Breast Cancer Now Forum

Thank you sleepy. Its most helpful. They could not get me in before I start on 4th Jan so will do this just before cycle 2. Hopefully all will be OK. Fingers crossed!! Cx ... View more

@Jaynie23  How you doing? C x ... View more

Hi @Jaynie23  Had post op appointment yday....Wonder if my underarm will ever be the same again. I guess it's got to do with the nodes taken out maybe? The surgeon seem the think it's all looking OK...and dressing taken off now. Feel I am getting a bit better accepting the new me although teary from time to time. They've said maybe one of the nodes is impacted, which is why I feel fear of metastasis is very real. However this isn't confirmed and they are testing further. Surgeon said this doesn't change the initial treatment plan off the biopsy....had a bit of wishful thinking that it may be something better but it wasn't sadly. The op and healing is where it should be ...I think swelling gone down quite a but but the bruising still there. So next week maybe a small cyst removal on the left side. And i was encouraged to do physio. I am glad the dressing is off as i think the sticky pads making me itch a lot lately. Now can properly wash and not worry.  I think not sleeping in the night is prob coz I am sleeping in the day a bit more.  How you coming to terms with it all post op? Exercising as you should? It's a bit of a struggle for me reaching over my head, have to say.  C x ... View more

Sorry to hear you're under the weather and of the double mastectomy. Just not what you need, do u think it may be covid? I was also concerned as I had coughed like mad just before op (must be something going around as the whole family was coughing!). Even the surgeon had tickly cough lol  Luckily that has cleared up. I know it's going to delay the op but need to take advice of docs now. I think it's having to ride through each phase but I know you will keep calm and soldier on.  To be honest I am fearing the worse about treatment, but know its something that needs to be done to prevent reoccurrence. Hope that i won't need radiotherapy though. Mine is also DCIS. Have they mentioned chemo after the op? I will prob ask about covid booster jab, also will have a little procedure on my left side and then porta cath put in. Just many hoops to jump through! Replied DM  Will update u tomorrow as its late evening appointment today.  C x   ... View more

@Jaynie23 good the hear from you. Amazing result your op was successful and nodes clear! It must give you some comfort? While the waiting game is not nice, I hope this is a good time for you to rest and recharge!  How you feeling post op? I still feel some sloshing but things are 'waking up' now, feeling different sensations. I am not sure whether my underarm would stop feeling numb? So during your meeting were you told pathology report? C x  ... View more

Hi my dear @SeaGlass  Please don't feel pressured to reply. I totally understand if you need to rest, listening to your body is key! I too nap during the day now. And if sleepy I sleep...no two ways abt it I think partners feel helpless at times. And they need telling what to do! We women just crack on with things I guess. At times ignorance is bliss. But of course we also like to be as prepared as far we poss. You know we are all learning as we go. So like yday I did a bit too much so today paying price a bit for...more painful. I think for me, when the time comes and is right you will find your feet to deal with any situation! I am so sorry to hear you have to contend with covid on top of what you have already on your plate. Nightmare! Will you be OK by 26th then for the op? They will want you to take two lateral flow test before op day and another swab done just before the op by the medical team.  How I knew about chemo is only coz initially I was meant to start with chemo first. Then I changed my mind to take surgery before chemo ...so I have had some idea about the treatment but now it may change depending on the pathology report...they will tell me on Friday hence on tenterhooks at present!  So the mastectomy on 26th, is this your right or left? I sure hope it's not a double, prob less impacted for you. Why I asked is coz I have mine on the right but was driving 5 days later then too.  Hope you're taking good care, building up strength now and even with covid, exercise, eating and sleeping right. Coz every bit you do now will make healing that much easier afterwards.  C x ... View more

@SeaGlass  Could you ask another BCN? Or better yet the surgeon ??  With regards to stay a night...I think I had to stay coz it's first time I have GA and also my op was scheduled late afternoon. They usually like to observe you a bit after. To be honest I would rather not stay as I know those who have it first thing in the morning are normally treated as day patient only. Yup been a week now. And I am moving onto the second week exercise to lift arm above head although stiff at times and pulling but just need to keep going and not be afraid. I managed getting a t-shirt on. Under arm still quite numb...wonder if it will ever go. The swelling I notice was slightly puffy from day 3 to day 7. Overall nothing for you to worrry ...when are you up for op? C x ... View more

@BethSW  I stopped paracetomol 3 days after op, didn't want to depend on it. The arm exercises helps, its funny how chuffed you get just being able lift your arms above your head, felt silly!! But such a milestone for me! If I don't move, yes then I get stiffness but I try to keep exercising (even before op I did), it pulls with some action of course. Still got some sloshing which I find a strange 'scarab' like feeling lol. I am not sure if it helps, but make sure you have lots of protein, lots of fruits and vegetables too...I take some vit D and multi vit supplements. At present I am slowing gearing my head ready for next bit...Reading up on porta cath and some bits about chemo. I feel my head needs to be strong for the next chapter. Glad you're healing well too Beth. Onwards and upwards. I hope it's not too bad a wait till 25th (I was feeling anxious wondering if good or bad news!!) @SeaGlass any updates about your op? Hope to support you if possible? ... View more

@Jaynie23  I think we're experiencing the same. I feel some sloshing on inside which hopefully will settle itself. I just need someone to tell me they got everything out! This waiting is hard isn't it? I feel what you feel!...got a low day yesterday but today I decided differently. I feel it a bit itchy too so hope it's all healing as it should. I am concentrating on nourishment right now.  @delly did you have to have chemo? What was your diagnosis if you don't mind me asking? I wonder how life is after all these appointments! It's amazing you're still here to support us lot...gives us plenty of hope and a bright future as you're a great example!! Xxx ... View more

@Jaynie23 - hey you...how are you post op? I also have next results meeting on 19th Friday. Will know more then what next . The wound healing ok. I am having quite good movements and pain manageable. I have come off paracetomol and take them on  rare occasion if needed. I can sleep on my op side now ...so pleased as I sleep on the side. Started driving yesterday too. Everything is waking up and feels tingles, though still numb under arm.  Hope u are doing OK? Are u waiting on next meeting too like me. @delly - Hiya, despite physically doing well mentally and emotionally still reeling a bit ..had a down dooms day yesterday and decided to do Christmas food shopping! I don't know what the plans are for treatment but one still need to eat and feed family. Gathered some guts up to confront the bandage both me and partner. He says I looks a good job. No one has told me how successful the op went!! My call with BCN told me the pathology report comes back Wed, MDT meeting Thurs  then I see Surgeon Friday. Waiting is always horrible and your mind is dragged thru the gutter. But must think positive!!! In the meantime, I will make more effort to eat sleep and exercise right!! How are you and where are you at in this journey Delly? Sorry my brain is not great remembering these days C x ... View more

Morning  How are you? Had a call yday with BCN and felt more reassured. And chat with partner helped . We sort of confronted the wound and he helped me wipe down which is a nice TLC moment. It can be so overwhelming at times still. I do believe in making things easy for myself so proactively thinking ahead of chemo. I will get a mini freezer and batch cook, on lethargic days I then just need to reheat off freezer batches during treatment. My son is 14 and he can make his own food...usually simple ones...I don't molly cuddle and he is quite an independent boy. My step son however doesn't have this training for his mum or possibly just go hungry as preference. Each to their own. I do try my best for them. Having to rely on others is really quite a challenge for me.  Next up is my appointment with surgeon Friday. The pathology report comes back Wed, Thursday the MDT discuss my case and then Friday I will know more. Have u decided on anything yet or still waiting on operation date? C x ... View more

Hi Seaglass I am grateful for our chats. You're such a lovely person and I could not ask for better support.  I have been doing a lot more than I should but how do you get someone to think this is serious? Sigh! But I do think a mum will always do everything for their family. I appreciate your concern. Did a big shop and also bought turkey! I used most of my left to take the weight and trolley of course. My son then helped me carry into house and unpack! Like me, you will slowly have to come to terms with. Its almost like a loss. What other choice is there? But if like me you have also got to hold dear for who you are. I told myself the boob doesn't define and take away the very core of me! Of coz in time I will be able to confront it. If I overthink it  I will be in pieces, but I remain focused on healing physically first, then mental and emotionally comes when I am ready. It's such a hard process, I wish I could hold your hand and sit with u, to tell u all will be OK. Its damn hard..know I will always be supportive each step of the way.  C x ... View more

Hi @SeaGlass  Next is Wed and Fri appointments, and will know more then. Sleep as best possible a bit up and down, last night isn't as good, broken. I get scared time to time. It's a bit frus that I was cooking, cleaning and now driving. It seems no one thinks this is serious!  You preparing for before and after mastectomy? Look after yourself C x ... View more

@SeaGlass  Morning, how are you today?  What have you got lined up for next week?? Hope you are coping OK, here for you and happy to chat through your feelings and thoughts  Finding it ok so far. I am just grateful better sleep with critter gone! C x ... View more

@SeaGlass  glad Mri went OK. What is next for you? I agree uncomfortable but got to be done. It makes a difference when ppl are nice to you, certainly less daunting a task. @BethSW  how you feeling after op? Rest plenty please and let others help in the meantime For me, I had op Tuesday. Now resting at home. One night in hospital. Had drains out before leaving too. Now just numbness under arm. Not sure but I assume it's normal. I am taking Paracetomol only when needed usually bed time. Still don't dare to look at scar as there is a dressing over It. Got given a softie to get balanced. Hope you are all doing OK  C x  ... View more

@BethSW  Good luck for today my dear. We are up! I wish you smooth operation, let them take care of you and will see you the other side. Holding your virtual hand and sending you lots of healing vibes in recovery  C xxx ... View more

Love how upbeat you are ...Chuffed with your Delly-very lol you're the cutest person I know (well virtually know!) I am sending your special bunch as you are just lush! Have a nice day Op tomorrow for me...big day!!   ... View more

How was MRI @SeaGlass ? Tq ...for thinking of me.  C X    ... View more

@delly  Hi dear...you are so amazing to share your experience with us all. Will definitely top up paracetamol how long for and when did you stop? I don't want to depend on them. Exercise I find does help so much with anxiety generally. Like many women here I am such a newbie and get scared about everything. Lol Tonight I will try to enjoy bonfire night with my family...never take anything for granted certainly... You don't know how much your assurances have given peace and calm to those who are going on this path for surgery. Where are you on this journey now Delly? Thank you C x ... View more

@Jaynie23  It's lovely to hear from you. Congrats on your successful op. 👏 I hope your discomfort will soon pass and you are back on your feet in no time! Thanks goodness Nodes clear. I am sure you feel relieved, now onwards and upwards C x ... View more