I had breast cancer in 1994 and found another lump in the other side last June. I am a gene carrier and have had 6 cycles of chemo followed by a bilateral mastectomy, full node clearance and immediate reconstruction using a DIEP flap. The op was 6 weeks ago and wenT very well. I was in theatre for 12hours and in hosp for 5days. Had 5 drains in and a catheter but still managed to get out of bed the next day. It was not painful, but breasts felt very tight and i have a massive scar across my tummy where they took the tissue.
My recovery has been good. I needed to have fluid drained from my tummy twice. I have just started driving again and going for a walk every day, but cannot do any strenuous exercisefor another few weeks. I was told that recovery takes 2-3 months in total. I have to wear sports bras 24 hours a day to help the shape of the new breasts and massage them with E45 to help soften them.
I have to have radiotherapy for 3 weeks in feb, but I am hoping to ease back into work a few hours a day by Easter. I am struggling with the emotional side, can't seem to stop crying about everything when I should be looking forward to cancer free time?
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