Forum Discussion

tan_g's avatar
tan_g
Member
13 years ago

Just the beginning !

My Mum had a bilateral masectomy at 36, radiation, but has now been clear of this awful thing for 18 years, now Im 36, and yep....I'm here cos now I too have been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Grade 1. 3 Tumours all in my right breast.  OUCH !!!!  The shock, the tears, Im wondering if they ever go away, will I ever get my life back.

I am married to the most amazing man in the world and have three gorgeous children. Our oldest daughter is 18, then 9, and our son is 6...

I am scared but also very determined to beat this thing and lead a normal life with my husband and family... So here I go, my journey begins....xxxx

 

 

mastectomy
radiotherapy

6 Replies

  • tan_g's avatar
    tan_g
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi girls

    Surgery over, Im two weeks the other side today.   Surgery went well, no cancer in my lymph nodes.  I have been in a fair bit of pain i think from the tissue expanders, and I had one of the drainage tubes sitting on a nerve in my chest, so that was very painful - but thats gone now.  Just having a lot of pain when the ps put more saline in to expand the tissue expanders.  Think my poor old chest muscle is getting stretched alot, and the pain is also in my back alot, not sure if thats the way im sleeping or not??

    Im just so releived that the surgery is over - now i have to look forward and start to get my life back.

    Tan  xxxx

  • dawngirl's avatar
    dawngirl
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Tan,

     

    Read elsewhere you are having your operation tomorrow.

    Thinking of you and wishing you a tres speedy recovery.

    Holler if you want any post mastectomy advice.

    Now go forth knowing you are in great hands, and your lovely husband and kids will be there waiting for you as soon as you wake up.

    x

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    I'm sorry to hear about your bc diagnosis but glad you found this network. I would suggest you take button down the front pjs and a loose shirt with you to hospital.After surgery you will probably have a drain either side sort of under your arms.You'll also probably have dressings and a stretchie binder thing around your chest.You might leave hospital like this(I did) and the drains might be in for a week(mine was) -this varies ofcourse.I just wore the binder or a singlet until the drain came out-couldn't put a bra on with drains.I stayed in loose shirts whilst like this.After about 2 weeks I wore the Berlei post surgery bra(free from BCNA) with a soft form insert. At about the 6 week mark I got fitted for a proper prosthesis and bought more mastectomy bras from Myers. I guess if you are having bilateral mastectomy then you can go with what size prosthesis you want. I had a mastectomy in May 2010 so am used to wearing a prosthesis but I'm still not keen about looking in the mirror. If you haven't yet,then ask your breast care nurse to order the Berlei bra for you. Blog back here for support and info. We know what you are going through.Sending hugs, Tonya xx

  • tan_g's avatar
    tan_g
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi everyone

    Im wanting to buy a Pink Breast "C" teddy to take to hospital with me. Anyone know where i can get a gorgeous one. 

    Ive decided to op for a bilateral mascetomy, just want to get rid of these boobs that have let me down. No reconstruction just yet, see what my treatment plan is, do some research and maybe get new boobs down the road when hopefully im feeling better, just want them gone for now..

    What do we do after we come home from hospital with no boobs?  Is there any singlets or gentle bras we can where with built in bras?  I dont want to take my kids to school with no boobs, and I still want to look normal in my clothes.???

    Any ideas or advice?

    I love you girls already, you are all making this CRAP seem so much better.

    Tan

    xx

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    13 years ago

    Lovely to meet you and your family.

    I have learnt through out my short journey that this site is a fantastic place for support and advice.

    Trawl through the posts and ask question, someone will always offer encouragement and advice where possible.

    Take it easy and I am sure we will speak again.

    cheers

    Donna

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    It is frightening and overwhelming when you get the diagnosis, but once the roller coaster of treatment starts you really don't have time to dwell on it - you are so busy with appointments and information and getting surgery/chemo kits ready.

    What a wonderful role model you have in your Mother - 18 years past treatment, which was no-where near as advanced then as it is now. You have great genes to fight this thing and win!

    Don't be afraid to accept help from friends or other mothers at the school - people will want to help you and maybe won't know how, so you could suggest pickups or dropoffs, meals, help with cleaning, etc. Your husband sounds wonderfully supportive and you will get through this for him and your beautiful children. It is so good that they have found it quickly and are dealing with it.

    All the best - come and chat whenever you feel like it - I found someone is always here and the support is amazing. Sending you a big hug, Michelle xx