Hi Jemmaw

I had mx Feb ( read all about me on my profile page) and yep, the op is fine and recovery quick. As tittyT has said I would hope your husband is being super supportive but as someone who has partner with many hang-ups it can be challenging. I know he still finds me attractive and sex life still very healthy but I also know that he's not 'keen' on seeing the lack of boob...I am quite tough so it doesn't really bother me and generally I wear a bra when being intimate so not a problem.

Anyway, and not sure if this is an option for you (?), I am getting a DIEP reconstruction in Dec (lucky in that I can go private through work to avoid a lengthy NHS wait) which will resolve the lack of 50% of my chest!

My advice would be speak to your husband about your worries as you may find that you're worrying unnecessarily...and if he does have concerns you can talk it through and if YOU want, can plan for some reconstruction surgery when you are ready.

Good luck for Friday and hope the rads is good to you.

Sam

Hi Jemma,

A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm so sorry to hear why you've joined us. I totally agree with Sam's advice. Discuss your fears with your husband and see how he feels about the intimate side of things.

You wanted to hear from someone who has been through it and is out of the other side. Well, I'm one of those people. My Mum had breast cancer for 12 years, then sadly developed secondary cancer in brain, bones, liver and lungs. She passed away as a result of this.

When I was first diagnosed I was petrified that I was about to go the same way. I initially had a lumpectomy, followed by Tamoxifen. A year later I discovered another lump in the same breastand had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years. The operations themselves were considerably easier than I expected them to be and, I was actually more comfortable after the mastectomies than I was after the lumpectomy.

I did have some issues with my treatment, but that is not unusual. The main thing is that I am still here 11 years down the line and still living a worthwhile and busy life. I stopped all of my treatment in July 2017 and am now keeping better than I've ever been since diagnosis.

I was older than you at the time and, couldn't have reconstruction as a result of previous non-cancer related surgery. My hubby and I discussed this at length prior to surgery, but we both just wanted to get rid of the cancer. It was a shock when it reappeared so quickly. I was happy to have a bilateral mastectomy and felt that I had removed as much of the cancer as I possibly could. I have never looked back.

I manage fairly well with an assortment of different prostheses for different activities and, although not ideal, I am happy with my lot.

You will find your care staff all very empathetic and pleasant. I do hope that all goes well for you on Friday. Do you have any plans for re-construction later on? Please keep in touch. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx