Hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy

[Mpsister]

Hello. I've changed my username for this as I haven't told anyone in real life, but really need to get this out.
So far this year, I've had 26 hospital appointments, 3 MRI scans, 4 CT scans, 4 biopsies, a hysterectomy, knee surgery and bowel surgery. I'm not complaining because I know some people are finding it difficult to get appointments, but it feels like it's never ending and it's really getting me down.

It's now been recommended that I have a bilateral mastectomy and I don't know whether I can face it. I found the hysterectomy very emotionally challenging and the thought of having a bilateral mastectomy too is really upsetting me.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has had both of these surgeries or anyone who can offer me some friendly words of wisdom. Please be kind. I really feel for people who are finding it difficult to get appointments. Thank you so much.

I'm sorry you've had so much medical treatment - you must be exhausted from it.

Regarding the bilateral mastectomy, I guess a lot depends on why the doctor has advised it. I'd suggest having a good talk to the doctor , to find out what the reasons are and what the results would be afterwards.

If your hysterectomy was only recent, you'll still be getting over that , so be kind to yourself and take time to recover fully. Best wishes to you x

Oh dear! That’s a lot of surgery! Why did you need all that done? Was it one illness? And now a double mastectomy… that’s brutal.

Sorry, pressed too soon! I hope you recover well from all this horrible treatment.

I have had a hysterectomy this year. I found physical recovery reasonable. However, I am still exhausted in some ways, mentally and physically, from it all.

You have been and are going through so much more. I can't imagine how hard your experience is. I really hope life becomes a little kinder on you soon

Thank you to everyone who's replied. I don't know how to explain it, but I'm not sure if I'll feel like a woman after having a hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy. I know that doesn't make sense, but I honestly don't think I can do it. I've had so much medical treatment over the last few months and I'm just completely overwhelmed

How urgent is the mastectomy? How long do you have before you have to go for it?

With all of these surgeries this year have you been offered any well being support?

My dad had stage 4 cancer and apart from the usual they put him in touch with a support centre where patients could access (in a non hospital setting) counselling, massage, even choirs. This helped him face the treatments.

Is the surgery advised because you have the BRAC gene? Why are they offering this operation? Have you had a further diagnosis or is it for prevention?

I'm sorry you have been through so much- it sounds horrendous.

I've changed my username for this as I haven't told anyone in real life, but really need to get this out.
This really worries me. Are you facing all these ops alone or is it just the new surgery you are keeping from friends and family?

I had breast cancer in my thirties and am at high risk.

People know about the knee op and the bowel op. Nobody knows I had a hysterectomy and I haven’t told anyone about the mastectomy. i really need to think about it, I’m just overwhelmed.

Goodness that sounds tough keeping it all to yourself. How did you cope post op? After a hyster you aren't supposed to do any lifting, driving etc for weeks, or even lift a kettle.

Have you friends or family to talk to?

Oh my gosh OP, I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. I can’t imagine how much stress and worry you must be facing.
I’m sorry I have no advice but please please don’t apologise for the amount of appointments and treatment you’ve had. It sounds gruelling and you have nothing to feel bad about I hope you feel better soon and I really hope you get the support you need