I'm in the whirlwind phase with recent diagnosis of BC and a lumpectomy on 31 July. Now scheduled for right breast mastectomy next Monday 21 August and frantically getting my head around reconstruction, recovery, chemo later, handover at work and just staying sane. Tumor is out clear and nodes are clear after the lumpectomy but a number of microscopic DCIS lurking nearby hence the mastectomy. Every 12 hours is a huge learning curve and accessing this forum, which I have barely dipped my toe into, has already provided sane advice and counsel and I'm trying to deal with one thing at a time. Many thanks to all the great women out there keeping an eye out for each other!

@volunty Welcome to the site; as you can gather, we are all here helping each other along! There are great resources and if you are floundering the wonderful support staff @BCNA will soon come on and help you out!What can I say, it's a so and so isn't it, but at least it's been found, they're getting hold of the lurkers and hopefully once you're through the next phase of surgery and pathology is confirmed your treatment plan will not seem so daunting.Take care and come on and ask anything, no question is silly, use the search bar up the top of the Discussions page and hopefully that will give you some info as well as. All the best for the 21st

Hi @volunty welcome to the online network. You are definitely in the right spot to receive support and ask any questions you may have. I thought I would just jump in here and mention our My Journey Kit which includes an information guide as well as a personal record journal. More can be read here https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/my-journey-kit/. Feel free to contact us via this network or by phoning our Helpline if you would like to get in touch.

Hi @volunty welcome to this page .this group is amazing im only new to this aswell.hope all goes well for surgery x

Hey @Volunty From the sound of it you are doing an excellent job of keeping yourself sane and organized. BC is a major project, my advice is to keep really good records of the who, what, when wheres. It may feel at the moment that every detail will be seared into your memory for all time, but as time passes, you forget things. I've just done the whole business again after a recurrence and I managed to forget my surgeons' name the other day. I've known him for over a decade and we've had some rocky roads and robust discussions along the way. Then, at a crucial moment, I forget his name. This is why I take my trusty folder with me every time I have an appointment. It's bulging with cards from everyone I see, all (and I mean all) my test results, a diary, and my note book. If anyone ever gives you the irrits, rip that notebook out, give them the hairy eyeball and ask--very politely--'would you please spell you name.' Even if it's Smith. Particularly if it's Smith. It's a great leveler and I've rarely had to take things any further. There is something about an old battle-axe with her tongue hanging out, dipping her thumbnail in tar and recording you name which makes even the most self important medico do a double take then reassess if they want to continue to be rude. Good luck, Marg x

Welcome. I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using tissue expanders. Painful but recovery time reasonable of 6 weeks (including sentinal node). You may be able to go straight to implant. @socoda you may be able to give more info on this.

Hello, and another one recently diagnosed and starting on the journey

18 Replies

volunty
Member
8 years ago
Thanks Socoda, the drain finally came out today (6th day post surgery) so a big relief and a step up. It was grabbing under the skin, when the day nurse pulled it out (removed it I should say but it's a few seconds of fire!) I could tell that's where it had snagged with certain movements. More resting now and with some more comfortable sleep. I've got through some post surgery blues and taking full advantage of family and friends helping out while I get back up to speed. Best wishes to all making their way through the bc jungle. x
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Hi @volunty, glad that your doing so well. If your drain is catching a bit you can always get some micropore tape from the chemist and put some extra tape on the drain to stop any swinging motion and anchor it down to minimise the pain. Xx Cath
Romla
Member
8 years ago
Good to hear all going well for you - time now to take it easy and recover .
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
8 years ago
Great to hear surgery is done and you are feeling OK. All the best with your recovery and results. Jane xx
primek
Member
8 years ago
So glad all going well.
nonkyboy
Member
8 years ago
Glad it all went well for you. Take care now to rest and recover x Lesley
Barney74
Member
8 years ago
Yah glad all went well .
Rest up as much as possible x
iserbrown
Member
8 years ago
Woo hoo! Over that hurdle, take time to rest
volunty
Member
8 years ago
Well, that all went very fast! I'm back at home after three days in hospital for right side mastectomy. Teams at POW and RWH were all outstanding, very kind and very caring esp recovery in RWH. Pain was/is manageable and the main annoyance is the single drain which 'catches' occasionally where it is embedded. The Zonta pillow provided by the breast clinic nurse is perfect for providing support for sleeping or a bit of pressure for the drain site which seems to help. I've not found the scar and site too confronting so far, certainly a new persona and body to accommodate, so that's a relief. I've been dozing and resting a lot, the sushi train of painkillers in hospital really helps and now just on 2 Panandol six hourly which is enough for any pain/discomfort. Onwards and upwards, and again thanks and good wishes to fellow travellers on this site, none of it is easy but company really helps!
Chanel
Member
8 years ago
Hi Volunty, it's not easy to deal with BC and all you can do try to calm the brain and the "what ifs" . The best possible outcome is what you want. You'll be in good hands , and as you can see this site is a saving grace. So many wonderful ladies always ready to help and share their journey.
I wish you the very best and sending you lots of healing and hugs for the 21 st.
stay positive xxxxx