So now that a date for the mastectomy is set I find myself thinking about what it means for me – and my family.
I feel such a mixture of emotions but I think the dominate one is relief – the end is in sight and a have a date. But I’m also a little disillusioned about the whole process – there seems to be so much help for people with breast cancer but not much available for those of us who are at increased risk of breast cancer. For example, when I met with the nurse assisting my surgeon she gave me a handbook entitled ‘Breast Cancer Surgery’ – she blotted out the Cancer part – and the first part of the book talks about a pre-op information session you can attend. She informed me that the session is mostly about cancer and therefore I wouldn’t find it helpful – but it would be great to know what to expect in regards to this surgery. I mean I can read all sorts of info on-line but it’s so much better hearing a real person talk about what to expect in regards to the surgery (at my particular hospital), any specific things I might need and to answer any questions. I sent an e-mail to the group that runs the sessions to see if I would in fact find it helpful. There are also lots of counseling, physio and other options for people who have been diagnosed and undergo surgery. I mean in some ways yes my surgery will be different but for the vast majority of the procedure it will be the same. I watched my sister struggle and die, I know that cancer is horrible but I don’t like feeling like my struggle doesn’t mean as much – it does to me and to my family – and I still have to recover from three major surgeries – mastectomy, reconstruction and ovary removal.
The good news is that the surgery has made me look at things which are available – fortunately there is a BRCA group in my area and they meet once a month. I’m thinking I will give it a try this month as I only have this month and next before my surgery and I’m hoping I can speak with someone who has undergone the surgeries.
Oats 