Hi there ...

I can only tell you of my journey through breast cancer ... but remember everyone is different  ...

I had a grade 3 breast cancer in 2017 .. her 2 neg oestrogen positive ...  I remember feeling quite scared as the day got closer ... how would I feel with just one breast ... it seemed a huge operation ... how much pain .. how long ... 

Looking back, I think it was the fear of the unknown ... a huge question mark instead of knowing the future .. I did get some meds from Dr in the last week, which took the edge off and I could cope better .. it helped stop my thoughts running away with me ... I remember my son and daughter in law were with me that morning as I was last to go down .. I remember laughing at the look of the gown and how unflattering it was ... the song " sexy" went through my head .. and that helped the time waiting ..

I was lucky my son and daughter in law had a good sense of humour and that to me was encouraging and when I went down, I said goodbye to my right boob ... the thing that surprised me most was very little pain .. I've known a few others that said the same ...

The first time I looked at my scar, I remember thinking not that I'd lost a boob ... but that scar gave me "time" time to be with those I loved for a while longer ... you have to go slow, and take care not to over do things, but they give us exercises to build up the movement ... I did get infection a few weeks later and needed it draining ... but still very little pain ...

I'm still here 5 years on, and doing o.k .. my untie got the same a year after me, and she's still here .. and my friends daughter had the same but had reconstruction... wer all here ... we hear on t.v the ones that loose their journey to this unforgiving cancer .. but there's lots that get more time ... so hang on in there .. know many have been where you are now .. and know it's o.k not to feel o.k at times ... it's a rollercoaster ride... but hold on tight ... and know you can share all feelings on here and someone will know those same feelings ...  let us know how you go ... sending a big "breast" friend vertual hug... Chrissie x

Hi Chriss

Im new here and awaiting results next week but they are confident i have breast cancer. Your journey is such an inspiration and im already preparing myself for allsorts whilst still praying for the best. Thank you for sharing and sending you and Daisy healing hugs xx

Hi Chrissie, 

Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate the info. I'm so relieved to hear the pain wasnt too bad for you. Im hoping to get reconstruction after the treatments are finished....My sister will be with me and she'll be relieved when its all over too! Roll on Thursday night!

So glad you are doing well and thank you for your help xx

Thanks Lula....Its the not knowing and waiting thats tough. I felt a weight off as soon as I got that positive result so that the next steps could happen. Next week will be here soon enough...please let us know how you get on xx

Hi there,

Sorry to find you on here feeling so anxious.  I wonder if my experience may give you some reassurance.  I had a mastectomy (also on the right) last March and, like you was very concerned how bad it would be, recovery etc.  My experience was that it wasn't too bad at all and I hope yours will be the same.  
I woke up from the anaesthetic with virtually no pain and my surgeon said I didn't need the dreaded drains so I didn't even have the bother of them.  I was up and about and walked my little dog that same afternoon.  It did feel sore and stiff but not too bad at all.

Its important to take things easy (no lifting) as this could cause swelling and fluid build up (seroma).  It's also critical that you do the designated exercises every day.  This loosens things up and helps with flexibility and healing.  It's tricky with hair washing, and showering is a no no due to compression stockings, but after a week you will feel much better and it's such a relief when the stockings come off!

My nurse was adamant that I had to massage the scar every day (only do this once they've given the okay and it's healed).  The scar can get very 'knotty' and lumpy which is fat necrosis.  The massage helps keep this at bay and keeps everything flat.  I would say this definitely helped my healing and I used an organic arnica balm which helped reduce bruising too.

9 months on I'm getting on with my life.  I'm still flat as I couldn't face the major surgery of reconstruction.  I use my silicon boob and knitted knockers (wonderful ladies, do check out their website).  There is also a very good selection of mastectomy bras on Amazon.
Best of luck with the surgery, you will be fine.

Take care,

Mary x

Hi Mary,

Thank you so much for your reply. This has definately put my mind at rest...Im glad you are managing to get on with life....Im wishing the next year or so away! Thnak you again, I really appreciate your reply and it will put my mum and sisters mind at rest too xxx

I know it seems like a mountain to climb sometimes and you're not quite there yet in knowing exactly what you're dealing with until you get post op histology reports.  You will then finally know exactly what this is and how they are going to treat it.  It usually takes a couple of weeks to get the results after the surgery.   This is because the pathologist will have a really thorough look at everything and it will all then be discussed at the MDT meeting before you are called in.  You're nearly there and will feel better when you get to the other side.  With a bit of luck it's been found really early and you may not need any further treatment.  I didn't but I have to take Tamoxifen then will switch to Letrozole in a years time.  A lot depends on what they find, hormone receptor and HER2 status.  Most of the post op histology results tally with your previous biopsy results but don't panic if there are a few discrepancies.  It can happen.  I know you will be well looked after and if you take each day and week at a time, very soon you will get to the other side. You've got this.

Best of luck for Thursday, I'll be thinking of you.

Mary x