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Thislife123
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I am now 8 weeks after surgery - mastectomy and diep flap.  Wounds are healing.  When does your head follow?

People think you look great so you must be great .........

Do you say you still have cancer until a certain time has gone by .......

They took it all away .......does that mean its gone?

Just started tamoxifen - when will it just be like another day and not a day that is a reminder of cancer?

 

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    Head will follow eventually. The outside seems to heal and look well a lot faster than the inside. If you are feeling a bit low could it be related to the tamoxifen? I was ready for going over the cliff a couple of days after I started taking it altho I'm crap with anything that messes with my normal systems. I didn't really discuss my cancer with anyone, had to tell family and unfortunately work as well and I received the diagnosis in May. Technically I am now cancer free and that is how I now describe my position. It has taken since then for me to feel able to discuss it with anyone outside my immediate Family altho I am now comfortable talking about it. As for a normal day, I think you'll get to the point where you can set 'cancer' to one side so it isn't the focus of your life but sits on the sidelines.
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    Hi,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat, although I'm sure that you would rather be anywhere else but here.

    It does take a while for your head to catch up on all that you've had done.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. The first time was 7 years ago, when I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen. The second was just a year later, when I had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole. I have just finished with the Letrozole after 6 years. I have had previous major surgery, so I couldn't have any reconstruction, but I manage well with my prosthesis.

    I am afraid that it will take a few years yet before you can consider yourself cancer free. Yes, surgery should have taken it all away, but if there is the tiniest little bit left, or it is an aggressive form, it can grow back again. Because of this, we look at 5 and 10 year milestones as being cancer free.

    Looking great is not unfortunately, the same as feeling great. I have found it better to be open with people and say that I am waiting for the all clear, I consider myself fortunate that I 'look great' and don't look as if I am at death's door. In all honesty, I don't think that your life will ever be the same again. A diagnosis of cancer, even after surgery and treatments, still carries the threat of metastases, so we always have the Sword of Damacles hanging over us for the rest of our days. We just have to learn to live with it, whether we want to or not.

    As you start your cancer journey I am wishing you well and I hope that you overcome this horrible disease.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. There is always someone here for you whenever you feel like talking.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine, just want to say that your reply is exactly what I'd have said!  Sword of Damocles indeed, but onwards and upwards, eh?  

    Best regards, Hazel.

    xx

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