Hello everyone, I did ask this question yesterday but I can’t remember which thread i posted it on! I was diagnosed on 29th Oct and have a mastectomy on this coming thursday 15th november. I am still stunned but am becoming more positive because of people like you and because of all the lovely get well cards and wishes from people. Its hard to be miserable when there appears to be so much support. I am desperately worried about losing my mobility and fitness. I am a fitness instructor and am suffering badly from not doing my classes (too emotional and everyone knows and is giving me sad looks). We have a big family reunion holiday planned in St Lucia at Xmas. It will be 5 weeks after my op. I am desperate to go and hospital staff are saying it might be okay. Realistically will i be able to go. DVT precautions and all that. I can just relax when there because family members will look after my little ones. Any one out there travelled 5 weeks after surgery - or will i feel like travelling?
Liane xxxx
Hi Liane
Yes Yes Yes…go!!! that is my advice. i did not fly but went to France two weeks after my mastectomy in Nov 2005 - this was in between op and start of chemo. I had a great time and my friends and family took care of me - no problems though - just be careful not to get knocked and do not carry any suitcases (hah hah). I was also back into swiming by then so take a cossie (Nicola Jane web site is SUPERB).
I also holidayed abroad whilst on chemo with no problems, I have just finished my reconstruction (DIEP in July and matching up last week)…Two years of really quite interesting times - and not TOO bad either. I am 39 by the way with an 8 yr old son.
Hope my comments helped…
good luck Janxxxxxxx
Thank you so much for your comments Jan. I am so pleased to hear that I should be able to go AND to hear that i should be able to swim as i love it! I will check out the website for the swimming stuff. What does ‘matching up’ mean? And why did you have to wait so long for reconstruction (sorry for asking) Also, did your little boy see you and your scars straight after surgery or eventually…does he accept it okay? I have two girls, 10 and 8 and a 5 yr old son and we don’t ‘cover up’ at all really but i worry whether i should be more careful after the op.
How fantastic for you to be getting this all behind you - well done!
Liane xxxx
Hi Liane
I do not mind any questions at all…
I was not recommended to have immediate reconstruction as grade 3 and 2 lymph nodes affected, my surgeon wanted to get going with chemo with no delay. Good decision. I was recommended to wait 6 mths from end of rads and then get the ball rolling. I first saw my plastic surgeon at salisbury In December 06, delays with list (privately funded but as DIEP needed NHS slot) so had op in July 07. Matching up was to reduce the other side (my choice) to hopefully offset gravity later on against the reconstructed side.
I thought my son would not want to see my scar, but on my first night home he asked to have a look…went very quiet and thoughtfully said Ohhh I bet that really hurt!!! Ahhhh. We have been very open with him throughout and he has openly mentioned cancer around us and to others - I would hate him to hear anything scary from anyone else. I know he does have worries but I have constantly told him that we would ALWAYS tell him if there was an issue with the cancer - his biggest worry is not being told I think. I also told the school and anyone else inolved in his care as it is so important that he can speak to others if need be.
I know you are just starting on this journey and I really feel for you…there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel and you will get there…
Janxx
Hi Liane
Have just got back from a weekend in Spain - 5 weeks after my operation, no problem so far apart from feeling ve3ry tired. Made sure I kept walking around to stop any DVT even though the flight was only a couple of hours, be careful lifting heavy suitcases etc and go and have fun.
Jackie xx
Jan, Thank you - invaluable information for me, particularly from your son’s point of view. And thanks Jackie - what a relief to know that I probably can go away. It is my biggest motivator at the moment - for me personally and to know that all myfamily may be able to breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy some sun and sand. Fingers crossed.
Liane xxxxx
Hi Liane - hope by the time you are reading this you are feeling much better from your surgery, and that you will be able to get away and have a brilliant holiday. Just a tip that you might like to talk about with your breast care nurse. It is often advised that people who have had surgery involving the lymph nodes wear an elastic arm sleeve on long hall flights and there is some evidence that this can prevent arm swelling which sometimes seems to be triggered by the flight. As I say, talk to your nurses but I used to work in a lymphoedema clinic and we often used to see ladies for this very purpose, and found that it prevented problems and also made their arm feel much more comfortable on the flight. Best of luck hope all goes well. Sarahx
Hi Liane,
Hope you are well 
I was wondering, how you got on flying to St Lucia?? I’m due to fly to Barbados 5 weeks after my mascetomy and LD… Still debating whether to cancel or not 
it would be great to have hear your opinion. Take care Denise