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Can someone who’s had a mastectomy share the psychological effects ?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Aug 15, 2023 | Replies (35)Comment receiving replies
I'm sorry that it's taken me a few days to reply. i am 72 as well. I was diagnosed last Fall and had my 1st surgery on 12/1, bilateral mastectomy. At that time I had expanders inserted; thinking I'd have reconstructive surgery. I had problems and after another 4 surgeries, decided not to be reconstructed. I'm still kind of numb from it all and feel very sad, depressed. I have great prothesis but when I've had to tell people about the cancer, they 'look' at me, wondering. My husband's been wonderful. I don't feel like 'me' mentally. I've lost something inside and I'm trying to figure out how to move on. I had HER2, and it was invasive; I have chemo every 3 weeks and take an oral chemo pill daily. Part of me wants to crawl under a rock, another part wants to face the world with a smile and a 'can do' attitude. Most of the time, I feel lost and alone and so unsure what to do about it. When they took my breasts, they took part of me as well. I'm trying to get that part of me back, but I'm stuck, unsure what to do next. I was thinking about professional help, but unsure. I'm able to put on a good front to others, but hurting badly inside. Be well, stay safe. Cathy
Replies to "I'm sorry that it's taken me a few days to reply. i am 72 as well...."
Cathy, I am so sorry you are feeling numb, sad and depressed. Those emotions are completely understandable. I relate to the feelings you describe. You have been through a lot and you are brave to write about your experience. I understand feeling lost and alone. I am struggling to learn how to be in the moment and take life one step (sometimes minute to minute) at a time. Every day there are new challenges that one cannot predict. You are doing it though. You are getting through each moment and each day. I admire and respect what you've been through (more than 4 surgeries) and chemo. I hope you will one day feel good about your courage and perseverance which I and others here see.
Please consult a highly recommended female, Ph.D. level clinical psychologist. You express severe emotional pain and need support and self-insight. The psychologist should be licensed in your state. Board certified even better. I am a retired forensic psychologist who had a mastectomy and 3 positive nodes (ER+) 2 years ago. Contact the American Board of Clinical Psychology for names in your state. Help is waiting for you. Dick
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Cathy,
A BC diagnoses is a traumatic experience. You seem to have been through a lot ( with 4 additional surgeries) of unexpected challenges on top of the expected challenges. Im sorry that the plan you made for reconstruction unfortunately did not work out for you .
Now you are experiencing the physical and emotional impact of chemotherapy. It’s “A LOT” to be dealing with.
You may need some significant support to restock your coping strategy tool box . This is a very common need that is too often overlooked as part of our recovery journey. I hope you consider counseling . Most , if not all, find counseling to be a tremendous help as we navigate this incredibly scary, depleting, challenging and unwanted journey we find ourselves on.
Best to you and to all of us as we rid ourselves of cancer and move towards a healthy future. 🌸