MyNBCF | Today is 3 weeks since my mascetomy

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Today is 3 weeks since my mascetomy

by pgm on 7/8/2008 at 7:47 pmin category General

About two months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, in my right breast. It was in the early stages. I had to get a mascetomy because it was in two places. The doctors say that I am very lucky because my lymph nodes came out negative. I know I am very fortunate, but I am very depressed and feel so disfigured. I have an expander in now, and in three months I will have the reconstructive surgery. I guess I just wanted to share this.

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Keep your chin up!!! I was in your shoes. I had a double mastectomy and I remember just being so uncomfortable. It takes a while but you will feel better with time. Just remember that your expander is temporary and really get across to your surgeon what you want from the reconstructive surgery. It's good to tell your surgeon how you are feeling too. I remember having hard time to look down at my breasts after they were replaced. The shower was always breakdown time. One day at a time you will be ok, I do know what you are feeling though. I remember I kept telling myself well atleast the cancer is gone. Sometimes that helped. Hang in there.

by melissa17 on 7/21/2008 at 5:31 pm

you are very lucky no nods !!!! i had so much treatment i couldnt even think about reconstruction for a year and still now dont know if i want to do it, my ladies were 38d they took one and there is no way they can expand the one gone to that size means lots of surgerys i put on a bra with a implant in it and put my makeup on and a nice pair if tight shorts and hair is coming back and u wouldnt even know i was ever sick, it will get easier, promise!!! love and support Wanda

by Wanda on 7/11/2008 at 9:56 am

I understand how you feel, I had right side mast 5/05 with expander. It will start to look better as you get your fills. Ive got some pretty acceptable cleavage going on and Im not completly full yet. Im going through chemo, so Ive lost my hair. I came out of my bedroom this am wearing a black bandana, black tank top and white shorts, I had my make up done and jewelry on, my husband looked at me and said I looked sexy, and you know what he was right. I l looked in the mirror and thought, hey not too bad. The real beauty is inside, but keeping your spirits up and a smile on your face helps. As for the depression, ask your doctor about that. I take an antidepressant and it has helped a lot, it need not be permanent but can get you over the hump. take care of you.
love
tabitha

by Tabi37indiana on 7/10/2008 at 8:42 pm

pgm, I hate the way I look, but everytime I start 'BITCHING' about it or getting depressed, my husband wakes me up......"would you rather have that scar or have cancer?" I have come to love my scar and deformed tit!!!! Heck, I don't think I'll be doing any topless dancing to make a living....so what the heck are the twins good for anyway......GET THE COOTIES OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BJ

by BJ SPEED on 7/10/2008 at 8:33 am

pgm,
I know what you mean, only this all hit about 6 weeks after the mastectomy
I was really upbeat at first and maybe "Stuffing emotions"
So the depression and "Disfigurement" has hit way hard.
It's really hard at this stage. It'll work out over time.
Prayer and using my faith, also getting out of the house are 2 stress busters that work for me.

Kaylyn

by kaybear on 7/9/2008 at 7:55 pm

Remember, you're only 3 weeks out, so you're still reeling and healing, especially if you still have your drain(s) in -- mine was in for 29 days!!! It takes time to start feeling more like yourself, and for me, that didn't happen until a day or so after the drain came out, and it's been a gradual process. I, too, had a right mastectomy (on 5/15/08) with an expander put in immediately. I hated how the expander looked at first (not to mention, I wasn't crazy about how it felt...and the pain from the first fill nearly did me in), but now that I'm fully expanded (which means I'm a little lopsided the other direction now), it's not so bad, and I've been assured the real implant will look much, much better. I'm sure a lot of that perception is just due to the passage of time and adjusting to the huge physical change losing a breast is, and certainly the physical healing. I'm to the point where I'm comfortable enough now that I'm not constantly aware of the expander, so I can get through the day without endlessly being reminded of the BC. Hang in there. Be kind to yourself. It will get better. And, yeah, if you need a little chemical boost (from your doc) to get over the hump, don't beat yourself up over it. We're all affected by the trauma of being diagnosed with BC in as many different ways as we are different women...but we're in this together!!! :)

by A&R'sMommy on 7/9/2008 at 5:35 pm

Your oncologist may be able to prescribe anti-depressants...at this point, what's one more drug?

It's not a "fix" but it may help.

by TammyLou on 7/9/2008 at 4:09 pm

It can be fast and brutal.

My sympathies.

Tammy Lou

by TammyLou on 7/9/2008 at 4:08 pm

Hang in there pgm!!!!! I was diagnosed in '06 with same, 2 spots, expander, etc. All went well! Please be positive! Yes, there's disfigurement and times of depression. I too fought through all that. Best for you to surround yourself with family and friends. How 'bout a support group? You gotta talk, talk, talk about your true feelings and yes, it's ok to cry! I did plenty of that! I didn't participate in any groups but hey, it's never too late for me to join one! Alot of women cherish their breasts but with me, it was like a moment decision to choose the mastectomy. I have no regrets. Please stay positiive and take care of yourself! There's only one you!!!!!

by Lu on 7/9/2008 at 12:17 am

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

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Today is 3 weeks since my mascetomy

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