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Mastectomy

jojosammy
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Hi, 

 

THIS is the 1st time I've used your forum. 

 

It all started by having a lump in my left breast that was a cyst, it felt like it got bigger 2 years later. 

 

Since being pregnant in the 1990s I've been to the Breast Clinic a lot with lots of lumps and cyst. 

 

My journey started in August 2020 when my lump felt bigger. My GP sent me down to the Breast Clinic for a mammogram. They called me in and said yes it is a cyst we will drain it for you. Take a seat outside and the consultant will call you in. I thought nothing off it by this time.

 

They called me in and told me about my cyst. But, then said in your right breast we can see calcifications and it could be the start of something. The floor could of just swallowed me up.

How can this happen to me I was 48, just finished the menopause now this. 

Has soon as I got out of there I rang my family and they just couldn't believe it. They told me that I needed to come back tomorrow for a biopsy I was petrified. 

 

I have health anxiety how would I get this. But, I needed to know otherwise the anxiety would just eat me away. So I had the biopsy waited anxiously by my phone for 2 weeks solid never rang sent me an appointment to go in. I knew then it was bad news. I asked if I could take my sister in with me they said No due to covid restrictions I was mortified no support with a mental health condition.

 

They then gave it to me I had DCIS and there was a 2nd area so I needed another biopsy. The floor once again swallowed me whole I was in shock. So I went for the 2nd biopsy and again DCIS was found. I needed a Mascetomy. Oh my now I had to really face my fears General Anaesthetic. So in October 2020 I had my Mascetomy no support of family allowed in the hospital just me and my health anxiety. So they gave me a pre med and it seem to help.

 

I'm now still in shock what I had been through having to tell my children when there nana was already going through it. I still cannot even look at myself cause I'm just left with the constant reminder of it everyday. How would I cope. Inside of me is busting with tears how I really feel. And I cannot even see my family cause I'm clinically vulnerable. 

 

Im not happy about the way my body looks, I wasn't expecting it too look that way. 

 

I really to feel for anyone going through is. My prayers are with anyone going through a tough time atm. 

 

I'm hoping mine stays away. Mine didn't spread to my lymph nodes so I've got my fingers crossed. But, I still have the fear of it coming back and wish I could get rid of those unwanted thoughts. I couldn't fault the NHS they looked after me very well and me and my family are so grateful to them. 

Thank you x

 

  • Hello Jojosammy

    I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been through over the past few months. Dealing with cancer is difficult at any point but even more so for many people at the moment when many coping strategies and choices aren't available due to the situation with Covid. 

    It sounds from your post as if you may benefit from talking to someone about all you've been through and how you can adjust to your new you. I'd suggest by asking your Breast Care Nurse if there is a psychologist that you can be referred to as many breast units have access to this kind of support for patients. Alternatively, give your local Maggies a call as they have lots of sources of emotional and psychological support available. 

    I'd also suggest getting in touch with a group called Flat Friends . They are an organisation dedicated to supporting women who have had single or double mastectomy surgery without breast reconstruction. You'll be able to connect with other women who have had surgery and will understand some of the thoughts and emotions that you're dealing with. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Have you had chemo or radiotherapy? Unless you have or have another health condition, I wouldnt see yourself as clinically vulnerable. If you need the support of your family and your immune system isn't compromised then you should see them where it's allowed x 

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