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
Good luck with the surgery stay. The only good thing about so many people getting breast cancer is that the doctors are getting good at getting rid of it for most of us. Surgery still seems barbaric though and I live for the day that just a simple injection to the site will make our own bodies get rid of the cancer.
Mazoz
Member
9 years ago
I went on Monday for my pre op appointment. Nurse one, then Anesthetist, nurse 2 then I finally met my Breast Care Nurse. All were very nice and took the time to explain everything to me. Two weeks today till surgery. I have been able to find some front buttoning tops and Pj's. I like the idea of a packet of snakes thanks Jane for that tip. Also the Colouring books. My daughter sent me some last Christmas and will take one of those with me.
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
So pleased you have a date Mazoz. Now you can start preparing :) I did a lot of cooking and freezing in the few days before my surgery which was a huge help when I came home. I also took a packet of snakes to hospital :) perfect when I felt like something sweet! Hope the next couple of weeks go quickly for you and you are soon on your way to recovery. Take care, Jane x
Karenhappyquilt
Member
9 years ago
You can have your blood pressure taken on your ankle. I had that when I had a picc line in and they couldn't use that arm or the arm where they had taken out lymph nodes.
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi Marilyn, so glad for you that you have a surgery date and can start your planning accordingly. Gives you a couple of weeks to get stuff sorted. Just adding on what to take to hospital - I took a couple of colouring in books and thoroughly enjoyed using them to while away the time :) Xx Cath
Mazoz
Member
9 years ago
Hi all, I just had a phone call from the Hospital and my surgery is scheduled for the 9th Nov. and I have an appointment for pre admission next Monday.

I do a lot of shopping on ebay and I have managed to find a pregnancy pillow and have ordered that. Thanks Share for that information and I am so sorry to hear your news. I also wish you all the best as your journey continues.
Share
Member
9 years ago
Hi Mazoz - am sure you feel like you have been hit with a sledgehammer after all this time. I was first diagnosed in 2003 - lumpectomy w/chemo & radiotherapy. In 2007 I had a recurrence in the same breast - mastectomy this time. Went on with a drain & found that a body pillow - one similar marketed to pregnant women - worked well. Like a giant pillow to cuddle and support. As Lipsy said - first 6 weeks are a hurdle. Sleep when you can & if that eludes you then rest & don't stress about not sleeping - when some demons might creep in. Last year - 8 years cancer free I was diagnosed with secondary bone mets. I can totally understand your sheer shock. As with everyone here I too wish you the very best.
Mazoz
Member
9 years ago
Hi all, thanks to all of you that have posted it is really helping to find out these things. Tomorrow is 1 week since seeing the surgeon. No call from the hospital yet. At least I am having some time to get used to the idea and get over the initial shock.

As soon as I hear anything I will let you all know. xx Maz
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Maz, I had 4 nodes removed including sentinel none of which had cancer. I think it depends on your surgeon and how the cancer presents. I know my surgeon thought my cancer was a lot more aggressive than it turned out to be. I had a unilateral mastectomy and was in hospital 6 days and left with two drains still attached. I had the community nurses scheduled to see me each day to monitor the drains but I took over monitoring them so the nurses didn't have to visit. I was allowed to drive two weeks after my mastectomy so was out and about from that time. First drain removed after one week, second removed after 8 weeks and it still hadn't made correct levels but surgeon thought the drain itself was causing the fluid due to irritation. Main thing is every one is an individual and surgeons are also. Some have a rule below 30mls for two consecutive days before drain removed mine was below 20mls. (Helps avoid seroma). My surgeon said drive after 2 weeks, others I have heard are 6. Bottom line - if in doubt ask :-) Xx Cath
TonyaM
Member
9 years ago
Hi Mazoz,
With the first time,I waited for surgery for 2 weeks and the second time, waited 3weeks.A seroma is a collection of fluid.I got one on the mastectomy scar line. My surgeon just syringed it off each week and it eventually settled down. Tonya xx

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