Arrgh! Can’t believe this time tomorrow I shall be lopsided. I’d love to hear from anyone who is at a similar stage to me. I found out 9 days ago that I have IDC. My chemo will start in 3-4 weeks time and I’ll be treated at the Royal Marsden in Sutton. I’ll probably have to have radiotherapy too. I’m trying not too think too much about what tomorrow will bring.
Good luck for tomorrow.6 weeks ago tonight I was exactly in the same situation as you, waiting for my mx. I survived to tell the tale and thankfully didn’t need chemo as my nodes were unaffected. I know what you’re experiencing tonight and I feel for you. You will get through this. In my case the mx was totally needed, as they found invasive cancer but 6 weeks ago tonight I didn’t know that. Take care. I shall be thinking of you tomorrow.
Annys x
You will get through this. I had mx and anc three weeks ago and just about starting to feel normal. Take it easy. I found it better to look at the scar as much as possible after the operation, so I am getting more used to it now. Also would advise that you become familiar with the wound so that you can identify any unusual lumps or bumps. I found the drains very hard to deal with and was glad they didn’t stay in for long. I was given gas and air when they were taken out and boy did I need it! That being said you will get through this. Better out than in!!! 
Snoogle
x
Hiya, I had a double mx just over a month ago and it is a little tough in the first couple of weeks, but it will all normalise itself.
I am also being treated at sutton and start my chemo this Thursday, so will probably pass you at some point. I would say that I am the one with a dark bob style hair, but by the time you start chemo too I will have lost my hair! =)
Good luck for tomorrow, it will be over with before you know it.
Paula x
Hi Emma
You’ll be fine (Hugs) honestly 
This time last week I was in exactly the same situation, had a MX and ANC and was terrified! But in less than 24hrs was back at home and didn’t feel too bad at all. Lugging the bottles and drains about was the worst bit, thankfully they were removed yesterday.
I also looked at the wound/scar as soon as possible, it isn’t too frightening and I’m glad it’s gone as it wouldn’t do me any favours keeping it!
I’ve been out and about (shoppping and pub lunch today) with a rolled up sock stuffed in a hidden support vest and you can’t tell I’m missing one! LOL
Take care
S
Hi Emma
its a long time for me - 13 years - but I wanted to wish you well. I hope the surgery goes well and that all your treatment is effective.
good luck - be kind to yourself
love monica xx
Hi
Hope all goes really well for you. I had my mx and Lymph Node clearance on 21st Jan this year (2 weeks after diagnosis). I had a chest drain which was removed before I was discharged (I am only small!) and was told to take some deep breaths and they were pulled out - I didn’t really feel any pain. I was discharged just after 24 hours and it was great to be at home. Spent 3 days in bed at home and taking it easy and felt much better. Was so tired at the hospital because they don’t let you rest really with their routine so I just slept for the first couple of days at home. Once you can start to do the exercises, keep them up (although I only manage to do them 2x a day rather than 3). But my excuse is having a 2 year old to run after! They do help. As I had more than 3 of my lymph nodes infected I also had a CT scan and Bone Scan but thankfully they came back clear and I am about to have my 2nd session of Chemo tomorrow (Monday) out of 6 sessions due. My hair started falling out last Monday exactly 2 weeks after my 1st Chemo. I will be also having a month of Radiotheraphy. They just want to make sure its all gone as my 2 tumors were quite big and Grade 3.
Hope all really goes well and you have good results.
Take care
Thanks all. Some great advice here. I can’t believe a couple of you were out within 24 hours. I’m just packing my bags now, all this cancer business has been a great excuse to treat myself to new pjs, dressing gown, toiletries…
I shall let you know how it goes. X
Hope every thing goes well for you. Did not have mx, had WLE two years ago but had the chemo and rads.
Rachy xx
Hi I am having my Masectomy tomorrow after a lumpectomy and snb 4 weeks ago. I am also having full anx clearence due to lymph nodes being affected. I have my pre med today, go in tomorrow lunch time and my consultant said I don’t need to stay overnight but I do understand from the nurses that they may want to keep me in overnight to sort out the drain and out reach service etc, but I will be home on weds - which is great - its much better to be at home and relax that in hospital.
I too have to have the full works chemo and radiotheropy and I have had a CT scan although I don’t know the results of that yet. I have almost ‘come to terms’ with losing my breast and just want the op over so I can get myself fit and strong to face up to the chemo and whatever else this nasty disease decides to throw at me.
Not sure if this helps, but I am not missing my breast as much as I thought I would. Although we are not yet into summer when I would normally wear low cut tops. I went through my wardrobe this morning and only had one autumn/winter top that I really couldn’t wear any more. I find vest tops more comfortable than sports bras at the moment, so just wear bras when I ‘need’ to. Saying that, hubby and kids aren’t that bothered if I were the softie or not. So I will probably keep my low cut summer t’s to use a vests in the winter. Will have to spoil myself with post-surgery bras and some alternative tops for the spring/summer once I have had my prosthesis fitting. I find I am having more discomfort from the anc than from the mx. I found that forcing myself to look at the scar in the mirror is helping me come to terms with it.
Just my thoughts and feelings,
Snoogle
x
Had the op yesterday. My sentinel node was positive so had full clearance. In some
physical discomfort but otherwise ok. I haven’t looked at it yet, don’t feel ready.
They want to keep me in until Thursday. Given that I’m in a private hospital and being
treated like a VIP I’m not too upset!
Saffron, I hope your op goes ok today. Let me know how it goes x
All the best x
Thanks, I am feeling a bit apprehensive but no where near as bad as I did the first time round - I just will be glad when its over - another step forward on this horrible journey I never wanted or intented to take…
Hi am home now disharged yesterday, had surgery tuesday but still under outreach nurse. Had mastectomy, full clearence and they also took so ‘swollen nodes’ from under my other arm at the same time - to check these for cancer.
Have drain so a bit immobile and as both arms now affected having trouble doing anything at all - although can type and read and use the remote on the tele - so a bit of a lady of leisure! Am feeling ok - still a bit emotional at times but I find that as I move on stages/steps it does get easier to come to terms with and gives you strength to face up to the next treatment/results. Haven’t really looked at my breast yet (well where my breast was) had quick glances in the mirror but don’t feel up to a ‘full inspetion’ at the moment. I have my comfy but too sore to wear a bra anyhow so am lopsided, but being at home it doesnt really matter - not sure about comfy anyhow it feels ‘too big’ and sticks out too far - although the nurse said she felt it was the right size…
Hi saffronseed - great to hear that you’re home, where your recovery can really begin. Yoú’ll have good days and bad days but it’s wonderful to hear how up beat you are. Take care.
Annys xx
Saffronseed,
Do you have the comfy that you can take the stuffing out of. I found at first mine was too full with the swelling and I had to remove some. Operation was exactly four weeks ago today and the swelling has reduced enough that I was able to put some stuffing back in. Still have seroma, but small now by comparison and seeing the surgeon in just over a week when he’ll drain it again. Don’t tend to wear the softie/comfy around the house and have to remind myself to put it in when I go out. I found looking at the wound helped, but each to their own we all deal with this differently. Do find wearing bras uncomfortable and my low cut summer vests now have a new lease of life as they hold the softie in quite well and are relatively comfortable.
Things will get easier, a bit of a pain both arms being affected, but surely it is better to be sure if the other side is affected. Take care
Snoogle
x
Hello saffronseed and emma, glad you both have the surgery over and are recovering
just wanted to send love and remind you to be VERY kind to yourselves, both physically and emotionally
monica xxx
Hi all
Well I’m finally back home and starting to feel human again. In the end I had to stay in hospital until Saturday with the drains in. When I was finally discharged I felt surprisingly vulnerable at home - and the mess and noise from a 6 and 3 year old was a bit much to take after the calm of my hospital room!
I’m finding my lack of boob less distressing than I thought. My OH also plucked up the courage to look at it on Saturday and thankfully he didn’t run screaming from the room! My children keep asking to have a look too, but given its incredibly swollen and the stitches and blood are still there I’m delaying that viewing for a while.
Saffron, my comfy is also way too big - its ridiculous. The top corner is practically poking out the top of my shirt. I’ve tried to wear a variety of bras, including my old maternity sleep bra which is the most comfy - and its very handy that the cup drops down so I can position the comfy. However, I’ve decided to give myself a pyjama today - bliss.
I go back a week today to get the results. Every time I think about it I feel sick with worry. Silly really, as I already know that I will have to have chemo and rads, but I’m petrified they will tell me the cancer is really aggressive and has spread elsewhere (I already know its in my nodes). When I try and talk to my husband about my worries he tells me to stop being so negative.
I just keep telling myself ‘it is what it is’.
xx