Surgery next week

Question

Hi all, I'm new to the online network. I was diagnosed back in May of this year with a Grade 3 Triple Negative tumour in my left breast when I was 28 weeks pregnant. Since then I've done 8 rounds of dose dense chemo and my son is now 4 months old. Next step is an elective bilateral mastectomy with expanders. I'm keen to hear from anyone who's had the same procedure and has any advice whether it be what to take to hospital or how to manage recovery. I also have a daughter aged 2 and my husband works away so my Mum and MIL will be taking turns at staying with me to help with the kids. I'm feeling pretty good about everything that's happening but just want to be as prepared as possible! TIA!

primek · Answer

I had the same procedure and still have my expanders, changeover date to be set next week hopefully. It will be quite painful &nbsp;so ensure you have regular pain relief and lots of pillows. You might even find &nbsp;sleeping in a recliner more comfortable for a while. I found by the 6 week mark I suddenly was much more comfortable and now feel quite good even though &nbsp;they are firm.Here is a link with what might help to take to hospital. Hope all goes well and look forward to an update. Ask any questions no natter how small.http://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/information-sheets.html

brenda5 · Answer

I only had a single mastectomy with no reconstruction and that was bad enough although I did also have all my underarm nodes removed in a second surgery and that was possibly why I had more trouble with the arm. I don't think you will be able or allowed to lift anything more than about 5kg which will be a problem with little ones so you will need your family to help you. Hanging out washing was also out for me as was vacuuming floors. I had to hang my bathroom towel down on a lower hanger as it was difficult to reach up for several weeks. You will have to do arm exercises religiously to bring back the full use of them so pay attention to you physiotherapists instructions. Its a day by day thing but you do come good. &lt;3

ccasper · Answer

Hi nikkii can't help you surgery wise but I will also be have a BMX in February.&nbsp;Just wanted to msg you and show my support to you. I am also a young mum with triple negative BC. I was diagnosed when my son was about to turn one. It seems you had chemo first too? Carly xx

nicki_33 · Answer

Thanks everyone. Spoke with the nurse yesterday and went through a few things which was good. I've lined up a cleaner for while I'm in hospital so hopefully that will help make things easier. Another lovely hurdle I didn't mention earlier is that we live in the country as well so I'm having to stay with family before and after surgery as they're not keen on me making the 2 and a half hour trip so soon. So I'm having to pack so much stuff for me as well as the kids.Hi Carly, yes, I had chemo first as my lump was over 2x3cm in size. The chemo worked really well and they think all that's left is just scar tissue.Thanks for your advice and support. Will keep you posted on how I'm travelling! x

onemargie · Answer

Hi there nicki I was diagnosed in may also with triple negative stage 2a grade 3 BC age 44 had L mastectomy all lymph nodes clear had 8 removed scans all clear had other boob off yesterday (my choice as a preventative) &nbsp;had the genetic test as I'm 44 no family history and had the triple neg so you will qualify too. I have to wait another 6 weeks or so for that result I haven't had the reconstruction and am not planning on it at this stage but would definitely do it if I was your age. You are a bloody legend getting through the dose dense while pregnant too. Good luck with your surgery and good to hear you have such good support take all the help you can get . Hugs margie

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