Do I Need Time? First surgeon appoint today, surgery in 2 weeks!
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Only as long as it is Vegan and organic, Viking1.
Still vegetable soup is sustaining and delicious.1 -
Hi Viking1 glad the dearhearts here have given sound advice. Sorry your sis is a alto fan ..we all know what happens to dot .com billonare when he did this. We are so lucky that we live in a country that offers up to date treatment options and that you can communicate with like minded and supportive people on this site.2
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OFFS... Let's all chant. Better yet?
I've got a decent support network, but it's surprising how little help you really need if you are used to looking after yourself. I have no idea how folk with small children or other dependents manage; my son was 13 when I had my first episode ten years ago. We coped.
It's easier to sort it out on your own than start relying on people who, for what ever reason, will let you down. The other thing that does often happen is people you don't know well quietly step up and become valuable parts of your new life.
BTW. If you want to tag someone, it looks like this @viking1. Marg2 -
Hi again re fitness after treatment....lots of dragon women out there big paddlers and drum beaters who are fit and awesome ....little steps lots of support and advice1
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@melclarity You might be able to discuss immediate recon ...as another option to lumpectomy and can avoid radiation if nodes clear.1
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Hi, I remember it all happening so fast when I was first diagnosed with cancer. I found it useful to write questions down before I saw my doctor. Get a second opinion if you want to. It was really important for me to focus on cancer treatment being a path to getting better, not making me sick. I remember sitting on my bed after being told I needed a mastectomy and not being able to breathe, I was so stressed. When I took control of the situation, it was easier to cope with surgery and the treatment that followed it. Thinking of you, the early days are the most difficult.2
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Oh @melclarity. I meant for @socoda and discussing immediate recon as possible option. Sorry had a brain fart moment. X1
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Hi Viking
I am sorry you have had to join this special club but you will find lots of ladies out there to support you via the site.
You sound as if you really are alone so at all appointments make sure you say that. There are services out there to support you but you have to be adamant that you need them. Speak with the hospital social worker and he/she will put these in place. Also, be in touch with a breast care nurse (either at the hospital or via the McGrath Foundation - you can self-refer) as she will know what is available in your area. Take anything that is offered to you. You may even be able to get some assistance to and from appointments.
Listen to your specialists. They do really know what is best for you specifically. Time is your friend or enemy so go on that trail ride and enjoy it - then plan for another once your active treatment is finished. Give yourself a goal. Lots of people try the ''alternative'' medicine route but not all are here to tell their story.
Decisions re reconstruction can be made later if needs be. I, too, was small breasted so a lumpectomy was not possible - too much of the crap stuff there !
Have fun tomorrow and keep in touch via this site when you need to talk - there is always someone on-line, day or night.
Thinking of you Summer :-)
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Thank you ladies, that does help a lot! Yes I think if I've been told I need to cope on my own in our extended family setting I will stress that. I don't want my dear old dad doing dressings even though he would offer. Niece is having a bub in August and here one week out of two as she lives far south and has no DL (her husband is FIFO). And sis is drawing boundaries around herself regarding my surgeon's plan for chemo and rad. If I do it, she can't cope healthwise or because she's against it. Feels like sort of a punishment for doing it. I know she does get bedridden from fibro now and then but she is also planning on living with niece for a couple of weeks when baby arrives. So maybe best to put family drama behind me and think of myself? This group is a saviour! xxx0
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Hi vik just to reassure you wound healing is usually complete by time you leave hospital breast care nurse usually great contact .important that you have a cosy relaxing space for you to return to home and that household chores dont get done by you for a couple of weeks ..maybe take time to get new pillow candles etc all the best Bright1
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Thanks Bright! Apparently I go to hospital at 7.30am and the surgery is done in the afternoon. Then they kick me out next morning! I do need to get studio flat organised and sanitised. Using my essential oils already. They are a good brand. Apparently oncology wards diffuse frankincense! I am going to fact find on that one as I need the science. Mainly I just like the smell. A new pillow sounds good! xxx0
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I was diagnosed on the Thursday and had a mastectomy on the Tuesday after. I was also 32 weeks pregnant. 6 years later (just been diagnosed with mets) I still dont miss my boob and havent had a reconstruction. I got to breastfeed for 4 weeks after my son was born and thats all I cared about. We are all different but the sooner the cancer is removed the better.2
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They told me no vacuuming, no bathroom scrubbing. ..but this was after bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I managed to cook tea most nights...just couldn't lift big pots etc. You could possibly pay a cleaner to come in once a week or fortnight or once off if no help from family. Maybe do some ahead cooking to make it easier for yourself. And plenty of pantry staples for lunches etc in case some driving issues.
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Hi @viking1, I also had a single nipple & skin sparing mastectomy with immediate recon using implant. My tumour was 2.7cm and there was also a satellite which turned out to be benign. I was told too much tissue would need to be taken for lumpectomy so went with mastectomy. Grade 1 so didnt need chemo and because I had mastectomy didn't need rads. I was in hospital 6 days and then home. I was driving after 2 weeks and sat in the sun and did gardening (overdid potting some plants and made myself sore cause I still had drains)but was hanging clothes on the line pretty much as soon as I was home. Did my grocery shopping online and had it delivered into my kitchen and then put it away from there. I was back at work after 8 weeks and it was only that long because of a clingy drain that didn't want to leave me. Wishing you all the best and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Xx Cath2
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@viking1 If the going gets tough there will be help out there. All through my treatments I was always asked if I needed help. I was lucky I had support. There are social workers that assist in arranging transport and home help.
I found cancer help line fantastic if ever I had an issue
. Breast care nurses were great talking over procedures etc
More often than not I kept meeting many women who indeed were doing it on their own.
With or without support you can beat this disease many do.
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