Surgery & radiotherapy tips

Hi Laura, like you I had 6 months of chemo, followed by a double mastectomy with no reconstruction.  I am currently having daily radiotherapy and herceptin every 3 weeks.

It's been 6 weeks since I said goodbye to my little boobies. For me I am just relieved the cancer is gone. Like Michelle I have adjusted my wardrobe, choosing loose fitting or tops with a bit of gathering around the bust area, printed fabrics and steering clear of plain fabrics. I haven't bought new clothes for myself in ages, so I am enjoying my new outfits.  

My surgery went well, double mastectomy and lymph nodes removed under both arms.  I had four drains. I was in hospital for five days and was luck enough to have the drains removed before leaving hospital.  The drain bags are fabulous.  I crossed them over my shoulders, it made walking around so much easier.

I am in my third week of radiotherapy and my skin is holding up well. I am using Moo Goo udder cream on my skin, so far so good.  Exercise is very important to help combat fatigue which you may suffer from as a result of radiotherapy.

Wishing you all the best for the next stage of your treatment.

Lorraine

Hi Lauramaria,

Welcome to the network. I'm in the middle of chemo (AC) post mastectomy (late May).

My mastectomy (right only) surgery was the 3rd in the space of 5 weeks as I'd tried to have breast conserving surgery, but the tumour was bigger and more irregular than expected with cells in margins. I didn't have much more for the surgeon to take after the earlier surgeries and remember saying goodbye to my boob pre-op, just wanting to get rid of the cancer.  I wasn't able to have immediate reconstruction as I was so inflamed from earlier surgeries and just wanted to focus on the cancer.  Radiotherapy was also undecided at the time.

Before the surgery, I tried to keep active with walks, (I used to run regularly, but that soon stopped!!) Take someone with you in the consult, with questions written down in case you forget them.

While in hospital, you'll be given instructions on physio for your arms.  As you're having bilateral, you'll most probably have a drain in (under your arms).  The drains usually stay in about 10 days and I was shown how to care for the drains before I left the hospital.  The nurses also had a little cross shoulder carry bag used to carry the drains so they're not too obvious. The wound was a neat line with pads and held together by a velcro corset binder (felt a bit like scarlet ohara).

My nurses organised the 'my care kit' from bcna which gets sent to your house.  It contains a berlie, temporary prosthesis and a pilates dvd for post-op breast surgery.  I've found the dvd to be fantastic.  It's highly structured, according to weeks post surgery, and I'm now doing the 6-10 program.

My surgeon also recommended a company/shop for a breast prosthesis and new bras.  I waited til I was 6 weeks post op and went with a few friends to make it a special day.

After chemo, I'm also having radiotherapy later, probably around Oct. Moogoo is fantastic for your skin for that, I've heard.

All the best for the surgery.  Keep in contact,

Karen xx

Hi Laura!

I had a double mastectomy and decided not to have a reconstruction. Prior to surgery, I asked a friend to use hypnotherapy to plant some positive thoughts within me, about the fact that I was still the same person. 

I also wrote a eulogy for my boobs. Just another way to prepare for the change.

i had to change my wardrobe too. My tops are the smaller size and I usually go for some design, or embroidery on the front.

I found mindfulness and walking post op helped immensely. If I missed a day, that would be my tears day.

Hope this helps.

Hi Laura, I'm having my last chemo tomorrow, so am on a similar track. I had a mastectomy in February, but not a double or like yours. I hope that your surgery goes well for you, and your follow up radiation also goes well. I start radiation in August. We all have different order of treatments, and I find the network is really good support. Take care, Tracey B ????