I have recurrent breast cancer

[cate94]

I’ll be having a unilateral mastectomy in 9 days. Honestly, I’m scared. I’m drinking too much to try and ease my fear and I know it is stupid. I’ve had three lumpectomies between the two. So I have a small clue about the pain/discomfort. I know this will be worse.

There is discrepancy in the imaging between mammogram and ultrasound in terms of size therefore, I won’t know about chemo until after the pathology. Crap.

[Skittles]

1. we are here for you

but please ease up on the drinking, and tell your doctor your fears about your previous pain and discomfort

[cate94]

2. Thanks

You’re right, of course, about the drinking. The previous stuff will be nothing compared to this. They told me 6 weeks to heal. Generally, I handle pain better than anxiety. However buying shirts that can hold the drainage tubes, well hell. I’ll get through it. Just freaking out a bit tonight.

[Skittles]

5. believe me, I know how easy it is to want anything that will relieve anxiety

but it is important that you following doctor advice.....be sure to let them know everything, perhaps your treatment can be made better for you to handle....and remember that someone is always here on DU

[Deuxcents]

3. I hope you have more than one consultation..

You’ve been thru this before, I see from your title, and it is for sure scary but hopefully by having this surgery, you won’t have to go thru it again. Take good care of yourself and keep in touch. I have a warm spot in my heart for you as I’ve had my share of breast problems, too. They have come a long way with treatments since my experiences so I know you’ll be just fine. 🌺

[cate94]

4. Thanks

[Deuxcents]

6. ((Hugs))

[niyad]

7. Your DU family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need. Sending vibes

for successful procedure and swift healing.

[cate94]

21. Thank you!

[vercetti2021]

8. I'm so sorry

[cate94]

22. Thanks

[murielm99]

9. Damn.

I am so sorry. I wish you the best in recovery, overcoming pain and anxiety. We will be here for you. This is a good place for support.

[cate94]

23. Thanks!

It’s been 9 years since the initial diagnosis, so this has been a bit of a shock.

[WheelWalker]

10. Strength and honor.

[cate94]

24. Thanks!

[littlemissmartypants]

11. Echoing niyad's sentiments. Stay encouraged. ❤️

[cate94]

25. Thanks!

[BigmanPigman]

12. Oh shit!

I'd be drinking (a lot) if I were in your shoes. That sucks, especially since you know what is coming through past experience.

[cate94]

26. Right!?!

[yorkster]

13. Thinking of you.

[cate94]

27. Thanks!

[lillypaddle]

14. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in 2001

Here I am, 22 years later. Sounds like you and your doctors have been monitoring the cancer closely, and once the discomfort of the surgery has passed, I'm betting you will be fine. Like any surgery, it is difficult at first, but before you know it, it will be behind you.

I understand completely what you are going through. Wish I had some pearls of wisdom to pass on to you. Take care of yourself, and let us know how it goes.

[cate94]

28. Thanks!

[cate94]

29. All true

Thanks!

[mia]

16. Thinking of you.

[cate94]

30. Thanks!

[markie]

17. best wishes for you

[cate94]

31. Thanks!

[Solly Mack]

18. Keep us posted when you can.

Hoping for the best for you.

[cate94]

32. Thank you!

[TNNurse]

19. Crap indeed.

I had a unilateral mastectomy 11 years ago. I had one positive lymph node " ready to burst and spread". The pain from a mastectomy is mostly from the drain...they do not cut muscle, so once the drain is out, it was not painful for me, except emotionally. Now, the chemo, was tougher than anything else I have ever done. Hopefully you can avoid that. But, if you do, here I am 11 years later so it works.

Please keep us posted. Will be thinking about you.

[cate94]

33. Thanks for the info!

[Bluepinky]

20. I understand what you're going through.

I had a mastectomy 17 months ago, and I honestly felt no pain. I had a nerve block, which effectively blocked any pain for about 3 days. After it wore off, nada, no pain at all. They gave me a prescription for pain pills, but I never took one. And the drain wasn’t terrible, it’s a small tube that you empty out several times a day. You do need to keep track of the daily drainage amount, because when there’s very little or no drainage, they remove it. My drain was in for 2-3 weeks. For me, recovery was sooner than 6 weeks. They send you home with a bra, it’s comfortable and you can wear it all the time while recovering. The entire surgery was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

Chemo was tough, though. It started out okay, but it gets worse over time. But hang in there and remember it’s not forever. You’ll get through it.

[cate94]

34. Thank you for this!

The idea of a nerve block gives me some peace.
As for chemo, even my Oncologist says it’s hell!

[Bluepinky]

35. Any time. Keep us posted on your condition. It will be okay.

[Dear_Prudence]

36. Mastectomy on April 4

I just had a unilateral mastectomy on April 4 for breast cancer, following a lumpectomy 13 years ago. This is not a recurrence, but a new cancer. Scary, yes. Sometimes meditation helps. DU helps because I can't follow the news due to brain fog, but I know my DU community will flag anything I should know about. Also, cat stories on DU help me a lot. The pain has been minimal. I have only taken plain Tylenol twice, once for a tension headache. Tha stupid post-op bra has seams where the stitches are so 4x4 adhesive gauze pads are a good thing to have on hand; just fold back the adhesive where you don't want it to stick. A mastectomy pillow (Amazon, Etsy) is good for sleeping and to protect yourself from the car seat belt or affectionate feline companions. Bring the pillow for your post-op ride home. Ask for help. Tell people what you need. Wishing you a good recovery.

[cate94]

37. Thank you!

I appreciate the advice! I’m glad you haven’t had much pain and hope your healing is going well.