I’m 66 and a paraplegic. Just been diagnosed and having a mastectomy in 2 days time. I’ve decided to go for bilateral if she agrees and there’s enough time in the theatre but I want to know how much can you use your arms after surgery? I’ve got good support and want to get it over and done with. Love to hear from anyone how much you are allowed to move your arms

Thankyou for the the last two comments you are right people don't talk about the good things enough. Same with product reviews. This website is very supportive. I have a diabetic cat that has to be injected twice a day. I left the Facebook page it was too awful. He's healthy and happy despite the horror stories. I already came through a spinal injury in my 30s to go on and ride competitively for 20 years in able bodied and disabled events (still ride) raise my family and start a coffee roasting business 17 years ago with my son. I will keep working and looking after my jersey cows and fight this. We have a fast sailing boat that we have just had for one season so mean to sail next year. And a beautiful grand daughter finally and I can't be sad when she's around

Well I'm now flat chested and home. No pain and able to transfer on and off bed chair and toilet. Such a relief. Now the wait for the biopsy. Only one node removed which I hope is a good sign. I see my wonderful surgeon next Wednesday after which chemo will be worked out. I'm hormone negative so waiting to see if I'm HER negative. It's frightening and the waiting is hard. I was excited yesterday to be home after one night in hospital but the dark thoughts keep coming into my head

Hello @Marycipk - I agree with @TonyaM (above) that going for the double is the best decision - like her, I am wanting number 2 removed as the lopsided issue can be a nuisance.Before surgery, make sure you have as much as possible at a height where you don't need to lift your arms or stretch too far. Things like your coffee/tea making supplies, cooking, clothes etc. If you have a clothes airer this is better than stretching for a clothes line - but you probably have most of this in place all the time anyway. Just think about minimizing the need to have a pull on the stitches. There is little pain really and the hospital will provide medications - don't be a martyr, take them when needs be.Sort out easy to wear clothing and pillows for comfort. Take any assistance offered to you !You will be provided with gentle stretching exercises to minimize issues so make sure you keep up with them.Take care, all the best and we will hear from you when you are home again. 💖

I've been told I have to wear a post surgery bra day and night for weeks

Well done @Marycipk. It does all happen quickly. I had surgery 2 weeks after my diagnosis, 2 weeks later chemo and 3 wks after chemo I had radium and then hormone suppression.Pathology is helpful for determining treatment so it will be good to get those results. Remember treatment is so good now. Sounds like you have a good surgeon and oncologist. Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Take it easy and be kind to yourself.

Post surgery | BCNA Online Network

38 Replies

arpie
Member
4 years ago
Great news with the surgery results, @Marycipk .. and good that you can skip the nasty chemo ...

All the best for Monday. Keep your fluids up afterwards xx

take care
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Good surgery results @Marycipk. Wishing you all the best for chemo. Hopefully you will manage it ok. Best wishes
Marycipk
Member
4 years ago
So saw the chemo man today. Good news the second surgery to remove level one lymphs has left me cancer free we are all so happy. Now I have 5 months of chemo ahead. I'm skipping the really nasty one because of my spinal injury and as it might make my existing nerve damage worse. Starting on Monday
arpie
Member
4 years ago
Great that the scan is clear @Marycipk - and that you are going well with recovery.

Hubby is going thru private chemo just now (at our local private hospital) - He always sees the Onc before starting treatment ($100 of which about $60+ is repaid by medicare - last year we reached the 'threshold' in Oct, so no more fees.) The cost of chemo is totally covered, but for some reason, he has to pay for a couple of the meds that they hand out each time ($6 each.) If we went to our closest town with a public hospital or cancer centre, it would all be free, including the Onc fee .... but that is 1/2hr away & a dangerous road when wet .... We have the same Onc & I go there for my appts for free (no chemo), but we are keeping it simple for hubby's chemo treatment and have it at 'home'.

Definitely ask the Onc about expected fees before you see them next week - and if big $$ are mentioned for chemo, ask why? A different Onc may not 'charge'? Has someone already indicated to you that it WILL be exxy? Usually a written quote is given, too.

Do you have a Breast Care Nurse? They could do the questioning on your behalf & get back to you?
Afraser
Member
4 years ago
Much the same as @Cath62 - my only out of pocket for chemo was if my treatments exceeded four in a month (depending on the day of weekly chemo that was only once or twice). I always saw my oncologist before chemo and nurses are very vigilant about checking you over before starting. During weekly chemo, I went to work afterwards (nice walk through the park). I had my first chemo in hospital but you may want to have someone with you, at least first time, in case if any reaction. Best wishes.
Marycipk
Member
4 years ago
Oh that's so encouraging I'm going to icon in midland
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Hi @Marycipk, glad that are home and recovering well. I was a private patient and never paid anything for chemo. I had my chemo at icon cancer. The icon i attended was next to the hospital where I had my surgery. I had no out of pocket costs for chemo. Each time I received my chemo treatment I was admitted like they do in hospital but a far more streamlined process ie I just had to sign in. I was met by a nurse and taken either to a recliner chair or bed. They then checked my blood to ensure I was well enough for chemo before administering the chemo drugs. They also gave me steroids and anti nausea meds before stating too. Treatment took a couple of hrs and then I would head home. My oncologist always saw me during my chemo session. I handled chemo pretty well. I lost my hair but I never got sick. I did get tired a few days after treatment but I walked every day and ate well. Maybe check with the place you are having chemo to see about costs and the process or ask your oncologist. Best wishes
Marycipk
Member
4 years ago
PET scan clear on Monday but had level 1 lymph clearance yesterday. Home now and not much pain thankfully and mastectomy healing well. I have my first chemo appt next week and am just realizing it's going to be expensive. What can I expect? I am being treated privately and feeling worried
Marycipk
Member
4 years ago
I will leave the Facebook page now
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Hi again @Marycipk, agree with @Afraser people write when upset, I did 😉. Look chemo can be hard for some people but I got through ok. Sure lost my hair, felt tired too sometimes however I never got sick never got mouth ulcers or anything like that. I can recommend good mouth care like flossing after each meal and salt water gargling. Your skin can get a bit dry so plenty moisture too. If you feel unwell talk to your oncologist as they can treat nausea too. Sounds like you have your life set up with plenty to enjoy. Keep focussing on what matters as that helps get you through. Lastly treat yourself to all the things you love.