Hello, and another one recently diagnosed and starting on the journey
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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.0
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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
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Welcome @ volunty . There are many wise and wonderful women on this site who are willing to help with guidance , advice and support. - you are not alone.Ask away and many will step up to help plus there are heaps of earlier posts for your to look through - takes a while to learn how to navigate the site but so worth it.0
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Hello @volunty and welcome. Sorry you find yourself here but as you have already seen, this is a great place to be for support and information. I had a left nipple sparing mastectomy with an immediate implant 12 months ago. I had a 12mm invasive ductal carcinoma which was picked up in a routine Breastscreen mammogram. I had no idea it was there! I had 3 lymph nodes removed and all were clear. Because my cancer was grade 1, stage 1 and I had a mastectomy, I didn't need radiation or chemo. I'm very happy with my decision to have an immediate silicone implant during my mastectomy surgery. I had 3.5 days in hospital and needed a good 6 weeks to recover. Most of the pain and recovery time came from the trauma to the pectoral muscle which was cut and stretched to allow the implant to be inserted. One year on, the implant has softened and feels pretty natural (although numb).
There may be lots of options open to you Volunty, so I wish you good luck with your decision making. We will all have stories to share but just do what is right for you. All the best for 21st, please let us know how you go. Jane xx0 -
Very grateful to all responding. I see the surgeon tomorrow (pre-op) and have had the last three days, and this site, to help me formulate questions so that I can understand what my choices might be. I'll update when I can, the stories really help.1
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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 xxxxx0 -
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!7
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Woo hoo! Over that hurdle, take time to rest0
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Yah glad all went well .
Rest up as much as possible x0 -
Glad it all went well for you. Take care now to rest and recover x Lesley0
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So glad all going well.0
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Great to hear surgery is done and you are feeling OK. All the best with your recovery and results. Jane xx0
