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What is your "new normal" after mastectomy?

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JackieLea

03/01/2022 at 8:17 PM

JackieLea

Last activity on 03/11/2022 at 1:41 AM

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1 comment posted | 1 in the Breast cancer Forum

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I recently had double mastectomy surgery. I'm so very fortunate that I didn't have to experience chemotherapy. My lymph nodes came back clear, even though the mass in my breasts were 10cm and had begun to "branch out." I opted to not have reconstruction in order to avoid having radiation treatment. My struggle, now, is coming to grips with my "new normal." My scars still hurt, I feel so self conscious, and I'm really wanting to hear from other women who've experienced mastectomy. How long did it take you to feel "normal" again? I don't want to wear prosthetics, but don't know how to get comfortable with how I look. What did you do to get through the process?

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Courtney_J

Community manager

03/04/2022 at 7:02 PM

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Courtney_J

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Last activity on 08/08/2022 at 11:09 AM

Joined in 2020

1,339 comments posted | 42 in the Breast cancer Forum

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Hi @JackieLea, thank you for opening this discussion and sharing what you've been going through. Let me tag some other members who can hopefully share their experiences and advice with you.

Hi everyone,

For those of you who've been through a mastectomy, can you share about it? Can you relate to how JackieLea is feeling? How did you process what you'd been through emotionally? When did you start feeling "normal" again?

@denisejeanmckeon @MelissaDunaway @Hseechan55 @spapach @HopePromise @Vwolf1025 @PinkGlamgall @apalila @dianfor @felixcatwoman @MMASSpangler @Sandyj853 @demason @NancyH @Connie1985 @shawn758 @Avaseyes @Kat122016 @Snull74 @MrIbrance @Ashnt04177

Please don't hesitate to share with us here!

Take care,

Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity US

What is your "new normal" after mastectomy? https://www.carenity.us/forum/breast-cancer/your-opinion-on-breast-cancer-treatments/what-is-your-new-normal-after-mastectomy-4257 2022-03-04 19:02:25

kate1950

04/25/2022 at 7:53 PM

kate1950

Last activity on 09/09/2022 at 12:36 PM

Joined in 2021

1 comment posted | 1 in the Breast cancer Forum

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I had a masectomy in January after being diagnosed with DCIS. Reconstruction next week. Sports bras are my favorite.

What is your "new normal" after mastectomy? https://www.carenity.us/forum/breast-cancer/your-opinion-on-breast-cancer-treatments/what-is-your-new-normal-after-mastectomy-4257 2022-04-25 19:53:18

Gerelle

05/15/2022 at 11:05 PM

Gerelle

Last activity on 01/01/2025 at 12:53 AM

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1 comment posted | 1 in the Breast cancer Forum

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I had a double mastectomy in June of 2021 and had 4 rounds of chemo. After genetic testing, I had my ovaries removed. I had my expanders put in this past March and am due to get the permanent ones put in next month. I'm hoping the permanent "boobs" will look better than the expanders. I tried the medical bras and the sports bras but after pulling my shoulder out getting it off, I'm going all natural. Still trying to figure out how I want to look.

What is your "new normal" after mastectomy? https://www.carenity.us/forum/breast-cancer/your-opinion-on-breast-cancer-treatments/what-is-your-new-normal-after-mastectomy-4257 2022-05-15 23:05:08

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positive

07/08/2021 at 7:19 PM

@Courtney_J I am getting very nervous and scared because the surgery is July 13, 2021. My parents both died this year so I dont have them to talk to. My mom died on Feb 16, 2021 with a sickness she was suffering for 18 months so i was dealing with that for the last months and then my dad had a major stroke 3 weeks after my mom passed away and he could no longer go back to his assistance living so we had to find a nursing home. We found one he was only in there 3 weeks and then he passed away on May 6, 2021. Right after all that I was diagnosed with cancer so I have been on a train that is non-stop. I feel like I am so tried out and I dont have much energy left. My sisters are not helpful they keep telling me just pray. They both got to take 2 weeks vacation after my mom and dad passed away. I have not even had time to take a breather I am just on the train of bad luck. That is how I am feeling.

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positive

07/08/2021 at 7:19 PM

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What is your "new normal" after mastectomy?

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