Hi I just read your post. I can fully understand your concerns. I had mastectomy in 2005 with reconstruction a year later. I had 2 young kids. Its a weird feeling to wake up and look at ur body but you realise it's something that needed to be done. Recovery from surgery doesn't take that longso you do find a way to get on with things as there's a lot available to dress and look normal. I had a holiday the following year and was in swimming with the kids, no one noticed, I guess in reality everyone is busy with their own lives to notice lol. I had another mastectomy in October of this year but chose to have immediate reconstruction this time because of covid I didn't want to have to go back into hospital for another surgery. You will be fine and once your family sees that you are coping they too will be fine and glad to have their mam with them.

Take care

Hello I would like to reassure you  that your husband won't think any less you  he should see you as perfect  as your fighting  cancer!  My wife had the same thing happen to her and I can honestly she looked amazing  and super sexy x  

Thankyou for replies, my masectomy was cancelled 12 hrs before as my covid test showed traces of covid- had no symptoms so was shocked! 

Am now doing 14 days isolation then will do another test and get next op date x

Hi, my breast cancer team have now decided due to my 2 weeks of isolation I will have chemotherapy first then the mastectomy 

Hi 

Obviously they think that's the best way to go. It could be because covid is so serious and hospital numbers are so high the best treatment now is to give chemo first and then surgery when hospitals are safer x

Hi Tedsy,

I am sorry to hear of all that you have been through in the past couple of months. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and thought that it might help you to hear of my experience.

As someone who has had a double mastectomy without reconstruction, I just wanted to reassure you that all will be fine. You are fortunate that your consultant has decided to go straight for a mastectomy and has saved you from the possibility of having to have a second surgery.

Mine initially did a lumpectomy, but I had a lump in the other breast 6 months later, which was fortunately benign. However, 6 months further down the line I developed another lump in the original breast and I wasn’t so lucky this time. The procedure itself was quite straightforward and I healed quite quickly. Are you planning on having immediate reconstruction, or has this been shelved due to Covid?

I got back to the gym and to swimming as quickly as I could. I use an assortment of different prostheses for different activities. I have pockets in my bras and swimsuits to hold these in place. I was fine in the gym, but did have a few embarrassing moments when swimming, until I found the right prosthesis for me. I am happy to explain more about these if you are not planning immediate reconstruction. The only problem I have had is with tops and dresses which have a low cut front, as these can sometimes show my scar tissue. I usually get around this by fitting a lacy panel to my bra to look like a chemise, or using jewellery to pin the front slightly higher.

I notice that Chris has replied to you with a man’s perspective of how your husband will view you afterwards. My husband has been the same and has been fully supportive from the outset. I doubt that your sons will notice any difference. As to how other people will treat you, I have found that this depends on how you present yourself to them. If you come across as all ‘doom and gloom’, then they will be treading on eggshells and treat you as if you are dying. If you present a positive face and appear ‘confident that you’ve got this’, they will treat you as they always have. I have found that a positive attitude is a great help with the way forward.

I’d still rather have my breasts back, but given the choice, I’ve gladly forfeited them to remain here and leading a fulfilled life.

What a pity that your surgery has been postponed. It is supposed to be equally effective to shrink the tumour with chemo before surgery as it is to do it the other way around.

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you’re getting on. I am always here if you have any further questions.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx