Hi all,I am so pleased to be provided with information for this online support community! I was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 days ago and it has all been very fast moving and overwhelming since then. I went to see my GP about a lump that my husband had found, and having been diagnosed with fibrocystic disease of the breasts previously, I was just expecting the same results as previous investigations. This being a cyst. My mammogram did not show any obvious tumour, in fact was told that it ‘just looked like another cyst’, so that after I had the ultrasound she would drain it for me. I knew as soon as the sonographer started, something was not right. It revealed I had a suspicious lump that I then had biopsies done that day. I was told she had concerns it was cancerous, and it was. I was blown away. I am 49 and had gone through this with my sister 9 years ago when she was 41. I was encouraged to have an MRI breast as the imaging was not great for either the mammogram or ultrasound. It showed the tumour to be bigger than originally thought with another satellite tumour 1cm from this. I was so pleased to have had this done as the surgeon said it was helpful in planning my surgery. Yesterday I had a wide excision, sentinel node biopsy and R breast mastopexy. That was the longest day of my life! I am so pleased that part is over. Results hopefully tomorrow and then a plan from there. The waiting is the hardest part so far for me. I will have to go back to work financially. I am just wondering at others experience at returning to work after surgery and also returning to driving?Thanks in anticipation,Michelle x

Welcome! I can't answer your question as I ended up with 2 surgeries and other treatments, keeping me off for 10 months. Do be aware that their is often an emotional and mental recovery time as well. For some, going back to work is essential for this, but please go as easy on yourself as you are able

Hi @Mjheke, like you, I'm a nurse, also a midwife. I had neoadjuvant chemo, WLE and axillary clearance then radiotherapy. Unfortunately, I developed lymphoedema within about 6 weeks of surgery, which effectively ended my clinical career. I've been lucky to find a couple of non clinical roles since then, that I've been very happy in. Perhaps, when you feel up to it, talk to your workplace about what sort of non clinical roles may be available, and what you may need to do to be considered. I suggest this, because I couldn't afford the loss of income that walking completely away from nursing would have meant. You will have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on. Your workplace may also be willing to look at something to help you get back to work that isn't quite as physical as bedside nursingTake care

One tip with the cording issue. You've probably been told to do 10 of the exercises - it may be better to do 3-5 of them but hold each for longer so that you're getting a sustained stretch. That's what my physio told me but you probably should check that's okay before you take my word for it.Firm massage in the shower works really well as the warm water helps. I've also found gentle kaying and SUPing is good as the paddling motion gets your arm working.

Hi Michelle - gosh - it is all such a roller coaster of emotions & pain .... I was like you, expecting mine to be just a cyst (as had been diagnosed a few times over the last 40 years) but not so this time. All the best for your results xxx I hope you have lots of family & friends giving you emotional & physical assistance at this time. Make sure you take the pain meds at the specified times for a while yet - you don't want to pain to kick in 100% or it may take longer to control! Re Driving .... yep 'as you feel up to it' - but beware of any bumps in the road ..... the breast will remain 'tender' for some time - and doesn't like bouncing over bumpy roads! I learned quickly where all ours are & would hold my breast to give it support as I went over them!Re going back to work - do you have any sick leave or holidays that you can 'call in' for your recovery period? Make sure you are fit enough, before coming back to full-time. If you are having radiation - that usually entails daily visits Mon-Fri for 4 weeks or longer. Are you close to the facility that you are likely to be attending? Many attend whilst working, as it is often just an hour out of your day - tho it can also be fatiguing, particularly after it is finished. Most 'sail thru it' - but there is an emotional side too that I had not expected.Out of interest - Have you you been advised whether you have dense breast tissue or not? It sounds like you might. Dense Breast tissue shows up as 'white' on Mammograms (as does cancer tumours) which is why they are difficult to pick up with standard scans. There has been much discussion on our ''right to be advised'' when having mammograms, as a delay in diagnosis can lead to bigger tumours being found 'later'! https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/18407/breast-density-we-want-your-input/p1take care, all the best xx

Thanks @kmakm, I am new to the forum scene so am still working out how to navigate my way around!I am now post surgery as of Monday. It has all happened very quickly and I have so far found it easier to take one day at a time, some days ok, some days very hard. I live in Brisbane and we are new to the area we live in, so don’t have a lot of local support (I am originally from New Zealand). It it will be amazing to have some support during this time and advice as I need it. M x

Awaiting results after surgery - Mjheke

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Wonk, @BroniD, @CathyMac, here's another newly diagnosed forum member. You'll be a fabulous foursome. Hang in there lovelies. K xox
Mjheke
Member
7 years ago
Thank you lovelies for your input. I really appreciate it.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Welcome! I can't answer your question as I ended up with 2 surgeries and other treatments, keeping me off for 10 months. Do be aware that their is often an emotional and mental recovery time as well. For some, going back to work is essential for this, but please go as easy on yourself as you are able
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Hi Michelle - gosh - it is all such a roller coaster of emotions & pain .... I was like you, expecting mine to be just a cyst (as had been diagnosed a few times over the last 40 years) but not so this time.

All the best for your results xxx I hope you have lots of family & friends giving you emotional & physical assistance at this time. Make sure you take the pain meds at the specified times for a while yet - you don't want to pain to kick in 100% or it may take longer to control!

Re Driving .... yep 'as you feel up to it' - but beware of any bumps in the road ..... the breast will remain 'tender' for some time - and doesn't like bouncing over bumpy roads! I learned quickly where all ours are & would hold my breast to give it support as I went over them!

Re going back to work - do you have any sick leave or holidays that you can 'call in' for your recovery period? Make sure you are fit enough, before coming back to full-time.

If you are having radiation - that usually entails daily visits Mon-Fri for 4 weeks or longer. Are you close to the facility that you are likely to be attending? Many attend whilst working, as it is often just an hour out of your day - tho it can also be fatiguing, particularly after it is finished. Most 'sail thru it' - but there is an emotional side too that I had not expected.

Out of interest - Have you you been advised whether you have dense breast tissue or not? It sounds like you might. Dense Breast tissue shows up as 'white' on Mammograms (as does cancer tumours) which is why they are difficult to pick up with standard scans. There has been much discussion on our ''right to be advised'' when having mammograms, as a delay in diagnosis can lead to bigger tumours being found 'later'!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/18407/breast-density-we-want-your-input/p1

take care, all the best xx
Bettyboo
Member
7 years ago
Hi Michelle, it is amazing how fast it all moves after the initial diagnosis isnt it? I feel for you, and good luck for the results. Its amazing what women can deal with, and still hold down a full-time job, not forgetting family and children. The stories on this forum are amazing. Can you take some time off to look after you?
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
...and how you feel about what your treatment plan will be. Best wishes.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
I went back to work a week after left mastectomy and axillary clearance but I am a non driver, so didn't have that concern. Return to work dates vary a lot depending on the type of work, your mobility,
Mjheke
Member
7 years ago
Thanks Kiwi angel,

i have a very physical role also, but fortunately work has the capability to put me on light duties for a while. At this stage I am hoping to go back mid next week. 8 days post surgery. I’m not sure if this seems too soon? I suppose this is all very individual. Although of course that may depend on the results and further treatment. At this stage I will definitely be having radiotherapy. I have had quite a large section of my breast removed, and at this stage very bruised, swollen and sore. It is hard to think ahead to understand how I may feel next week. To be honest at this stage I don’t feel like going back at all! But it is all a bit overwhelming.
Michelle. X
Kiwi_Angel
Member
7 years ago
@Mjheke welcome to the forum. I had a right sided mastectomy with auxiliary lymph node removal and it took about 2 weeks before I would drive and then I used my little pillow that I was provided by my breastcare nurse and put it between the surgery side and seatbelt. My breastcare nurse told me you are ready to drive again when u think u could tolerate the seatbelt digging into u if u had to stop suddenly. I returned to work about 3 weeks after surgery on restricted duties as I have quite a physical job. Hope you continue to heal well and good luck for your results xoxo

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