April 12th Easter holidays

The Easter holidays are upon us. We have enjoyed decorating children's bedrooms, and going to Thorpe Park. I have been very pleased with my new overlocker, and have made a dress for Ann, and some prototype 'turbans' in readiness for my hairlessness!
I have been given an appointment with the 'hair adviser' on Wednesday. I advise you to have hair.. hmm..
I had a big success in town on Friday. I went to John Lewis and got fitted for a mastectomy bra - one that has a pocket to hold the prosthesis securely in. The lady fitter was SO brilliant, so kind and sensitive and experienced in helping people like me. I was really rather nervous - and felt quite vulnerable and without many options or choices. She explained I can adapt most ordinary bras and sew in a pocket in future, and she assured me that when I get my proper prosthesis it will be a great deal better and more realistic than the soft post-surgery thing I'm coping with now. I bought a purpose-made mastectomy bra anyway, as it secures my softie, and doesn't let it drift about. I actually felt confident and symmetrical in my new bra, and so I wore it straight away, and felt a lot happier, all day.
Still going on Mondays and Fridays to drain off the seroma. The breast care nurse thought perhaps I have another 3 weeks of this palaver to endure before things settle down, and I can be fitted with a pukka prosthesis. I keep bumping into the same ladies at the clinic each Monday and Friday, and we are beginning to compare notes about how we are feeling and healing. I am quite grateful for this contact with people who are going through the same things that I am, at the same time as I am.
When I was first diagnosed I had several offers, via my friends, to speak with other friends of theirs, who had survived breast cancer, and who would therefore be able to reassure/help/befriend me in my time of need. And I didn't feel like I wanted their wisdom and advice. As time goes on, I am slightly more open to getting to know these people, but nothing beats the camaraderie of the women who are going through what I'm going through right now, with me.
My right arm is still very sore, and it gets quite tight and slightly swollen. I try to keep it moving and to massage it. I am developing the nasty axillary cording again in my armpit and all along my arm to the wrist. The breast care nurse has referred me to the lymphoedema physiotherapist and I have contacted my physiotherapist so we can resume treatment for the cording.
I am thankful to my fairy godmother for sending me an article about a website full of patients' experiences of illnesses and treatments. Look up your illness! http://www.healthtalkonline.org/
Breast cancer is a common thing, mastectomy is a common surgery. and I am healing appropriately, so I feel I ought to be coping better than I actually am. Everyone is being lovely to me, but they have to put up with my sudden tearfulness over tiny things, and my insecurity about my appearance. The breast care nurse said we have a mental map of our body and when we change appearance slowly we gradually adapt to accept ourselves, but when it's a sudden change, it does take time to get used to the way things are. It has now been over three weeks since I lost my breast. I am still not used to it.