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Why do I feel so unwell? - I'm 16 days post surgery and everything is so sore and painful. I don't think I'll be able to cope with any more treatment

Rovermgf
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I am 16 days post surgery right side lumpectomy, mammoplasty and lymph node removal.  

This is my second time around 14 years ago left side mastectomy, implant and right side reduction.

I thought this time around it would be a walk in the park - how wrong I was.  I feel so sore and uncomfortable.  I'm taking pain meds that don't seem to touch the tenderness or pain.

I'm also trying to deal with a tear to my knee which has just heightened things as it's wrecked my mobility and ease of getting around.

I'm in tears most of the time and feel like such a wimp.

Seeing my consultant tomorrow for my results and just don't think I will cope with treatment.   Trying so hard to lift myself out of these emotions but am struggling.

I see such brave people on these sites and  feel so inadequate.

  • Offline in reply to Bone-cancer-patient

    Didn't get my results today they weren't back yet, but did find out I had an infection, had to have an ultrasound and fluid removed. Antibiotics now until cleared and hopefully results next week.  Disappointing to find out results not back but at least they found out what had been causing the pain and soreness.   

  • Offline in reply to Rovermgf

    Hi Rovermgf.  Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I hope the antibiotics start working soon.  Hopefully you feel a bit better with the fluid being drained off.  Will you find out your treatment plan next week?  I had lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy.  Had chemo and then radiotherapy and then tamoxifen.  Also please don't feel like you are a wimp or inadequate, you and your body are going through a trauma and it is not easy to deal with it.  Sometimes we are hard on ourselves and having an infection can seriously get you down.  You are strong, this is your second time so be kind to yourself and give yourself some time.  I am here for you if you want to chat.  Good luck for next week.  Please let me know how you get on.

    Lee x

  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Lee

    Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to respond it means a lot.

    At least the infection and fluid explained why I was in so much pain and discomfort and reassured me that I wasn't going crazy.

    A few months ago I tore my medial meniscus in my right knee so also dealing with swelling and pain from that. I live alone so it's greatly affected my mobility.  My consultant has ok'd it for me to have a steroid injection into the knee next week so I'm praying that it might help.

    I think yesterday everything just came to a head.  I was exhausted and very emotional.  

    Trying to remain positive but it just felt like for every step forward I was taking two back.  Hopefully things will start to improve now.

    All the consultant would commit to yesterday was that theres no doubt I will be having radiotherapy.

    That will be another first and it I have no idea what to expect.

    Keep telling myself one step at a time.

    How far along in the journey are you and how are you feeling now?

  • Offline in reply to Rovermgf

    Hi Rovermgf,  how are you feeling today?  Your knee sounds so painful, I really hope the steroid injection helps.  How do you manage the stairs?  I first had breast cancer in 2013 aged 47.  I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in September 2024 with extensive bone mets.  I am actually doing very well and the cancer is stable.  You are right one step or day at a time.  When I had radiotherapy I found I was okay and had 15 or 20 sessions, can't remember, but did drive myself there and back.  Macmillan have a forum for people with breast cancer.  There is a lady on there who is having treatment for the third time.  Lots of support on there and helpful advice.  Macmillan Breast cancer forum   It must be hard dealing with this living on your own.  Do you have family nearby that can help you?  Please keep in touch.

    Lee x

  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Hi Lee,

    It takes a while in the mornings to get ready, knee making things so much worse, you don't appreciate your mobility till you loose it .  Fingers crossed right breast feels a little more comfortable today thank goodness so hoping antibiotics are kicking in.  I'm so lucky to live in a bungalow so no stairs and I do have family who have been amazing.  I'm still getting used to living alone as I lived with my parents (main carer).  I lost my father 5 years ago and my mother 18 months ago. My father had a fall and fractured his spine ( he had ankolosing spondylitis since his 30s and heart failure. Five horrendous months before complications took him. Three years later -  Mom was recovering from hip replacement surgery at 80 and suffered a brain hemorrhage and passed a week later.

    I stupidly thought having gone through DCIS and the required surgery and treatment I had done the journey and come out the other end. Then 14 years later here we are again.

    There are so many inspiring, confident warriors out there I feel so inferior in my ability to cope.

    I'm so sorry you have found yourself back here again I do hope you continue to feel well.  I can't imagine your journey I hope you have great support.

    Thank you for reaching out to me, just having contact with people going through similar treatments and experiences does help and does actually make me realise that many are going through much much more.

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