Hi Hotwheels,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Do you know what type and stage of breast cancer you have? It was unfortunate that you needed a second op - was this because you didn't have clear margins? - this happens quite often and is very frustrating when it does. Did you have a lumpectomy both times, or did you have a mastectomy for the second?

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and know the emotions about how I look, only too well. I have had a lumpectomy, followed by a double mastectomy, the next year. That was all 14 years ago now. Unfortunately, I was unable to have reconstruction, due to previous, non-cancer related surgery. After my operations, I was very aware of the changes in my appearance, but I attended a Moving Forward class and found this very helpful. I had also put on a lot of weight with treatment, so I addressed this too. I now feel proud of my scars - they are the trophies which depict all that I've been through.

I am glad to hear that you have finished your radiotherapy. When you think of it, an awful lot has happened in a very short space of time. You must feel like I did - just swept along with the tide. However, now that it's all behind you, you should treasure the dawn of each new day, as days you might never have seen, if you never had that mammogram. Life is very precious and I'm sure that your husband means it, when he tries to reassure you that he still loves you. I know that our breasts are very precious, but I'm sure that you have many other attributes that he loves, so try to accept his words and enjoy the new life that the two of you can still enjoy together.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx