Newly diagnosed with breast cancer

I am having a lumpectomy and need a radioactive tracer put in my breast which I'm worried about. Also I'm going to have a blue dye injected into me. I'm a fainter and know I'll pass-out during this procedure.  I'm very anxious. Does anyone have any advice or comfort to give please?

Parents Reply
  • Hi - I have grade 2 stage 1 I think! I had two lumps removed. The operation site is still very sore. I took off the plasters yesterday- that was an experience! Struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position and now I’m into the second level of exercises, it’s quite sore. Thanks for the moral support. It’s hard telling family as they just don’t know what to say and I feel awful adding to their burden. 

Children
  • That’s the point of this page. I have found it useful to chat with people on same timeline. I had a heart shaped cushion which helped take the weight of the duvet or making a gap between my arm and my boob. I will put it on my sofa to remind me of how far I have come. It is also a reminder of self care and not being hard on yourself-i have always said I don’t need people to be horrible to me as I’m an expert of doing to myself!! I said to my husband we needed to have a weekly check in with conversation of how we are doing rather than the “how are you” “I’m fine” when that’s not what we really mean. Feel free to keep messaging I’ll reply 

  • Thank you MummyMartin - that’s really kind. I’m going to get one of those cushions as I’ve read a few reviews saying how good they are. 
    My partner is great but I don’t want to put too much pressure on him so I hold back a bit when he asks how I’m feeling. I feel so guilty and I can’t shake it off. 
    On the plus side, it has snowed here overnight so we can hunker down, eat the last of the mince pies and watch films all day! 

  • I bought one on Etsy was £7. Even came with a personal card saying they hoped me or the recipient recovered quickly 

  • Offline in reply to Mummymartin Unpublished Reply

  • To Mummymartin and AngeAMC

    You are both really inspiring thank you for sharing the place you are at after surgery. Thinking of you both and willing you perfect recoveries with comfy restorative sleep and supportive loving family and friends around you.xx

  • HI Ange,

    I would highly recommend one of the heart shaped cushions - just a small one that you can carry around with you. For car journeys, I used the seat belt protectors that attach to the seat belt by Velcro. These are really for babies or young children. They weren't as helpful as the cushion, but they were of some use. They can also b bolstered up by adding more padding or are very easy to make yourself. 

    I'm glad to hear that you have managed to arrange cover until half-term. The tiredness is common and you need to be kind to yourself.

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you so much. It’s good to be able to talk openly here xxx wishing you all the best