Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, Prior to my snb I ws given an anti nausea tablet..it seemed to work as I was right as rain. Mind you, a friend told me to have a fruit drink whenci first came round as it's easier to drink. After GA. I do thi it helped and the surgeon confirmed that water is harder to keep down. Try having apple juice ready. Or juice and water mixed. Before my mx and DIEP, at a different hospital, the anaethetist said there was only one effective tablet form anti nausea drug but it was very expensive about £65 so not used there but i would get IV drugs. so eight hours of GA in total, I was really fine to start with and drank as often as possible as my mouth was so dry my teeth stuck to my lips... but then I drank too much and too varied...water, squash, camomile tea, mint tea... I Came round from GA at 3.30pm but vomited massive amounts of fluids around midnight. The good thing was that it got it all out of me, then I was ok. So my lesson, go slowly, fruit juice or weak squash....! I think the othert thing that helped was having a mint tea bag in hot water whenever I could get the hot water. It released massive amounts of gas...and I ate 4/6 soft prunes a day so never got bunged up. Hope tis might help someone. Good luck, it's a very unpleasant feeling! ... View more

Thanks ladies for responding, I think I'm going to give it a try on a couple of places and see now they go. Xxx ... View more

Hi there, I didn't have to have this exact procedure as I didnt have a lumpectomy. I know other people have posted about this, and I think that if you put in some of the words and an * in the search bar, you will find what others say. I did have the radioactive injection, it stung a bit like a bee sting, but wasn't actually in the nipple as I had feared, but just nearby. The stinging lasted about five minutes and the lady doing it was very nice and understanding. I didn't have to get undressed, just lifted up my top and took my bra off. It was all over quickly. I know when they put the wire in, they put a pad over it so it's secure. I'm sure all wil go ok, soon be over.... Big hugs Lynette ... View more

Just another thought Duel, I was a total wimp about procedures...injections, anything. Unfortunately there isn't anyway round them. You'll probably be sent for lots of tests which are just to make sure it is still DCIS and hasn't mutated and travelled anywhere else. it's normal to be worried about this too..omg, I was. Mostly they aren't as bad as you expect, I'm just mentioning this because the mention of the tests was a big shock to me, I thought they meant something. In fact they are routine. As the first surgeon said, they take you right down to the bottom when they send you for the test, then you are waiting for results, then you get built back up....and at least it's giving us an MOT ! I asked very early on if I could have any help with my fears about procedures and was lucky to get to see a psychologist. I hadnt slept for two weeks by that time. She has given me lots of practical tips, but also a relaxation cd which got me to sleep in 4minutes. So do try to get this sort of support if you can, it makes your and their life easier! The first time they approached me with a cannula, before I saw her, I was in a real flap internally, but my psych has helped me cope all the way. I offered to be flexible in where I saw her, and that helped me get a quick apptmt. Do keep me posted and in the meantime, let your kids treat you as a princess! Lots of love, Lynette ... View more

Hi there, I was diagnosed 1 sept and thought I'd be with the October treatment group but this disease is so different for each of us, our treatment centres and even doctors are so different. So I got through all the tests despite being a total wimp, and I finally had my surgery 12 days ago. People say ive been brave, but I haven't at all. I've had some very dark moments alone, but now and again you have to share pain with someone and let it all out. This forum gives you an insight into BC that you can't get anywhere else, i knew nothing to start with. It's a great help in seeing people come through the most challenging times. Hope all starts to be sorted out for you soon, don't be afraid to admit your worries or to ask for help and advice. Hugs, Lynette ... View more

Hi, I'm day12 post surgery now, after left sided mx and DIEP recon. the BCN s came tome before discharge and were very specific about what I needed, my daughter did an online M and S order and they arrived next day before I got home! Anyway, they said the main points were that : it should be firm support, firm across the top too, and with separate cups to shape the new boob, not a cropped top or the type of sports bra that pushes you flat. I have to say it's uncomfortable as I've got a lot of swelling under my arm, but I'm hoping the underarm bit will mould itself into the cup ( or shrink away). I ordered a range of back and cupsizes and two styles, as well as a pack of three bra back extenders. I've able to see what feels best and will send the rest back. If you have a DIEP and need the spanx style pants, I've also found it much easier to use a cup less body style, not the high line pants, as it has gusset poppers so you don't have to wriggle the hole thing down to go to the loo! It even looks reasonable (and you wear a bra with it.). Hope this helps, I ws vague about the purpose of the bra, but when they said it was to shape the fat, I understood. I guess it depends what type of recon you have. Ah the other thing I realised is that the extent to which front fastening etc are needed depends if you have lymph nodes out at the same time. I didn't have to, so have much more movement this time than after my SNB. ... View more

Hi there, I can imagine how you feel and I'll gladly do anything I can to help you through this period. I was in your position In September, totally out of the blue. No lumps, no symptoms, why my, why my nice boobs??? I was totally knocked out when I was recalled after a mamm in August. I didnt expect to have a core biopsy at the recall, and from that point I was so scared and shocked. The radiologist showed me the slides and before the results appointment I read all I could about DCIS. at lest when the surgeon told me it was widespread DCIS I knew about it. It was the most awful moment of my life though, and it's really understandable to be angry, scared hurt etc..i certainly was, and let it all out at/to/with my (grownup) daughters over a really bad weekend while I started to come to terms with things. For me, it was important to understand the options before I heard the results, I don't like things sprung on me. other people prefer to go with the flow, it's whats good for you that matters. What I have discovered is how personal this disese is, so there have been constant uncertainties, a lot of different possibilities. This is really normal and not suspicious..in fact some areas don't do all the tests and ladies on here have had to press for some of the tests. At the end of the day, It's good to know that they do lots of tests to make sure they get a proper diagnosis. At it's simplest, DCIS can be removed and that's all that needs to happen, but there are many possibilities to be explored along the way and I found this a really hard time..everyone says the waiting room is hard!! Spool yourself whenever you can!! I was lucky that my dcis hadn't spread although it was very active. I ws unlucky in that it was 4 tiny pieces but spread around so I needed a mastectomy. but that has meant I don't need radiotherapy or chemo or anything. Now i am the worlds most squeamish, scaredy cat person, never had any surgery or anything. It has ALL been a challenge for me, but if I can do it, take my word for it, you can too!!! So here I am now, sitting on the sofa in regular clothes, tights, ankle boots etc, 11 days after a mastectomy with immediate recnstruction including a tummy tuck! ( known as a DIEP flap). There are many different kinds of recons and you should be offered all that are clinically suitable for your body. I opted for the biggest surgery, and for once a bit of extra tummy fat came in useful. Do PM me ( send a message using the message button at the top) . if I can answer any specific questions you or your daughter have?? This is a horrid place to be, but so many people here have got through it all and out the other side. Lots of hugs, Lynette ... View more

Has anyone been given info about how soon to start using creams etc on scars/ wounds? I had my dressings taken off yesterday and sticthes out of my navel, day nine after my mastectomy and DIEP flap op. The registrar remarked that the skin on my tum was very shiny so it would be better without a dressing. If the skin is stretched and distressed it seems to me that something like aquaeous cream might help it..? ... View more

Hi Herbie... How are you doing? It must be a week now since you went home..are things settling down? Hugs Nonsuch ... View more

Hi Fiona and anyone else in our position, In terms of front opening bras, There are some specialist suppliers on line who sell a couple of front opening styles. Just google post surgery bras. My daughter bought me one but not sure i will be able to use it, not without help anyway as it takes a lot of holding to get both sides in place and the zipper hooked up!! It also felt like a straight jacket when i tried it a few weeks ago..maybe I'll do another test! After the snb I felt best in a bra that was low cut at the side, and it was more comfortable to sleep in one, too, with a soft roomy Tee shirt over. Id got a soft tee shirt bra which i wore a lot then. I also took a tip from the forum and found the best position for sleeping the first two nights was by being propped up as it didn't pull the wound so much. Oh, and I moved my lamp/clock over to the other side of my bed so I could reach with my good arm! I've seen a tip for the main op on an American forum, a person recommended getting soft cheap tee shirts and cutting them up the front and using safety pins to close them. they are easy, comfy, absorb leaks from drains and drains can be pinned on them. I've done one,just in case. It's all given me a focus!! ... View more

H Fiona, Wow it's quite quick for you, isn't it? I'm in south staffs...you? If you cn so it I would go for the immediate recon with the mx. A lot of people who have done both routes have given me this advice and I've stuck out for it. I've never been ill or had any health problems before, so it's all a tough maze to negotiate, like you I guess? They rushed me thro the tests and that was a worrying time, then once opted for the DIEP they told me I'd have the snb stand alone. There are a lot of reasons to go for it in a big way, but it's hard to bite the bullet I know....part of me doesn't want to lose my boob, but if it's got to go, I want the best possible result afterwards. Once you have the mx in advance of a full recon you don't have any priority for the DIEP and I gather people wait for about a year or more. The snb was my first ever op, but it was good practice for the big one, and really not as bad as I expected. I couldn't drive for two weeks they said, but I felt I could have after about 10 days. I went home after a few hours and the next day walked into town and did some shopping for dinner with my daughter. That did make me feel tired I must admit. They told me to have someone stay for first 24 hrs because of the GA. The cut is small and has healed really well.. The PS said she would reopen the same cut but extend it to join up the artery. I've managed to find some pjs for the big op, you can see them on M&S website. They are the only pair of light pjs I've found anywhere...cropped legs, small cap sleeves, very light and soft. Pale mauve/White but not granny type. So comfy I've bought another pair. You wear the hosp gown for the snb, and initially for the first two days after big surgery. I've got a big list of other items recommended by our friends here, the hosp hasn't given me any info at all. Cambridge hosp and UH London both have info on their web sites. Would you like to pm me, or phone? ... View more

I was reading some surgeon profiles and noticed a lot of rave reviews about a guy at city hospital, Birmingham. Evidently he is thought to be quite cutting edge and I think I read something about him doing fat insertion technique. Might be worth a try..good luck ... View more

Hi, I have had a similar path to you, though they told me immediately that it was too widespread for wle and it's therefore been a matter of choosing which recon. It was important for me too that I have an immediate recon. I was glad not to have the option of a wle because I would not have been happy which ever way I had gone! Poor you having to go thro a needless op. You seem braver about it than I would be! The NICE guidelines say that all women should be given the full range of options. This is wider than just the LD flap ( back muscle) or implant. You haven't said whether you wouldn't be suitable for other recon methods, but you should have the choice of asking to be considered for these. Not all surgeons are able to perform the full range of ops, and possibly women are steered towards just the ops that the particular hospital or surgeon can do. In my case I have chosen a DIEP recon so it will be done in a bigger hospital by a specialist PS. I gather this is the most complex and therefore costly op, but from what I've heard and read it seems to offer the bat outcome in the end. The length of the op depends on the skill of the team I have been told, between 6 and 10 hours. If it's done at the same time as the mastectomy there's no need for any implant. It does mean an incison on the bikini line too, but I'm regarding it as a free tummy tuck! Best of luck with all this, it's taken me a good few weeks to come to terms with it, I was devasted and a total wreck. I still can't believe it all has to happen when I seem fine and everyone now says I look better than usual. ... View more

Hi there, I totally empathise with how you're feeling. I started in the same route after a routine mamm in august. I wanted to believe nothing to worry about but couldn't help doing so. I attended the recall clinic where I was shown the pictures and the area of concern. I was recommend to have a core biopsy there and then- oh I was so scared and distressed. They were really sensitive to me and explained everything. The bruise wasn't too bad afterwards, only one area was tested. Waiting for a week was very hard indeed but i used the time to look at the options and possibilities. I dreaded having to make a decision between a lumpectomy with rads afterwards, or a mastectomy. As it happened my DCIS was too extensive and high grade so the multi disciplinary team proposed a mastectomy so I didn't have to choose. I do think this is the right decision for me because it gives the best prognosis and if I hadn't taken this advice I would always have worried about it. The surgeon immediately started booking all sorts of tests to make sure the bc hadn't morphed into invasive anywhere else. I found this very distressing because I'd walked in without any known problem and now everything was up in the air. Oh I was hard to live with initially, I had to come to terms with so much and it's obviously normal to feel scared and threatened. I don't think we should feel bad if we need to let it all hang out while we come to terms with all the potential changes. I'm sure it helped me to come to terms with things. I've never had anything wrong with me before so it's all been a big shock and I dreaded all the tests tho in truth they weren't too bad in the event. Waiting for test results is nerve wracking and if you can plan any distractions they might help! I was so scared of treatment, needles etc so I asked if there was any help and was referred very quickly to a psychologist..this is really helpful if you get the chance. So I've seen each test as a mini mountain to get over and the end has got closer....I've now had a preliminary op-a sentinel lymph node biopsy which I guess has been a trial run for me..it wasn't too bad an experience really. Luckily all tests have been clear, so now I've had a full MOT and only have to have the mastectomy / recon and no further treatment. This has been the best possible outcome I could hope for, right from the initial diagnosis. Now I'm waiting for an op date and just want to get out the other side. If I can help in any way, do pm me... ... View more

Hope all has gone well Jude, On the home stretch now! Pity you're missing some sunny days but it's all worthwhile. I'm expecting my op end of the month or start of Nov now, but the stockings are beckoning me too....arch. Hope to benefit from your tips! Love lynette ... View more

What a frantic roller coaster you've been on. It's all happened so quickly no wonder you feel bomb shelled. On one hand it's a relief that they are on the ball and responding to you so fast, but your head hasn't had time to come to terms with any of it yet. My snb is tomorrow and my initial diagnosis was on 1september, so I've had lots more time to come to terms with having bc - not that I have totally, I still can't believe it as there are no signs at all. Allow yourself to weep, rage or even treat yourself it's only natural. There are lots of happy endings on this forum, people have already experienced all these things and come back smiling ...( I do have to tell myself this most days!) ...best wises for your treatment...I still have the tension to come yet again after lots of other tests... ... View more

If I haven't left it too late as I've been away and only just got back, I would like j and jo to know my thoughts are with you tonight. It's been a journey to get to this latest cliff edge, but it sounds as though you're going to be flying high very soon. Nonsuch ... View more

Im slightly behind you, but I'm on what seems like a very fast conveyor towards a left sided simple mx with DIEP. I was diagnosed with widespread high grade nuclear dcis on 1 Sept and have had lots of tests since then, so far no invasive cancer found, and just a SLNB to come. All being well I'm scheduled for the big op at approx the end of october. Love to be a buddy to you.....and make the most of your experiences... ... View more