I would not take a photo of my breast as I would be too scared it would somehow get out into public. Not that the public would care but still. I considered taking a photo before I had the mastecomy so I could remember how it looked but I didn't for that same reason. But, if you're not paranoid like me then maybe that's the way to go. It might help you to be able to explain how you feel if you've got something to show them. Earlier on my counsellor showed me breathing and calming techniques but we haven't done anything like that for months. Maybe I should ask about that next time I'm there. I also keep meaning to investigate about mindfulness therapies and CBT (I think that stands for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?) but I never get around to actually doing anything about it. ... View more

Thanks Sunshine006au! Silly, the monthly injection is to turn my ovaries off, which reduces oestrogen, which reduces the chance of recurrance. While this has some downsides, on the positive side it means no periods for 5 years so woo hoo for that! That's good news that your lungs are clear. The monitoring sounds a bit tiring but hopefully it means they'll catch anything early if it does recur. When I went for my first follow-up mammogram and ultrasound I had a hard time not crying which surprised me as I was not conscious of being worried about it. Today I went to work and had quite a good day. Had to catch up on things from last week when I was away so I was busy and the day went quickly. In the evening I went to a support group dinner. I'm not good at groups of people so I never say much but it was good just being there and listening to the others. ... View more

Hi Glenys You can look forward to getting back to swimming in a couple of months then. Maybe you could try something else like just going walking in the meantime. I always feel better after doing some exercise. Best wishes ... View more

I was diagnosed and had 2 surgeries in October 2010, chemo from November 2010 to February 2011. Surgery again in April & August 2011. Finished hospital visits for a drug via drip every third Thursday in January 2012. I find it confusing as to which of these dates mark the end of treatment. Also, I still take a tablet every night and have an injection every four weeks. But, it is just over a year since chemo which was the major treatment so that's what I say for when I finished treatment. I used to sometimes make an effort to not mention cancer for a whole day. I generally didn't manage it. But, I only just remembered doing that as I was typing this - I think I manage it quite often now without even trying. Though I still probably think of it everyday. When were you diagnosed? Do you have on-going treatment? ... View more

Hi Glenys I had my mastecomy on the day before Good Friday last year. I had a drainage tube in until I went home on Easter Sunday. I didn't have to have any more drainage after that. I think the operation was only about 3.5 hours. As I said I have very small breasts - so although I had been assured that it could all be done in one operation it turned out to be two as it turned out at the first surgery that they didn't have a permanent implant that was small enough! They put in an expander temporarily and swapped it for a permanent implant a few months later. Most people have a expander in for a number of months gradually stretching out the skin ready for the permanent implant if they're getting an implant. There's also other options involving using fat or muscle from your own body for reconstruction of a breast. I have happy with my implant and I know some people who have had the TRAM flap reconstruction and they are happy too although it was a tough surgery and recovery afterwards. The breast shape does not quite match the other and there is a small amount of discomfort but it is done. I chose this as being much more convenient and less emotionally distressing than having to deal with a falsie every day. I am a runner so being able to exercise without worry is very important to me. The whole thing was a lot less traumatic than I thought it was going to be. I was terrified out of my mind beforehand. Everyone has to make their own decision on what's best for them. But it sounds like it would be helpful for you to at least investigate if reconstruction is possible and what options you would have. ... View more

I don't know what your health is like, so maybe the answer is no, but can't you try a bit of swimming now? It would probably help you to sleep if you could. ... View more

Hi Glenys That's a rough journey you've had and are still having. I had breast cancer too. Right-side mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. In my case the main problem with reconstruction was getting an implant which was small enough. I was terrified about the mastecomy but it helped me a lot to have the immediate reconstruction so I can't imagine what it is like for you to have no breast. I'm sorry you're still having such a hard time, it must be very difficult. I find writing on this site helpful and I hope that you feel a little better from having written your story down. ... View more

You're right - cancer was a significant thing that happened to me so sometimes unexpected thoughts of it will pop up. Now that I am mainly past it, it all seems so amazing to me that it happened. I had cancer! Me! That's more unbelievable now that it was when I was going through it. I guess the next step is learning to be able to remember it without reliving it. That's a line from The West Wing when Josh was being counselled for PTSD which has always stuck with me. Thank you for your thoughts Silly. Yesterday I was having a bit of a meltdown. I think it will take a few days to get my head back in a reasonable place but I think I will be able to. ... View more

That's really good news Mignon. I hope you find what you are looking for with the support group. ... View more