Breast Cancer second time around

I have a very good support group of Ladies. I am a Red Hatter and their support has been amazing. I am also a member of a greeting card making group. Some of these ladies have been through this before. It is so good to hear from all of you and I will look forward to sharing my journey with you. Usually I have a pretty positive outlook and I think that got me through last time. With every ones help I know I can do it again. Don't get me wrong I know it will be hard and my poor husband will bear the brunt of most of my anger and frustration .

I would second Alice (soldiercrab's) suggestion about the pillows. 
If money isn't tight I'd buy a cushion like she described- i found sleeping horrible for about 6 weeks also.
make sure you have tops you can pull on without lifting your arms and bottoms you can pull on easily as your arms will be weak (surprisingly no one told me this and I had to do a shop about 2 weeks after!)
You'll be showing lots of people your chest after the operation (Drs and nurses!) so don't wear dresses unless you're happy to strip off each time or they can be pulled down.
Watch out for constipation if you're having lots of pain relief!
There's an app called simply being. It's for meditation and helps with going to sleep. You choose one of the meditations and the background sound and you can set the background sound to continue as long as you like. It may help you with your anxiety about the surgery.

Hi Alice, Thank you, your story is very encouraging. I will get one of those pillows, great idea. I have just filled in the paperwork for the hospital and am waiting to hear from them. No I don't have a breast care nurse at this point. The surgeon asked me if I had any questions at the time you are so overwhelmed by what you have just been told.It is all a blur. I have watched a couple of you tube videos which I have found helpful one regarding the managing of the drains. I am 66 and so thankful to have made it this far. It was so sad to see so many going through this same procedure in their 20's and 30's. I have been checking out this website which has been a great help. Marilyn x

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-nude

Your 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.

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

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

I had a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction, chemo then 6 wks of rads
my 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 

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