Breast Cancer Now Forum

Take your time. I had my mastectomy with reconstruction at end of October 2013 and returned to work following March 2014 cos my boob swelled up and so I couldn’t drive or cut with a knife. Had done too much possibly or reacted to something- had expected to be back and driving after 12 weeks. But we’re all different. Nurse told me to go back when 100% fit so I’d return and run! ... View more

Nicola Jane - online t-shirt bras that are shaped. Mine is fuschia pink and another skin tone. Cos of material fit both sides regardless of differing sizes! ... View more

Dear Shirley, What you are going thrugh is perfectly normal.  I had a single mastectomy November 2013 - and first of all the shock of the diagnosis was enormous - as it does not mean anything but worse case scenario!  Then you get told you have to have this op - and it is a big op - and then you have to allow for the healing time.    Everyone, including yourself wants everything better asap.   I was lucky enough to have a reconstruction at the same time, and from the outside, sort of look the same.  But it still feels different.  I am still learning!    So give yourself time - and remember what the Maggies Nurse said to me - the boob is only a small part of your body - start to consider the other bits!  It does work.   Helenbythesea ... View more

I am in quite physical job and was told the same, but advised to think 8 -12 weeks due to job. But my body had other idea and was off 6 months. This really upset my boss who thought i was skiving. But my bcc nurse was right behind me, and wanted me to go back knowing i wouldn't fail. My gp was good too, and was not prepared to sign.me fit for work until i could cut fruit and veg, drive safely. outside heals ...we don't know how long inside takes. I was left side mx and left handed ... View more

I met a friend with brac gene, went for double mx and 34b implants ignoring her previous size which were droopy following 4 kids and large. She waslast that size at 14! Now 5 years down the line, she is really happy. Now going for hysterectomy..... ... View more

I was of work for 6 months the following recon , mx . I kepton swelling up post surgery, it was my body,s way of coping, but meant i couldn't drive for 10 weeks as couldn't manage seatbelt and gear changing. tiredness was part of that, shoc i think causes it too. And post op, the adrenalin dies back ... View more

Isn't laughter wonderful, and you will find that the black laughter as vital as the normal in your journey, we did, my husband and i. The lady in the bed next to me was having double mx with no recon. She was in her 40s, loved horse riding, was married with 2 daughters. She didn't want anything to stop her hobby which destresed her, provided laughter, exercise and whole family time. At the time i couldn't have done that, my dx came out of the blue... Very brave but right for her. hughesbythesea ... View more

Yes the pain and discomfort are typical, altho some people bounce back very quickly. Remember we are all different. My arm had cording after and i couldn't walk any where without my arm throbbing for a couple of months. a doctor friend if mine said remember inside take s longer to heal than outside, its not normally handled in that way! My arm movement was not back for 4 months and i am still working on strength one year on. ... View more

I had implant and more used to it now one year on. Friend had back.op, but had to have implant too as not enough muscle. think we all have to come to terms with - it is not the same. Realised i had moved when i got partner to.oil new and old. Felt different, but then he wouldn't have oiled them before the op so felt sort of new and accepting. I was reminded by MacMillan nurse that he has 96%of body left to explore... So try not to focus on it and that helped! It made me think of the remaining 96%.... Which still feels normal and not numb Also having s.. In other places did too, as it distracts!!!!! ... View more

Interesting, i teach, but had to follow county guidelines for phased return, 4 weeks. Maximum, but could be renegotiated at the end, when i was told i would be paid a part time rate ... View more

Everyone is different. I swelled up and couldn't tell if it was me, skin, bra or an alllergy to the reconstruction stuff. Told hosp, they did ultra sound scan and it was swollen skin. Took ages to go down, November through to February ... View more

I just used non perfumed cream as gentle stroking helped best! ... View more

I can quie understand your worries. I swelled up and they were worried it was infected. Keep going to the hosp , everyone has a unique journey with this bc lark ... View more

Hope all goes well. Enjoy the cat with all you meet, they keep us sane! ... View more

Afriend of mine had a wle in October this year, but due to unclear margins had a mx 4 weeks later, was offered reconstruction but doesn't want it. Hope s to be back to work full-time in Jan Helen by the sea ... View more

I have had exactly same op as you and dx, my dcis was4.5 and my skin is very thin too, but i swelled up rather than broke down, so was put back on painkillers and told to keep an eye on my temperature in case of infection. The swelling took nearly 4 months to settle. I am still oiling it one yearon. Luckily my wound wasdown the side so it didn't burst open. have they said if you can have an expande in to take it more slowly? ... View more

It is isn't it. I was you 13 months ago. Ended up with mx and recon. Each hosp appointment felt wron, for someone else. talk about anaesthetic fears to anaesthetist, mine was great and rang me at home to check i was ok, my op was a lot longer than expected. ... View more

I agree with everything said above. I was where you are just 13months ago. Terrified, depressed, angry,shocked, hysterical, puzzled as to why and relieved it was dcis. it is weird journey and each is unique. In the Jan after my late October op, i drew my breast cancer bead (alla Pandora), it is pale blue, pink, silver and black and reflects all the mood s i went through. you are not a coward but do talk to folk - family, friends and bcnurses. I cried for most of September and October, but those tears were better out than in, and probably just shock. 1year on, still can't believe where i have been,..but it is.and life is treating me as if i am normal again ... View more

Enjoy the skiing, we went to Harrogate for the weekend before my op. Fabulous time....but the surreal ness goes with you! just fab to have couple time and no family ... View more