Operation day 13th Feb

[Di57]

I am starting to panic, stress out and become extremely anxious.

Diagnosed in June 2025 with  TRNBC in my right breast and HER2 in my left.

Chemo has shrunk my cancer considerably. Last chemo session was on the 23rd December  but still on immunotherapy till June 2026. 

My operation is coming up and I am getting really scared.  I did a stupid thing and googled mastectomy scars and some of the pictures did not look good. I am petrified that that will be me.  Those dog ears, flabby skin. I am not having reconstruction. 

I am having a full mastectomy because I don't want to go through all this again.  Had a few issues going through chemo. 

Scared shitless

Di

[Miranda_ccnsw]

Hi @Di57 

Thank you so much for sharing so openly how you are feeling. Reaching out to the community is a wonderful way to connect with others who may be experiencing similar feelings when navigating their diagnosis and treatment journey.

I can hear how worried and anxious you are when thinking about the magnitude of the surgery you are facing and the possible outcomes. The unknown can be a very scary thing to face.

If you'd like to reach out to one of our health professionals on 13 11 20, they will be able to talk to you about possible support options available to you during this time.

Here resource may also be a useful for you.

Wishing you all the best for your surgery,

Miranda

[Milo01]

Hello Di57,

 I read your post and can empathise on how confronting your upcoming surgery is for you.

 I had a different surgery for a different cancer, but was still scared shitless too. It is a valid feeling for something so big in a person’s life.

I think we google for reassurance, but it is important to know that the internet can be our enemy at times. It often shows the worst case scenario without the statistics that support the claims. Also did every picture explain all of that person’s medical history and how & why the pictures ended up on the internet? Can there be 100% certainty that the pictures are all really what you googled for, or taken from somewhere else and put under a different heading? Google will certainly trigger emotions inside of you when you are already stressed and heightened. But you won’t be alone in doing this. It isn’t silly, just natural human behaviour to seek comfort, reassurance and answers.

There are really good surgeons who have done so many surgeries of your type. And there isn’t just one doctor in the operating theatre. There are multiple people involved in an operation. And they all have to follow strict procedures. They will look after you.

You are also doing something so proactive for yourself and your future. One step at a time. Unfortunately you have to go through it to get on the other side of it. But you are doing everything that is necessary for yourself. And showing a strength and resilience that is so commendable. 
I wish you well during this stressful time.

All the best,

Milo01