I am still recovering and the pain is so much better now, what a difference a few days can make. I felt the same as you in just wanting to get it over and done with. I was exactly 2 months from initial diagnosis to the the Op date and seemed like forever. 

I'm glad you've made a decision that's right for you, I remember initially being given all the info and thinking how do you make such a decision when everything seems so negative or problematic, especially when you are mentally having to deal with the diagnosis of cancer alongside that.

Talking to people that understand does make a big difference and I've learnt since my Op that my husband was suffering just as much as me, however he has been my rock.

I am in Sheffield and it's certainly not sunny, intact it's been non stop rain for two days, good excuse to totally rest and not do a thing. 

I wish you all the best and hope that you will keep me updated of your procedure. I go for my final pathology on 3rd July. X

Will be thinking of you on the 3rd and keeping my fingers crossed.  Do let me know how you get on.

Rubbish that it's raining where you are...........it's lovely here but I'm working so can't take advantage of it!  Just hope it lasts to the weekend.

xxx

Hi Devonlady, I love how people who have never been through this tell you that everything is going to be OK. I was "too young" to be diagnosed. Then once diagnosed I was "young enough to get through it". Now I get "you're so positive"....
 

So, I was 32 on diagnosis. I was petrified and decided that I needed to deal with it in my own way and my own time. I limited the amount of people who knew. Only family and close friends. I didn't want sympathy and I didn't need "advice" from people who knew nothing about it. I had a mastectomy, immediate reconstruction with an expander implant, IVF (egg removal only at that point) chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I've since had my other breast removed and after both expanders implants had done their job, I then had "perminent" implants. 2 years ago I had my areola's tattooed on too. I've been signed off from the hospital and I now only have to go back if I need/want to.

After my mastectomy I was unable to drive for about 2months. I bought a seatbelt cover (padded one) which I used, and still do now, to help with the possible discomfort of the belt across my chest. I'm actually numb from armpit to armpit, apart fom a small section in my clevage - which is why i still use the cover as I don't feel anything. I went back to work after my chemo, because from diagnosis I had what seemed like 101 things to go through. As I say, I had to go through egg retreval too because of chemo putting me through early menopause.
How long it takes you to heal/recover really depends, but listen to your body. Don't overdo things, take time to look after yourself. 

I didn't find the surgery too difficuly to get through. I was more concerned/worry/upset about chemo and those side effects. I'm sure that helped me to recover quicker after the mastecomy - because I kept looking ahead, not at the present.

The best pieces of advice I can offer:
Take one step at a time. There is no right or wrong way to face this.You know your body so listen to it.

Keeping fingers crossed for you, and sending positive thoughts your way

Lisa x

Thanks Lisa for sharing your story with me.  It really helps that you know what I am going through.  I think one of my biggest concerns is the emotional impact of losing my breast.  I have people (who haven't been through it!) telling me that "at least you'll know the cancer has gone!" like it will be a relief to me.  Don't get me wrong, of course I want it gone but it is still hard.  I dread the moment the bandage is removed to be honest. I am so pleased you are through the worst and getting on with your life.  I have to hold onto the fact that I will get to the other side........

xxx

I didnt want to look at my chest after the op either. My husband looked first and "made" me look. He assured me it wasnt as bad as Id imagined.

I looked and cried. Not sad tears, but happy tears. The cancer had gone and it looked so much better than I thought.

Do what is right for you. We're all different. Just remember that you're not alone. We're here for you x

Hello!  Just a quick message to say I hope your appointment went well on Thursday - thinking of you. xxx

Good morning, thank you I will let you know xx

Hello lovelies.  Yes, I’m pleased to say that all went well on Thursday. Apparently the margins came back clear, the tumour was 22mm (plus the margins extra) and she removed only 1 (sentinel) lymph node and that was clear. So ... under the circumstances it’s the best possible outcome and I’m very pleased and relieved.  However, I’m also acutely aware of not appearing “smug” because I totally realise that I’m one of the lucky ones.

So now onto radiotherapy which will start in August.  No doubt I will start a new thread about that nearer the time.  Also one about comfy bras and secret support vests when I have a moment!!

How’s everyone else on this thread doing? Xx

I am so pleased for you - that is great news.  Another step over with.  Don't worry about anyone thinking you are smug - I am just so pleased for you and it's good to hear some good news that it hasn't spread.  I am still trying to fill my time working but as I turned the calendar this morning I think the next 2 weeks are going to go by too quickly!!

Sending hugs.....xxxx