Hi girls, Saw the surgeon tonight. It is bilateral mastectomy on Monday, then a course of chemo to follow. It is all happening so fast. I am relieved, but some words of encouragement would be much appreciated - can't believe the speed of all this!! Feeling a bit nervous, but know many of you have been there before me, and sound so positive I draw strength from your posts - thank you my lovely new friends, Michelle x

Hi Michelle I can truly understand how you must be feeling at this difficult time. I was diagnosed in October last year with multiple cancers both breasts and both breasts were removed within two weeks. I then had a bilateral node clearance two weeks after that. I was still getting my head around the fact I had cancer and all these decisions were made for me. I felt like I had lost all control over my life but I quickly decided I needed to put my life in the experts hands. From day one I feared chemo more than anything. I found the masectomy to be alot easier on both my mind and my body than I had imagined. I cried once in hospital when I saw my cut that extends from under my left arm to behind my right arm due to trouble removing my nodes. I sat on the floor of the shower and cried with one of the nurses. She was only 25 and in remission from blood cancer. She gave me incredible strength and I believe our paths were meant to cross. My advice to you is put yourself first, ask questions no matter how silly they seem, rest when you need to, speak about your feelings to your family, remember your loved ones will still love you after your breasts are gone. You are giving yourself the best chance of a great outcome. I look at my scar now and see it as part of me.I'm very proud of it as it reminds me how strong I am and how much I've done to beat this and be there for my children. I decided right now reconstruction is not for me.. I bought prosthesis but have only worn them twice.. They are comfy etc but just not for me now. Speak up and tell your care team if something doesn't feel right whether it's your drain site, cut etc. I hope the next few days aren't too stressful for you. It is doable and you will look back and say wow I went through all that. Take care Sending you lots of healing hugs Mel xxx

Good luck for your operation! I had a lumpectomy in 2002 followed by chemo and radiation. Then in August last year, I found a new little lump which required a mastectomy and chemo again. I'm seeing my surgeon in May to arrange a mastectomy on the other side and a double reconstruction. I'm not nervous at all, because I found the recovery from the previous surgeries to be really straight forward. I also had my ovaries out in January to get my high estrogen levels down. Instant menopause at 44! But after all I've been through, I'm feeling really happy and healthy again. I've lost my hair and grown it back twice, but I always kept my sense of humor and took things one day at a time. Nothing will happen to you that you can't handle, it just seems scary because it's all so serious and unknown. Just remember to laugh a lot and do things that make you happy! All the best xx Jane

Hi Mel, You understand exactly - thank you for your cheering message - I read it twice and it meant so much to me. I have decided against reconstruction also - just want it gone and healed in the shortest possible time. There are so many forms to fill out, and so much reading to get through, that the weekend will pass quickly I hope - the My Journey kit was such a help, and I could talk to the surgeon with at least a bit of knowledge and not sound too stupid. Thank you for the hugs! I needed that. Michelle xxx

Hi Jane, Thank you for the advice and support - I really appreciate it. Will take things one day at a time and remember to laugh - and be grateful for the wonderful care from my breastcare team. All the best for next month for your surgery - I will follow your progress posts. Michelle xx

Best wishes for your surgery. The girls have given you some wonderful advice. My motto during my treatment (was given to me by my elder daughter who is just so intelligent) was "Just go with the flow". It really worked for me. Don't be too hard on yourself and be open to assistance from those who offer it. This is now your time to be thinking of only YOU. It is always good to have a "mediator" who can intercept phone calls and also pass on information when you are not feeling up to communicating. Everyone wants to know how you are and this is lovely but they don't understand that they may be the 100th caller of the day!!!!!!! Will be thinking of you. XLeonie

Fast forward! | BCNA Online Network

24 Replies

Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle, thinking of you today. Helen has some really good points, and I fully agree with the pillows bit. I bought one of those posture pillows, ( or boomorang pillow ). They are good for side support while sitting. I also has a script for Tamaze sleeping pills, as they were a help as I had to get use to sleeping sitting up at first which is very foreign. You do get use to it, and I did it for close to 3 months, as I was having expanders as well, and side sleeping wasn't something I could do for a long time. I can now sleep pretty well on my side, though I am still conscious of them, and I had my silicone implants 3 months ago. The bag for the drains is great, and both of mine have been provided by the hospital. If you get a choice, a shoulder bag arrangement works better than the draw string type. With the draw string type you will need to have jeans with belt loops to hang them from, but with the shoulder bag it doesn't matter. Look forward to hearing from you when you are recovering. Love Chris xx
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Hi Helen,

Thanks for the tips on the pillows - will check on everything before leaving hospital as you suggest. I hope my recovery is as problem free as yours was. It is so good to hear from someone who has been there and understands.

This time tomorrow I will be propped up on my pillows - won't be able to read any posts until later in the week -

love to all, Michelle xxxx
helena
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle,

The hospital staff will all be lovely and will look after you really well. Make sure you take all the pain killers and use the pump (assuming you have one- delivers pain killer through a button that you control.) After surgery make sure the nurses provide LOTS of pillows to ensure you are comfortable- one under your knees and one laid each side of your body for your arms- sounds odd but it is much more comfortable. Same when you get home- get the carers organised with lots of pillows. Sleeping exclusively on your back is annoying after a while.

If the hospital doesn't provide a bag for the drain bottles improvise something so they are less of a bother as you move around. Check on anything you are not sure of- drains, wounds, constipation etc.

When you get home take it easy- easier said than done!

I had bilateral surgery following chemo last April and was back at work in July. The recovery from surgery was problem free- not fun but it really was OK.

All the best.

Helen
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Hi Trina,

I am so glad you are home again and feeling better. All going well, I will be home again sometime next week too! Will post then. Take care,

love Michelle xx
justtrina
Member
14 years ago
Hi Michelle

Just a quick message to let you know my thoughts are with you. Because I only had to have a lumpectomy and a node removed I was in and out overnight. It went very quickly from the moment I arrived at the hospital. Everyone was so supportive... it made me want to cry (I managed to hold on till I got into surgery, then had a tear or two). I'm sure you'll be okay..

Like Joy K... I just used the hospital gowns. I was to tired to change after the surgery and the nurses just kept checking the wond site so it was easier. I now have a nice new set of Jammies to wear at home now that I'm feeling better.

take care, remember you are number one.....

love Trina
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Hi Joy,

That is the best news I have had today! I haven't liked to think about it, but to hear post-op is relatively painless is so comforting - thank you for passing that on. I have very soft pjamas with a loose top - but will try the gowns out first as you did. Thank you for your good wishes-

love, Michelle xxx
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago
Hi Debbie,

Thanks for the advice on pjamas - I am just starting to pack my bag and will concentrate on front opening tops. The advice and support I am getting is amazing, and I am so grateful for it. Thankyou for the email address.

Michelle xxx