Hi Suziewong,

Welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years. Initially I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen. Second time around I had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole. I took this for 6 years and stopped taking it in July 2017. Please don't stress if your surgeon wants you to have a double mastectomy. I was terified of having this, but I needn't have worried.

I found that the mastectomies were much easier to cope with than the lumpectomy and, I felt happier in that I had removed as much cancer as possible. I couldn't have reconstruction, but I manage fairly well with a selection of prostheses for all occasions.

I hope that your date for surgery is quite soon and you don' have to wait too long for it. I am always here if you want any further information.

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Morning All

I have my date for my mastectomy (Wednesday 4th December) so not long to wait now.  It's been a long journey this far so actually breathing a sigh of relief that things are now moving and it won't be long until I can start recovering.

It's a very strange journey to say the least but I just wanted to say that being able to liasie with people who have been through this is a great help.  A truly fabulous forum and long may it continue.

I won't lie, I'm nervous so any advice to combat nerves would be great.....

Wishing you all a good and positive weekend whether you are waiting for results, waiting or receiving treatment or currently recovering.

Rosie 

Aw Rosie80 - I'm sure youre very anxious but now you have a date you can get it done and over with. I know its a long journey, physically and emotionally. I keep thinking of the positives I can pull from this journey - how treatable this type of cancer is, how its not a 'worst' cancer, how I've met some lovely people in the hospital, how I will look back and realise how strong I can be. Best of luck on Wednesday and please do come back and let us know how you're doing. We will be thinking of you. xxx

Hi Jolamine - you have been through a lot. :(  Good to hear everything went well. I havent been googling and I havent seen my nurse in a few weeks. I was kind of stunned when the surgeon suggested a double masectomy. I came home and went to bed and had a pretty down weekend. Im too scared to find out too much! So Im taking it in baby steps. Can I ask how long you were in hospital and how long your recovery took.I have my own preschool, with staff and 40 children and I could do with letting them know so they know theyll have to up their game yet again - bless them. Theyve been so good. xxx

Hi,

I was in hospital for 2 days for the lumpectomy and for 5 for the double mastectomy. I run my own business too and it is difficult to predict how long you will be off for after you arrive home, as this depends on the individual. It took me much longer to get over the lumpectomy than the mastectomies. I had severe exhaustion after my lumpectomy, went back to work too soon and, ended up having a nap at lunch time or any time a patient didn't turn up. I also found driving over speed humps particularly sore after my first surgery.

I'm glad to hear that your staff have all stepped up to the mark for you.

Have you decided yet whether it's to be a lumpectomy or a double mastectomy? I wrote down a list of for and against both and came out strongly on the side of mastectomy. Have you asked your surgeon about survival/recurrence rates with both? Are you going to have any further treatment after surgery and how will this impact upon you? I was advised to have radiotherapy and Tamoxifen after my lumpectomy, but only Letrozole after my mastectomies.

I am glad to hear that you have been avoiding 'Dr Google'. This serves no purpose and usually only scares us more. This is a very worrying time.

I shall be thinking of you on Friday and, hope that by then you can reach the right decision for you. It can be helpful to write down any questions you have for her in advance, to ensure that you don't forget anything important.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I havent really had a chance to question her. She spoke to me as if I knew all the ins and outs of it. She started going on about my nipples and to be honest I was too stunned to take it all in. I really do need to sit down and write down all my questions - what else would you be doing on a Sunday eh? ;) I'll let you know what I decide. And thank you for your support! 

Hi,

She really needs to explain to you exactly what she is going to do and why she is doing it. You need to understand everything that she says to you fully before you can agree to go ahead.

Are you taking someone with you to your appointment? This is always a good idea as there is always a better chance of two of you remembering more of the conversation afterwards.

Good luck with your questions tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thinking of you tomorrow @Rosie80. I hope all goes well. Stay strong xx

Hi CazStu

Many thanks, I'll let you know how it all goes....

Rosie x