
I have had one breast removed, my cancer was a Grade 2 mixed ductal mucinous carcinoma measuring 55mm with vascular invasion and intermediate grade DCIS. I also had three nodes removed and one was found to be positive. 
Got a list of questions ready for my surgeon. 

speak soon

Hi Granniesmith,

I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and I hope that all goes well for you. I am glad to hear that you have a list of questions ready to ask your consultant. Here's hoping that what you are feeling is just scar tissue.
Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Good morning Jolamine. Sorry for the delay in responding. Wednesday went well, the surgeon listened to my list of questions and he answered them all. It was emotional at times, but again the surgeon said take my time to get everything out. He has added me to his waiting list. As it’s for symmetry it may take some time for this to happen or if someone cancels at the last minute. 
I left the appointment feeling like a massive weight had been lifted from my shoulders. 

Thank you 

H

Hi H,

Thank you for the update. I am glad to hear that you were happy with how the surgeon responded to your questions and that you feel so much better having spoken to him. It is great to know that he has added you to his waiting list. I am sure that you won't mind the wait, now that you know that the procedure is going ahead.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you 

H