Forum Discussion
New diagnosis, have had mastectomy
Hi All
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 24 August. Core Biopsy and FNA showed that I had cancer in the tumour, in the milk ducts and lymph nodes. I freaked out at that but saw surgeon 24 hours later who was quite reassuring that she didn't feel like it had spread (I was otherwise fit and healthy). Had bone scan and CT's and she was right, it hadn't spread.
Had mastectomy on right breast and full lymph node clearance on 6 Sept, just at home recovering now. Surgeon follow up appt this Thursday to find out all of the pathology results, hopefully meet Oncologist and find out 'the plan' So back to waiting again. Initially thought I would have reconstruction but I've been reading some posts on a FB page and it's freaking me out.
'm a single Mum with 3 kids (9, 11 and 15), and while initially they were freaked out they seem ok now (they're back to just leaving everything for me to do 🙄).
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 24 August. Core Biopsy and FNA showed that I had cancer in the tumour, in the milk ducts and lymph nodes. I freaked out at that but saw surgeon 24 hours later who was quite reassuring that she didn't feel like it had spread (I was otherwise fit and healthy). Had bone scan and CT's and she was right, it hadn't spread.
Had mastectomy on right breast and full lymph node clearance on 6 Sept, just at home recovering now. Surgeon follow up appt this Thursday to find out all of the pathology results, hopefully meet Oncologist and find out 'the plan' So back to waiting again. Initially thought I would have reconstruction but I've been reading some posts on a FB page and it's freaking me out.
'm a single Mum with 3 kids (9, 11 and 15), and while initially they were freaked out they seem ok now (they're back to just leaving everything for me to do 🙄).
68 Replies
- a great Calendar and shopping app is COZI free
- Thanks @joannie what's HITH?
- All the best with your treatment, @TeePee - we'll be thinking of you xx
That is great that the cording has improved with the help of your lovely daughter. - @TeePee There are apps that are apparently fantastic for organising help in these situations. Might be useful for you this term. K xox
- You'll find out as you go along @teepee. Don't be scared to ask your kids for help around the house - they are capable of more than you think! And if friends and family ask if they can help, give them practical things they can do - whether it's ferrying kids around or cooking a meal. People are happy to help but if they don't know what it is you need, the help may not be in the form that is really necessary. Maybe draw up a list of things that you can suggest as it is difficult to come up with things on the fly. One of my (single, childless) friends dropped everything to drive miles, pick up my youngest and take her across town to a state sports event while I was in chemo. Another looked after my kids when needed while I was in surgery or having chemo. That was probably the biggest thing for me - you can't drive when you can barely stand up straight and the meds make you drowsy. So, I would suggest looking at your calendar for the term and seeing who is likely to be available (if necessary) to do the taxiing, or to have the kids at short notice. On the other hand, you may cruise through and not need any help at all. By the way, online ordering for groceries is a lifesaver!
- Cording has improved heaps with massage and exercises, my 16 year old daughter has been my at home physio.
I start chemo tomorrow - dose dense AC every 2 weeks for 4 sessions. Have no idea what to expect really but haven't really dwelled on it too much, what will be will be! Hoping my side effects aren't too bad as we have a really busy school term and I'm a single Mum so I don't really have any one else to rely on (I have lots of friends and family around to help but not the same as a partner). - I had a small amount of cording post surgery and the massage was very painful!!
- Cording can be really painful. Mine flared badly at the end of chemo and ended up down to the wrist. I had laser therapy and massage and the exercises to do. Make sure that you're seeing a qualified oncology physio.
