Surgery May 2018

[JemPD]

Hi lovely brave May ladies. Just popped over from April surgery. I had mx and ld flap reconstruction on 13th April. Just read your threads and stories- you are all amazing. April thread has been a lifeline for many of us, support and listening ears from those going through with the same thoughts and fears, as well as making each other smile.
For those waiting for surgery take one step at a time, ask all the questions you need here and to medical teams. Many of us have sadly walked the same path and come out the other side realising we are stronger, braver and more loved than we knew- you will too. Ask Helena for big knickers!!
For those post surgery- as many have said one step at a time. Accept help, meals, cups of tea, gentle hugs. Drains were my biggest nightmare with constant pain - however they were necessary and did their job well- they do go. I’m now 3 1/2 weeks post surgery and out and about, feeling stronger both physically and emotionally. Don’t try and overdo it but rest, rest, rest.
Gentle hugs to you all, Jem xxx

[ktk]

I got my pillow from Amazon. My sister still uses the one she had when she had babies. I wish I had used one! Know what you mean about the follow up appt. mine is on the 23rd. Xx

[ktk]

Good luck for tomorrow CDC1811. I was anxious going in but it all went smoothly and my boobs look like they did 30 years ago!! Just need to work on the rest of the body now!! Let us know when you are out the other side and we can compare our follow up. Bigs hugs xxx

[cdc1811]

To all of you ladies wondering ‘what next?’ I hear you!  I also have to wait for a genetics test and to see what they find when they remove both tumours before my treatment plan is finalised.  More scared of that appointment than the surgery.  Been told to expect chemo as my team don’t want to do radio in case I need further surgery and they think the chemo will be a way of ‘buying time’.  Have wondered if I’m making the right decision to go for a therapeutic mammoplasty if I’ll ultimately need a mastectomy but surgeon thinks it’s initially worth giving it a go.  Good luck for everyone undergoing surgery or waiting for results over the n3xt few days.  Xxx

[cdc1811]

Glad surgery went well ktk.  Hoping I’ll feel this way tomorrow evening!  The v shaped pillow sounds like a great idea.  Where did you purchase yours?  Hope District nurse turns up soon.  Sending big hugs back.  Xx

[ktk]

Thanks for all your lovely messages. It was such a relief to finally be having treatment as I feel as if I have been in limbo for the last month. Surgery went well. Nice new boobs! Just coping with the tubes and bags now. I have found a v shaped pillow a great help to enable me to sleep sitting up. Spent the day dozing and drinking tea. District nurse was due to call but I have just rung the surgery and they had no info. Hopefully they will be here soon to check all is well. Good luck and big hugs to all of you xx

[Kip]

Hello KTK - hope surgery went well and you are recovering nicely!  Thinking of you.  Kip x

[Kip]

Rosie, the bubble is exactly it!!  Hope I can eventually be on the outside of it!  Xxxx

[Kip]

Hi jazza, I had meltdown yesterday too and keep thinking... This time next week!!!  I don't know what treatment is next, still waiting for Her,2 results, had to have my biopsy redone as not enough tissue, I do know I am ER,+ so hormones, the not knowing is dreadful isn't it.  Initial biopsy showed 30,mm grade ,1 ductal tumour and a few spots so boob going as only A cup and not much left behind. I keep looking at the bad boob and either hating it or feeling sad.  One step at a time is good advice but not easy to do all the time.

Good luck to surgery ladies for today, 

[Jazza]

Thanks Kip. I just don't have the time or energy at the moment to even think about being single again.....at least, though, I get to choose what I want to watch on TV!!!!!
Seriously, though, reality regarding my op has finally started to kick in. Had a mini melt down at the hospital yesterday and again yesterday evening. I have one more day at work and then I am off tomorrow before op on Friday. Still struggling to come to terms with why I have to go through this when I am fit and healthy. I also worry a lot about the next stages of treatment..... Even though Bcn has told me to take things one stage at a time.
Do you know what other treatment you will have after your op?? It's so good to chat to people who really understand.
Welcome Rosie. It must be a relief to have got chemo out of the way and be a huge leap forward with treatment. Initially I was told I would have chemo first to shrink my lump but after a lot more biopsys they decided it would not have the desired benefit so I am having wle with LICAP flap reconstruction on Friday. Results will then decide if chemo is required..... Oddly I am told it's my age that will play a part in that discussion (apparently I am "young").
Linda - My lump is 27mm.
Good luck today cdc.
Have a good day all xx
I am pleased to see the sun is still out here this morning despite the forecasted thunderstorms we were supposed to have last night..... Which never came.

[Linda Corinne]

Hi,

Can I ask the size of your lump? I have been told they don't do plastic surgery after a lumpectomy my local hospital. Many thanks.

Linda

[RosieH]

Hi Ladies

Im from the January Chemo thread and I finished my Chemo (thank god) 4 weeks ago. Im due for surgery on Monday 14th Double Mx with one side Lymph nodes and reconstruction...I keep think that these are the last days I will spend with my boobs!! Its so weird...I am nervous but more of the lenght of surgery and being under anathestic for 7 to 8 hours.

Kip...as Im 6 months diagnosis I can asure you that those feelings of jelousy are normal and do fade a bit as this crazy world becomes your new normal. I do still find when Im out and about that I look for people that look like theyre having Chemo to feel less alone...I also had some real anger feelings at the start too. I got my diagnosis two weeks before Christmas and it was like being shoved in a bubble where the whole world was carrying on and you could see it you just wasnt part of it..very strange times indeed.

It does get better as you get going and the monthly chemo threads are a life saver xxx

[Kip]

Hi Jazza, good luck with the appointment and so sorry to hear about your partner, you sound like you still have some lovely support around you though and we are all here, waiting to hear about your surgery and the next steps ahead.  Sadly nobody really knows how this feels unless you dealing with it, my husband, kids family and friends are truly wonderful but unless you are on this road its hard to comprehend the wide range of emotions you feel and how quickly they change.  Thinking of you...

[Jazza]

Good luck today ktk. I do hope you managed to enjoy the weather this weekend.
Kip - nerves have yet to get to me....finally got my pre-assessment on Saturday - it's today. Op is om Friday.
Good luck to you cdc 1811 for Thursday.
Thank you to the lovely ladies that have stopped by from the April thread - your posts ate very much appreciated. Gill - I hope your appointment on Wednesday goes well.
A couple of weeks before surgery/start of treatment has anyone gone into 'nesting' mode??? I have spent the last few weekends cleaning and sorting put my garden. Everything looks lovey. My Partner was not impressed I wasn't spending any time with him so decided to drop my things off on Saturday (we live in separate houses)!!
So looks like I will be facing this without him and am single again..... Oh well. I am fortunate to have the support of my lovely 20 year old Son and my Sisters. My mum lives 'up North' but is going to come down every few weeks to help.
Right....Sorry to pour that all out on you all. Its "Hi Ho" time for me.....off to work I go and hospital this afternoon.
I will catch up with you all soon.
Justine x

[Gill3105]

Thanks daisiemoo. Hope you are well. Yes Wednesday is the day and what will be will be. Been busy all weekend so kept my mind from wandering. Had a long chat with my neighbour today who was in same situ as me 16 years ago and yes I will get through this and we all will. Xx will keep you posted. Have a good week everybody and take the week one day at a time.

[Kip]

Thanks to all of you for replying and for your support.  Been out with friends this afternoon and was great to feel normal for a while, home now anxiety kicking in again.   Telling myself to be strong ... we can do this.

[cdc1811]

Thanks for sharing your stories April ladies.  It’s encouraging to hear.  KTK thinking of you and hoping surgery goes well tomorrow.  I am feeling sorry for myself having had to cut our last minute getaway to Italy short by a couple of days.   We were supposed to be relaxing a bit before my treatment begins as I’ve been told I won’t be able to leave the country for a few months after that.  Flight back to the UK was supposed to be this Tuesday but got a message on Friday night to say it was cancelled due to a strike by air crew.  The only possible date to fly back in time for my surgery on Thursday was last night.   I feel really angry today - b***dy cancer!  Still I’m relieved to be back so that surgery can go ahead as it was a struggle to find a flight that wasn’t full.  Having cancer is starting to feel horribly real now.  I’ve had a couple of breakdowns now when the tears have come out of nowhere too.  My daughter witnessed one and we ended up having a cry together which was cathartic in a way.  Think she and I have been in a bit of denial to be honest as I haven’t wanted to worry her.  It’s hard trying to be strong all the time.  I Just want to get the surgery over with now and to find out what treatment will be next.  Sending hugs to everyone. 

[Daisiemoo]

Good luck for Wednesday Gill fingers and toes crossed for a good result, will be thinking of you.

I am back to work tomorrow even though I could have another week but need to get back to a routine of normal... hope to hear about rads and starting my Tamoxifen this week.

Take care xx

[SallyG63]

Hi,

Another one here from the April thread. I can only echo what Gill has said. I can't comment on reconstruction as I didn't have it but for anyone not having it I can guarantee it won't be nearly as bad as you fear. Depending on what time you have surgery you may get to go home the same day or next day at least. I had no pain after mastectomy and went back to work less than three weeks later.

Good luck all.

Sally

[Gill3105]

Hello all May surgery ladies. Just popped over from April surgery to wish you all the very best and to a speedy recovery. Fully understand your anxieties, nerves and fear of the unknown. I can only speak for myself but the surgery wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I had thought and recovered well. Just listen to you body and rest when need to. I found it easier to keep busy and was back at my home desk on day 2 after surgery and every day after which helped take away the anxiety of the waiting carousel. My fear in town and supermarkets is somebody bumping into me and always very conscious of people around me. We are stronger than we think in this situation. Hope all goes well and will nip back soon and have a nosey to see how you are all getting in by which time I am hoping to be in the radiotherapy thread and not the chemo thread. Find this out on Wednesday. Hugs all round

[ladybowler]

Kip

Oh my dear I can so relate to that feeling.

I remember after I was diagnosed and was waiting for my op I was shopping in a supermarket and decided to get myself some flowers to cheer myself up, I just burst into tears in the store.  This lovely lady came over and asked if I was ok, I explained about my diagnosis, she just said I understand, she was going for her 5 year appointment that afternoon for ovarian cancer.

Yep it is hard, you do look around and everyone is carrying on with their lives and yours feels as it is totally on hold but it will get better I promise.

I am now 18 months post op, I had a WLE, SNB, radiotherapy and am on hormone blocking tablets for 10 years.  I am about to celebrate my 60th birthday next month, something I could not have imagined would happen in September 2016 when I was diagnosed.

Sending you loads of Helena huggles.  We are all here for you and we will help you get through this.

Helena xxx

[Kip]

Hello May surgery ladies, hope you are bearing up.   I'm starting to really panic as the enormity of what will happen next sets in.  Feeling very teary despite the beautiful weather.  I went into town in Saturday and had a real wobble, felt like everyone else was going about their lives and mine is upside down, . anyone else feel like that?  Almost feel jealous of everyone  else.  My daughter asked me last night if I am going to be ok, broke my heart!!!  

[Kip]

Good luck ladies.. will be good to hear how you both get on before I go in.  

[cdc1811]

Hi Kik

I am having a therapeutic mammoplasty on 10th May so I can really sympathise.  I have Invasive ductal carcinoma - one tumour in each breast.  I’m a full time Mum and volunteer for a dementia cafe so not currently in paid employment. I’ve also been supporting my Mum during her treatment for BC (as my Dad died 2 months before her diagnosis and I didn’t want her going to the hospital appointments etc.. alone). so I have some idea of the road ahead. We are both ER+.  HER-.  Apart from the anxiety of my diagnosis I have felt really wel so everything has felt very surreal. However,  I had my pre-op on Tuesday and felt really drained afterwards.   I think it’s reality sinking in.  I do so hope your surgery goes well.  I’ll be thinking of you and all of us other May surgeries!    This forum has really helped so far so please let us know how you get on when you’re feeling up to it.   Sending my very best wishes. XXX

[Jazza]

Hello 👋.
I have been looking at this forum for months now since my diagnosis in March but subsequent biopsys and scans has meant it was only decided last week that I would have surgery first. My op date is 11 May. I am having lumpectomy with LICAP flap reconstruction. Nerves have yet to kick in as have so much to do at work first.... Work has been a real help to me - taking my mind off things -over the past few months with the endless wait for results and appointments. Still waiting for my pre-op appointment!!
Good luck ktk....try to enjoy the long and hopefully better weather weekend before tackling next week x

[Kip]

Hi, I am due to have mastectomy on 16th may, no reconstruction and SNB removal.  I was due to have surgery on .1 may but it got postponed as Her2 results not back.  I know how you feel, I am looking forward to some thing finally happening. But really scared too.  Do you know what treatment you are having, if any?

.  

[Kip]

Hi, I am due to have mastectomy on 16th may, no reconstruction and SNB removal.  I was due to have surgery on .1 may but it got postponed as Her2 results not back.  I know how you feel, I am looking forward to some thing finally happening. But really scared too.  Do you know what treatment you are having, if ant?

.  

[ktk]

Thought I would start the thread for this month.  I am due to have therapeutic mammoplast on the 8th after being diagnosed triple negative a couple of weeks ago.  I went for my pre-op assessment yesterday, followed by some retail therapy!  Since my diagnosis I found that I was unable to cope with work, so have been sorting the house out and cleaning everything in sight!!  I am not looking forward to next Tuesday, but am pleased that smething is happening at last so I can concentrate on what happens next.

Looking forward to hearing everyones experiences, and providing mutual support.  XXX