Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi to everyone who has taken the time to reply with valuable advice and support.  Well I had the most relaxing and enjoyable weekend away and I am now ready to start my journey.  My first CAT scan is tomorrow followed by a bone scan the following week.  I have to meet with my oncologist on 16th May to get the result.  Fingers and toes crossed it hasn't spread.  My son's wedding is on 26th May then the mastectomy will be very soon after 26th he has said.  I have decided I am not going to have reconstruction at the moment as I feel it will be easier for me to recover without it.  I am diabetic and my oncologist says he would need to take that into consideration for the operation.  I have the option to change my mind in later years.  I am feeling quite strong and I am still working (part time/3 days) as I feel this is keeping me busy as well as all the planning for the wedding, I'm happy I can wear the outfit I bought.  I have a lot of support which is helping me to be strong.  I hope all you ladies are also strong too but realise it's gonna be a 'bumpy road' and really hope I can keep it up.  It's so nice to hear all your experiences and I love all the advice and 'tips' you have given me.  Oh and that's to the lady the gave me the heads up for the 'knitted knocker'.....I've already ordered on lol...take care everyone! ... View more

Hi AnnaKarenina...again, what amazing information.  You have certainly helped me with what to expect.  You seemed to cope very well.  I ordered the set of 2 post surgery front fastening bra packs (one black and one white) from Asda this afternoon - I hope they are as comfy as yours.  I am trying to get organised for coming out of hospital with bits and pieces to help my recovery.  I totally love the 'knitted knockers' idea, I will go on as soon as I finish this.  I didn't want to pay too expensive until I know what I am dealing with.  I though I might be in hospital about 4 days but glad to hear you were only in 1 night - that's fantastic.  Thank you so much and yes it certainly has helped me a lot. Liz x ... View more

Hi Northern Gal...wow! so much helpful information...thank you so much.  I feel the decision has been made now in my mind.  I don't want reconstuction.  I don't feel it's right for me and as you say my surgeon has also said i can decide at a later date.  I hope you continue to do well and heal quickly and I WILL be faithful with my exercises! as I do know from the first op (18 years ago - Lumpectomy) that it's vital. I'm going to now have a look at the Asda/M&S website for bra's.  I have been told to buy it before i go in and take it to see the bcn.  I am anxious to see the choices.  Thanks to everyone for all their kind and useful information.  ps Hubby has booked a fab hotel for tomorrow before we begin this journey.  Nice wee bit of pampering Liz xx ... View more

Sally I am trying so hard to cut down on my toast and lurpak...so hard...trying to lose a few pounds before surgery!!! ... View more

Butterfly sounds good to me...although I might need to swap the marmite for Lurpak haha x ... View more

Hi Butterfly thank you for the very useful information...think i'll be buying some soft vest top and a great tip to put them on via the feet...it's so comforting to know that you and some of the other girls have not had too much discomfort. I will need to force myself everyday to do the exercises as is def seems worth while. I didn't do too well 18 years ago and had to go for physio but gonna try harder this time. Sounds like your hard work is paying off and as you say go with your gut feel ...I'm pretty positive this is what I'm gonna do. Thank you so much for your help, Liz xx. ... View more

Hi KitKat....that's good to hear...and agree it's an individual choice. I don't think it's for me and feel I would cope better with the whole issue. Good luck with your fitting! Let me know how you get on as I will be interested to hear. My boobs are a bit bigger and hope that won't hinder me haha! ... View more

Hi Sally...thanks for all that info - it's really helpful. I think I might be looking for food as well lol. I am working at the moment and hope to get back after recovery. I had BC 18 years ago and stayed off work for a year and I def don't want to go down that route again. I'm gonna go out next week and look for a bra and was hoping there was a good 'comfortable' choice! Please don't stop ''rabbiting' on....it's so helpful and I hope you are doing well, Liz xx ... View more

Hi Jane...thanx for letting me know about the group on facebook I'll def have a look at that. As the morning goes on I am becoming even more certain I don't want reconstruction and as you say I can always have that option further down the line if I change my mind. It's also good to hear you weren't too uncomfortable after the op. I hope you are doing well and will keep you posted once I have my scans and op. Liz xx ... View more

thank you I will have a look at this x ... View more

Hi Jill, yes I will try that thanks...the forum is all new to me x ... View more

Doglover, I am so sorry to hear this, having to deal with the re-occurence and your wedding plans. Your head must be spinning. My son gets married in 7 weeks also and just got all my outfit...I don't know if my op will be before this?? Will I be able to wear the outfit. My head is spinning too but I guess we will need to ride it out. My fingers and toes are crossed tight for you xx ... View more

Hi Amanda, I am so sorry to hear you are still in a bad place at the moment. I was just going to suggest as Seabreeze did can you maybe do some massage/aromatherapy in peoples houses in your area? Is this feasible for you. You just need to get as much help as possible to get you into a better space. I'm not as bad but not in a great frame of mind either but I'm just starting my journey (for the 2nd time) and finding it quite hard at the moment. Big hugs xx ... View more

Dear All ...I am 6 days from diagnosis but have been through it all 18 years ago so kinda know what to expect. I have just read through all the comments and find it a great help.  As you all say it's the waiting...my first appoiontment with my oncologist isn't until 25th April and struggling to keep positive.  I have decided to go back to work tomorrow mainly to keep myself occupied.  Stay strong everyone xx ... View more

Hi SallyG63 Glad your pretty tough and tbh I am too. This might sounds silly but I would rather have both off but not sure if they can do that at the same time. I'm glad to hear it was easier than you thought. I'm trying to read up on it just now. I've had radiotherapy the first time so I guess they won't do it again as it's in the same place. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you this week. Take care xx ... View more

Oh dear SallyG63 that's just awful from the hospital, How are you feeling? Are you coping? Thinking about you xx ... View more

Hi KitKat...so you've already had a Mastectomy, how are you feeling? I think I'll probably be getting one as well. I would actually prefer a double but don't have any info as yet. Yes will def keep in touch and hope it all goes well for you. I hope your ok xx ... View more

Hi Cazzy50..I agree the waiting is the worst and I'm only 4 days in. I hope everything goes ok on Wednesday and you get the plan sorted out. I'm gonna try go to work on Wednesday (I work 3 days per week) They are very understanding. I think I might go stir crazy in the house. Wish I had a dog! Maybe I'll get one! I will keep in touch as it really is helping tonight. Hubby seems to be a bit down and is sitting 'moping in the living room'. You take care. xx ... View more