Forum Discussion
Breast Cancer second time around
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.
48 Replies
- I don't know about the wire but the sentinal node they inject radioactive dye around the tumour spot...the nodes it travels to 1st are taken. Normally 1 to 2. You can still get lymphodema with only sentinal but less issues generally.
- Does that mean that you can still have blood pressure taken on either arm? Is the sentinal node test why you have to go and have a wire put in before surgery? Sorry for all the questions. I'm learning a lot.
- while my right arm was my Pica line arm I had blood pressures done on my legs as my left had total clearance :(
- Usually these days they do sentinal nodes so less issues.
- Question When I had the BC in my left breast I was told not to allow anyone to take blood pressure on that arm. Now I will have both arms out of action for blood pressure. How does that work?
- I actually found big T shirts and 3/4 stretch pants. ..no undies.... easier and comfy for bed or out.bi wore this for weeks.
- Crumbs that must've been such a shock after 15 years! Somewhere on here and maybe one of the girls can find it there is a fact sheet that was put together with what to pack for hospital - practical things like a scarf, pillows, best type of tops and pjs that some are speaking of already, just to name a few. Yes I found the hardest is not being able to lift the arms and every time someone walked in the room I would smile to myself and say it looks like it's time for show and tell!
Take care and we are willing you for a good journey and recovery. - Hi Mazoz, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnoses. It must have been a terrible shock after 15 years, my thoughts are with you. I had a single mastectomy (with immediate implant) and one of the things I found difficult to deal with was coming home with a drain still in place. I carried it around in a carry bag from the hospital but showering was awkward. My husband came up with the idea of hooking a stretched coat hanger over the shower and hanging the drainage bag from it. He helped me wash but it meant I was hands free (to hold onto the walls!!) and the drain bag was supported and not pulling on me.
Sleeping on my back was uncomfortable until I got used to it but it helped to have plenty of soft pillows under my head and around my shoulders. Once I ventured onto my side, hugging a pillow took a lot of pressure from my underarm and breast.
Many of my tops were tight due to swelling so in hindsight I should have gone up a size. Someone gave me the tip to take button up PJ tops to hospital which was a godsend! It was easier for access to the drains and dressings (I had a couple of little bleeds) and a lot less painful to show doctors my breast.
I hope the next couple of weeks goes quickly for you. Let us know when you have a surgery date booked. We are all here to listen and help.
take care, Jane xx - Thanks Lipsy, I downloaded the app and I'm sure it will help. I am a big lady and found it very difficult to get pyjama tops in my size that button up the front. I finally found a couple in Autograph. I am so thankful for these tips.
- Mazoz it is OK to come on here and vent and share your frustrations we understand and can often be the people to bat your emotions off or your concerns or even your triumphs etc....
