I want this thing out of me now!

Sometimes you cop a whole lot of bad stuff at once.I can sympathize with you just getting over knee replacements.I broke my ankle badly a few years ago and had to have 3 operations in total-it's still not right.Anyway,I was just getting back on my perch when cancer struck again.Consequently,I've used all my sick leave and long service leave.Gosh Jo,we must have been bad girls in a previous life!!Now about your surgery- prepare beforehand with button down the front pjs,some singlets/camis and loose shirts/tops.Whether you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy you will have a drain in (about a week)and a binder around your chest.You can't wear a bra for a little while-hence the loose tops.With both ops I was back at work after 3 or 4 wks.Don't think too far ahead- just get through surgery first. You will be offered lumpectomy and radiation OR a mastectomy,depending on the size and location of your cancer.Your surgeon will also advise whether you'll have a sentinal node removed or full node clearance.When I had my  lumpectomy,I was told they got a clear margin.and that all 18 nodes were clear.There may have been one stray cell lying around,who knows.I didn't need chemo but was supposed to take Tamoxifen.I was 47 at the time and it didn't agree with me so I stopped.Hey,I'm taking it now though!

When your surgery is over it usually takes a week to get your indepth pathology back.Those results will help determine your next treatment. If it's radiation alone then you might be able to keep working,depending where you have to go.If it's chemo then you'll really need time off work-I sure did.

Hope this gives you an overview.Now just focus on surgery -pack the freezer and get your clothes ready.I found my ankle surgeries more painful than boob surgery.It's just extra psychological pain(cancer,missing boob,identity)that you have to deal with.But we are all here to help you.

                                                Tonya xx