When I saw the nurse she recommended that I see the clinical psychologist associated with the surgery team, this is something offered to all women considering this type of surgery. I figured that talking to someone else about my decision can only help so I took her up on her offer.
Leading up to the session I was very apprehensive, I had no idea what to expect and after my experience with the genetic counsellor I didn't have high hopes.
The appointment was yesterday, I was so scared that I made my partner come along and wait outside! The lady I saw was lovely, she put my completely at ease and let me decide what we would discuss. It was brilliant to be able to talk to someone that wasn't emotionally involved in the decision making process. The appointment lasted an hour and I left feeling like I had discussed everything I needed to.
We didn't spend much time discussing surgery as I still feel a bit detached from it all. Most of the time was spend discussing my mum's reaction to my decision. I am very close to my mum, she is one of my best friends and I value her opinion above all others. The fact that she wont talk to me about surgery is very upsetting. The counsellor encouraged me to talk to my mum, I rang her as soon as I left and she is now fully supportive of my decision.
Having a preventative mastectomy is a huge thing and everyone has their opinion on it, there is no right thing to do with the knowledge of a BRCA mutation I can only do what I think is best for my emotional and biological health. My mum now understands that this is my choice and that I have entered into it fully informed and aware of all the implications.
I made another appointment for after I have seen the surgeon and met women who have already had the operation at the support group. I think then I will know more about the surgery itself and have more things I need to discuss but for now I'm happy knowing that I have the full support of everyone I love.
Leading up to the session I was very apprehensive, I had no idea what to expect and after my experience with the genetic counsellor I didn't have high hopes.
The appointment was yesterday, I was so scared that I made my partner come along and wait outside! The lady I saw was lovely, she put my completely at ease and let me decide what we would discuss. It was brilliant to be able to talk to someone that wasn't emotionally involved in the decision making process. The appointment lasted an hour and I left feeling like I had discussed everything I needed to.
We didn't spend much time discussing surgery as I still feel a bit detached from it all. Most of the time was spend discussing my mum's reaction to my decision. I am very close to my mum, she is one of my best friends and I value her opinion above all others. The fact that she wont talk to me about surgery is very upsetting. The counsellor encouraged me to talk to my mum, I rang her as soon as I left and she is now fully supportive of my decision.
Having a preventative mastectomy is a huge thing and everyone has their opinion on it, there is no right thing to do with the knowledge of a BRCA mutation I can only do what I think is best for my emotional and biological health. My mum now understands that this is my choice and that I have entered into it fully informed and aware of all the implications.
I made another appointment for after I have seen the surgeon and met women who have already had the operation at the support group. I think then I will know more about the surgery itself and have more things I need to discuss but for now I'm happy knowing that I have the full support of everyone I love.
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