Realistic recovery expectations?

Hi,

This is my first post so please excuse if this has been covered elsewhere, I have had a quick search but can’t seem to find anything relevant…I am also struggling to understand some of the abbreviations used on the site (such as WLE etc) so if there is an explanation of those anywhere I’d appreciate being pointed in that direction!

I was diagnosed in October and have been through a course of FEC-T chemo and I’m now booked in for a left side mastectomy on the 30th March with lymph node removal. Which I’m obviously not exactly looking forward to…but it is what it is!!

The thing is we have 2 fairly big dogs which usually come to work with me, my boyfriend has booked a week off to take care of me and the dogs after the op but I am a bit worried that one week to get over the MX and get out driving and walking them again when he goes back to work is massively optimistic on my part…

Can anyone who has had a similar op give me a rough idea how long you were in hospital and also how long before you were able to drive and use your arm properly again (i.e. for lifting things etc) as I think I may need to get some more help that I first thought…

Thank you in advance,

Emma

Hi Onewheeler

Welcome to the BCC discussion forums the place where you will receive some good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.

While you are waiting for replies I have put for you below links to a couple of BCC’s publications you might find helpful.

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-you-diagnosis-treatment-future-bcc44

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/your-operation-recovery-bcc151

and here’s the link to the area of the forums where we have a glossary of terms used

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/your-operation-recovery-bcc151

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

Just wanted to agree with others who said it is really likely to be at least 6 weeks ( but your surgeon will be the best person). And also please try to be kind to yourself ; you certainly deserve it. You are right in that thinking about others can help with coping, just don’t let it take over so you have no time for yourself.
Anyway, all the very, very best.