Morning Jemma

I'm Vicki and I'm 43 and also very recently diagnosed and actually had my mastectomy on my left breast two days ago. This is my first post but just wanted to say try not to worry too much about the procedure itself as the doctors and nurses are so good at what they do and will put you at ease as much as possible. For me the pain has been minimal afterwards if that helps and is being controlled easily with regular paracetamol and ibuprofen. I'm actually currently single so I guess I don't have that worry of what my partner may think, but I am wondering what the hell i'm going to put on my dating profile! I pretty sure your husbands main concern will just about supporting you through it and getting you well

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