My story so far. 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in my Left Breast I had a lumpectomy followed by Radiotherapy and Chemo. I have in the last week been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in my Right Breast. My latest mammogram found two lesions around 1cm. I have been to the Surgeon and will have a bilateral mastectomy in the next few weeks.The tests showed nothing in the lymph nodes. It is in my Family my Mother had it in both breasts. I'm not looking forward to the next few months. It is going to be hard physically and especially mentally. Any suggestions as to what to expect would be helpful.

I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders inserted and 3/4 inflated. I imagine since you previously had radiotherapy that may not be an option. They preserved about half the skin with very good margins. I had 4 drains in. My main issues was not being allowed to raise my arms above shoulder height for 3 weeks and weakness in arm strength as the expanders went under the chest wall muscles which were also cut. It was quite painful but was manage pretty well in hospital and I got a good regime going at home. I was numb from the sentinal node biopsy which became painful when some of the nerves recovered but was sorted with lyrica. My procedure took 6 weeks for recovery and ability to sleep well. If you are only having a mastectomy it should take about half this time. Have lots of pillows available to be able to hug in bed which will provide some support and look at a mastectomy camisole for comfort also. Emotionally it is a difficult journey, mine was made easier with the reconstruction...you will miss your breasts but at the same time feel relief the cancer is removed. Hope all gies well. We are here for you. Kath x

I had a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction, chemo then 6 wks of radsmy surgery and after was a breeze just the annoying not raising hands above shoulders etc. I had 4 drains, I was home in 4 days with drains still in. I got one of those reading in bed pillows with the surrounds from Kmart. Do you have a breast care nurse yet? come let us know how you are going and try not to read DR Google he tells big whoppers all the time.... there are awesome resources here on the BCNA website. xoxo Alice

Hi Kath, Thank you so much for your message. How soon can you wear the camisole? I am a very large lady with e cup on my right side possibly a c cup on my left at the moment. I will not be having reconstruction and will be looking at prosthetics down the track. Emotionally I'm not coping at the moment with the thought of the surgery but I know I have to have it. Any other helpful hints would be most appreciated. Marilyn. x

Hi Mazoz,So sorry to hear of your second diagnosis. It just plain stinks to have to go through the whole process - again.I too have had bilateral breast cancer. First diagnosed in 2015, second in Aug 2016 during my 12 month checkup. Compared to 1st time around when I found the lump & had history of benign lumps in the breast, I felt completely blind sided by the second diagnosis. Due to the type & size of the cancer I was lucky to be given the choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy & chose lumpectomy both times. I just wanted to assure you though you will find plenty of support here from those who like yourself, have had no choice. Hard as it is, your priority right now is to take care you. This means finding activities that you enjoy to take you away (even momentarily) from the stress, anxiety & fear surrounding what lies ahead. Everyone is different in regards to what works for them .1st time around I found cleaning out my studio & selling off stuff I no longer used was a good diversion. Whereas second time around, asking questions & venting here on the forum & packing up to move (we had just sold our house!) was a good diversion. You are not alone & you can do this - one day, one step at time.Mel xxx

Once drains out you could were the cami with soft forms in. Prior that Erilan make a lovely soft clip front bra (which I still wear) and more comfortable than the berlei one. It has pockets for breast forms. I had one fitted post surgery by a specialist but you can order online. So go with current back size and pick a CD cup should be good to start. Lots of lovely colours to choose from too. I believe they are sold at Myers and David Jones if you have one locally. http://www.erilan.com.au/collections/mastectomy-bras-underwear/products/copy-of-amoena-frances-mastectomy-bra-nudeYour breast care nurse can help with this too and you can get soft forms from Erilan too as well as cami tops. Have your ordered your berlei free bra yet through your Breast care nurse or this site?...I would go up a back size from your norm...I still find mine too tight.

Breast Cancer second time around | BCNA Online Network

48 Replies

Brenda5
Member
9 years ago
Glad to hear the surgery went well. You do sort of get used to the drains after a while and they serve their purpose although still annoying. Rest up for now.
primek
Member
9 years ago
Glad you are on the mend and feeling you are under good care.
Mazoz
Member
9 years ago
Hello Ladies, Just to let you all know that I am home and feeling pretty good. I have surprised myself and others. The surgery went well although they had to take more lymph glands than I would have liked. The surgeon didn't like the look of them so took more and I will know more in two weeks when I go and see her. I looks like I will have to have Radiation and possibly Chemo. I've done it before and got through it so I can do it again. The breast care nurse has been amazing. I came home with lots of goodies and more to come. Nothing like last time. Thank you all again for your support it has meant a lot and made the experience more bearable. I feel more relieved now that its over. I know there is more to come and I will deal with that as it comes. I have three drains in and tonight I will have to check those myself. The nursing staff at Tweed Hospital were marvelous. Wishing you all positive thoughts as you go through your experience. Marilyn.xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Hi Mazoz, hope your surgery went well and you are feeling OK. Sending you lots of positive thoughts for a good recovery without too much pain. I'm on the Gold Coast too, so please message me if there is anything I can do to help you. Hoping every day is a bit better than the last. take care, Jane xx
HelenWilliams
Member
9 years ago
Hi Mazoz- I had my second primary earlier this year after 10 years - and whilst still grieving the death of 2 family members from breast cancer. I decided to go through the double mastectomy surgery with grace as a tribute to my loved girls who would have fought on if they could. They would have wanted me to be brave and to find joy - so I determined to be both for them. It has been made easier by reconstruction. I too cant have blood pressure on arms. It has been taken on my legs - though reads high. A skilled nurse could still read it manually and get a lower reading. Also I cant have blood taken on arms and have it taken from feet. I've been told after 10 yrs it may be OK to use arms again - but I don't want to risk lymphedema.
Share
Member
9 years ago
Morning @Mazoz, wishing you all the very best for your surgery today. So glad you were able to get that pillow. Lots of positive energy and thoughts to you. Sheryl x
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending lots of positive thoughts for a good recovery. The waiting is so difficult with everything taken out of your control but in 24 hours it will be over and you can begin healing. Sending my best wishes, Jane xx
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Marilyn, It's so totally normal to have bad and good days, the stress is all consuming!! I'm hoping for you that you have a magnificent calm wash over you tomorrow prior to going into surgery and you awaken feeling peaceful and relaxed knowing that you are on the way to being cancer free. Sending you healing, happy vibes. Xx
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Thanks for coming on to let us know as I do wonder sometimes and don't like to nag - wishing you a smooth recovery
Take care xx
Mazoz
Member
9 years ago
Hello all, I have been burying my head in the sand and trying not to think about tomorrow. I do appreciated all the help and support that you have given me so far. I have had a few bad days hear and there. The main part will be over tomorrow then it will be learning to cope with the new me. I will let you all know how I get on as soon as I can. Thanks again.