Lots of questions, learning lots.

Hey I bought some hair removal cream today for the arm pit, pop on shower off too easy!  and drove into town Easy as!  Been back walking hills and on my bike trainer yay !! 
I am fitter than most so I can do a lot more... but been careful too. 
My partner will chain my mountain bike up if I try and use it but I aren't that silly. 
I wore a sports bra today when I went shopping and bought two from target that I can step into as I am not comfortable going back to work next week without a bra on... rest of the time I don't care but for my work need a bit of boob support for my tinny A cup

Hi @KylieBNZ, I had single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using an implant and also sentinel node biopsy with four nodes removed. My surgeon gave me the all clear to drive two weeks after surgery - I was however quite careful when pulling the handbrake on as the first time I did it I just went hell for leather like I usually do and gave myself a twinge :s. I had my underarm waxed two weeks after surgery and it wasn't an issue just a bit strange because I couldn't feel it smiley: I also found that gardening after surgery should be done very carefully. Because I was moving potting mix and bending over a lot I did manage to move my drain and gave myself a bit of pain (silly bugger!!) so after that I just gardened sitting in a chair - a lot more manageable.  Best wishes to you! Let us know how you get on. Xx Cath

Thanks guys! This info is awesome.
Di your treatment sounds like what they have planned for me but will know more on the 27th oncology appointment. 
Hoping to go back to work on Monday as I don't have a lot of leave. 
Used it all up looking after my mother in NZ and a bike race too

@KylieBNZ  hi Kylie . 4,years ago on the 20th March I had a left breast mastectomy and 20 nodes removed. I still have a numb feeling under my arm. The specialist explained that the nerves are effected and I may get some feeling back or may not. It is a strange sensation. I was told I could not drive for 6 weeks but I guess you could clarify that with your doctor. I went through 6 months chemo and then 6 weeks radiation daily 5 days a week. I was referred to a Physio which I went to for 12 months once finished with her she recommended an oncology and lymph drainage trained massage therapist. I have been going to her monthly for 2  years now. This helps and I find if my arm gets swollen I use my sleeve I was given. I do the lymph drainage massage to keep in top of things as I had so many nodes removed. 
I decided after 4,years to go through with a reconstruction and no longer will need to wear my prothesis . I am waiting to see my surgeon whom has cancelled twice so hopefully the 11th May put eill find out my next step . 
There is always someone on this site to help out with any questions you may have so don't hesitate .
Good luck with your next steps. 
Di xx

I too think I was told 3 weeks after mastectomy and they just recommend you have a little test drive first. Keep up those post surgery exercises. Have you a breast care nurse you can discuss with?

Hi lm 5 years post and my underarm is still numb weirdest feeling especialy washing.keep up those exercises they are so important, dont rush things and take time out for you, before you know it you will look back and cant believe where time goes. Adean

Oh no, a long post just disappeared!
It sounds like you are doing really well.   This site is so valuable for all the support and information offered by the wonderful ladies. There is no instruction manual for breast cancer. For the most part we are all in the dark at first and need to figure it out as we go along. It's interesting to look back a few months later and realise how much we now understand and we can actually help others just starting out.
I started driving around 3 weeks post op. I had a left nipple sparing mastectomy with an immediate implant. There is a bit of trauma to the pec muscle so I wanted to be sure I could turn the wheel in a hurry if I needed to!
I'm almost 9 months post op and still have a partially numb arm. The real sensitivity inside my left arm passed after 2 months which was a relief.  My underarm has partial feeling which makes shaving interesting.  The nerves under my arm have joined a bit oddly - I can have the razor in my armpit but feel it halfway down my arm!
The diary in the My Journey kit was great. I also bought a clip folder (pink of course) with dividers.
This was really helpful for filing receipts, admission info, exercise sheets etc all in one place.
I hope you continue to recover well.  Take care and all the best with your upcoming treatment.
Jane xx

Hi Kylie, welcome

Hey Kylie

This is when your learning curve is at its steepest!

I also found the best part of the 'My Journey' kit was the diary - I wrote all my notes, questions, contacts, expenditure in there. It's been fantastic.

The other thing I found useful (there are lots of other things as well...) is the Zonta pillow. Ask your breastcare nurse to organise one for you - they help when using a seatbelt in the car, sleeping etc. They are made by volunteers through Zonta international and these wonderful ladies do a great job!

Take care. We will all be thinking of you

Nikki x

ps like @melclarity, I've taken to getting my underarms waxed 

Hey good idea electric shaver.. shaver shop here I come..
so much to learn! 
Both my drains are out and op was two weeks ago today. Under my arm is stiff as today I think I did too much yesterday.
chat soon 

☺️