Feelings after a mastectomy?

Jessyogamom, I think how one feels depend so much on our individual make up including our self image, our self confidence, our values, our priorities and the societies/social circles that we mingle within.

I had a bilat with no recon, am 49, have a 16 year old daughter, and know ( even though I can be vain, please forgive me for my shortcomings) that my self image have very little attachment to my breasts. I also have a very secure marriage and had grew up with parents/ and in a society that valued 'brains over matter'. Yet, I will admit, I have always loved dressing up, am a avid runner, keep very active, and ate well. But, for some strange reason, breasts didn't mean much to how I perceive myself ( besides have you look through Anthropologie catalogs, I swear most of their models have no breasts!). Also, I had always had painful pre-menstral breasts that hindered my runs and would be happy not to have to deal with that anymore. I tend to be practical and my priorities are to be with my family for as long as I possibly can. Thus, I will do anything to ensure optimal survival.

When I first saw myself after the surgery, I didn't have any feelings one way or another. My anxiety was focused on getting my pathology report and praying it would be a good one. Pain, I had little, but this varies. Discomfort for me was mainly tightness under my arms. Now, that I am feeling a little better ( thanks to the support and comfort of members on this board) I am looking through these Anthropologie catalogs and thinking ' hey, I might actually fit their clothes better!'. Hopefully, I will always continue to find a silver lining in every thing.

I think you have to be really honest with yourself and your feelings. Unfortunately, a mastectomy is not an easy surgery and the pain and/or discomfort, coupled with a bc dx, can be overwhelming. The journey is neither a pleasant or easy one and we will face a new normal. What and how we make of it depend greatly on our determination, the support we receive, our drs, and XANAX. Keep strong, pray, cry when you need, and laugh at every opportunity.

I chose to do a bilateral mastectomy, because I figured even if the cancer was only on one side, might as well get a matching set of boobs out of the ordeal. I didn't like my breasts before, and am still going through the reconstruction process, but I am looking forward to the final results. Maybe because I didn't like my breasts before -having them removed really didn't hit me that hard emotionally??

Anywho, the expanders were very uncomfortable, and super hard. I had the exchange surgery in late September, and the silicone implants immediately felt better than the expanders. I was so relieved for that. I also had a skin sparing mastectomy, rather than a nipple sparing mastectomy. So I don't have nipples. Which is hard to wrap my head around when I look in the mirror. Once scar tissue has softened up I am going to have tattoos done, which I think will help with that mental connection. Good luck with whatever procedure you choose!

I liked my breasts a lot, and I miss them sometimes, but every time I see my chest (BMX, no recon), I think, "Took care of that/I'm alive."

Hi everyone

I had a single mastectomy. I was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy with TRAM-FLAP reconstruction, however since the tumour was not responding to chemo, I was given an emergency unilateral mx. I'll get reconstruction later, after I'm given the all clear. The pain the comes with post op recovery is horrible, and the numbness as well.

I'm taking a cocktail of painkillers at the moment ( Tramadol+paracetamol+ibuprofen+2mg valium) + a pain patch on my arm. How are you guys managing the pain?

Lolz @ DeeRatz, I was originally a DD, now I'm half a surfboard!! When I'm ready for recon, I'm downgrading to a C cup on both ( Please God, let that be soon... )

As you can see, feelings, both physical and emotional are very individual. I am a bit more than 4 years out from a bmx with one step implants. I had manageable pain during recovery. I took prescription pain meds for less than a week and was doing laps around the hospital,floor as soon as I was allowed out of bed. I liked the size and shape of my natural breasts and my implants look almost the same. Scars have faded well. I can feel pressure on my new breasts and skin sensation, but no deeper or sexual sensation (after all, the breast tissue is gone). Some women say they do have deeper sensation, but I believe that is rare. Overall, I no longer even notice my implants and am very happy with my recon. Best of luck to you.