My sister had mastectomy, DIEP reconstruction and auxiliary node clearance early February 2026.
6 out of 7 nodes positive for HER2 +
She’s got on really well post surgery. Helped I think because she is fit and healthy apart from this. She had problems with a seroma under her armpit though post surgery.
This was drained a couple of times, then got infected and she had another 5 day stay in hospital.
I think she’s handling everything brilliantly. Her mind races though.
She begins chemotherapy tomorrow and I’ll go with her.
Must admit I’m feeling daunted at the prospect of what she’s going though. Think I seem calm and supportive on the face of it but inside I have the fear some days. The what ifs. I read the surgeons notes on the screen at the last appointment. Then I Googled it when I got home. Not a good idea because my mind told me it is far worse than the doctors are making out. This is likely a lie in my head.
anyway, I’ll be the best support I can possibly be. I am learning so much about the drug names and the medical terminology.
I guess it’s the fear of the unknown and the just not knowing how she’ll be and if she’ll be sick or get infections or will she be one of the lucky patients who I’ve been told can handle chemo unbelievably well.
I’m also learning that every single patient has a different diagnosis. Different starting health, different age and family and job responsibilities and different prognosis and no two journeys are exactly the same.
I’m learning that there is a role as a carer and a support person and I’m up for this.
Onwards we go. All the best to you all.
the first chemo is the worst with so much unknown ahead of you. Even walking into the unit is nerve-wracking. Once you are in though you will be swept up by all the nurses, they take such good care of you. My only advice is for your sister to do as she is told haha if they give you a pot of pills to take, take them. When she is given a bag full of pills to continue at home, write on the packets the days and times for her to take them and make sure she does. The antisickness medication and steroids make all the difference. I try not to take medications usually so the thought of all the pills was daunting but I see all this as medicine now. Everything they give her is to treat her