Help!! I’ve waited 10 weeks since diagnosis for my mastectomy & exactly one week before my surgery, I’ve started with a mild cold. It’s just a slightly runny nose & mild throat irritation. I’m supposed to be working until Thursday & I don’t know what to do. How can I get rid of it quickly & do you think I’ll be ok for next week?
1 Like
I would speak to your team as you might be ok for next week if it doesn’t get worse and it might be best if you were to go off sick now I think to give yourself chance to rest and not be exposed to anymore bugs as there are quite a few around at this time of year. Hope you feel better in a day or two xx
Hi jolm
Thank you for your post.
It is understandable that as you currently have a mild cold you ask if you will be ok next week to have your scheduled mastectomy.
We would suggest as @JoanneN has mentioned to contact your breast care team to let them know how you are feeling. They will be able to advise on if you need to take anything to help with your recovery. However generally with a mild cold rest and hydration can help improve your symptoms. You may find the following information from the NHS on common colds helpful to read.
You may also find it helpful to speak to your employer about your upcoming surgery. As you are feeling unwell at the moment you may wish to take time off until you feel well enough to go back to work. You could also speak to them about flexible working which could include adjusting your hours or working from home to help minimise exposure to viruses. The organisation Working with Cancer can help support you.
We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re continually evaluating this service. If you want to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes
Sonia
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.