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sw2012's avatar
sw2012
Member
10 years ago

One week post double mastectomy

Last Wednesday, I had my double mastectomy and lymph node clearance after my first surgery didn't get everything out.

While I still can't believe this is all happening to me, I'm feeling strong and think I'm handling it ok.  Everyone is telling me I look amazing and have a fantastic attitude, I just feel like I"m living my life and doing what I can.  What's the other option?  There's moments when I feel a bit down, but they aren't for long.  It just gets a bit overwhelming sometimes - like when reality hits, or when I see my chest (my crime scene, I'm calling it!).

Finally got pathology report back (more stress waiting for that, was starting to fear the absolute worst), and there was cancer in one more lymph node, so it hadn't spread too far, thank God.  Nothing in the right breast, the bad side, but a LCIS in the left - not cancer but a possible pre-cursor, so just when I was starting to think I'd maybe done the wrong thing having a double, I'm so very glad I did.  Surgeon told me I would have been 11 times more likely to get it back in the left side had I not had it off - WOW!  So much better out than in!  And LCIS are harder to detect, so just so lucky to have both out.  Only when you are going through this would you be grateful to have both boobs off!

Now the appointments start, and my head is spinning today.  First one, with radium oncologist, is tonight. And I only just saw my surgeon for my first follow up appointment post surgery yesterday afternoon and she talked about doing referrals for me, so am surprised that it's happening so fast.  We are hoping I won't have to have radium, just chemo, but will see the oncologist to discuss anyway.  Chemo is a must apparently, not looking forward to starting it, but looking forward to finishing it, first appt with that oncologist is next week.  Also seeing physio, counsellor, prosthetic fitting, surgeon again, and may have to go talk to the bank - being one income down is going to be a stress (I have 3 casual jobs, hoping to go back to some soon, but with chemo, who knows how much I'll be working?  Has anyone managed to work part time through chemo?  I know everyone is different so I'll have to wait and see - more damn waiting!!).

And the Catalyst show was amazing, so I'm already looking at what I can do in terms of exercise and keeping healthy.  My breast care nurse is so supportive of me doing exercise and is loading me up with all sorts of information and classes.  I'm not a person who rests easily, so I'm a bit on edge sitting around the house, although today is the first day I've had the house to myself as my husband has gone back to work for a few hours and I'm enjoying being by myself for the first time since hospital. 

Sending hugs, strength, positive energy and love to all the amazing women and men out there.  You are all inspirational.

donna x

9 Replies

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    I forgot to say, I worked 3 days a week right through chemo. I did have some sick leave at times, but not too much. I reduced to 2 days a week to conserve my sick leave after chemo, when I  had my lumpectomy, followed  by radiotherapy. Now trying to get back to some more hours

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Wow. 

    I got sick of being told I hwd a great attitude,  when I felt all I was doing was getting  through each day, one at a time.

    The appointments do make your head spin. One piece of sdvice, in terms of exercise.  Try and find/ see an exercise physiologist. I have seen one today,  after seeing a couple of students previously.  Today was great, with a starting programme to improve my strength  and condition. 

    Take care, Lyn

  • Mbis3875's avatar
    Mbis3875
    Member
    10 years ago

    I'm on FEC-D, I have 3 days off after treatment as I literally cannot drive,retain info or look at a computer screen, after that I'm back at work and back to the gym lifting weights. Hopefully you will be fine :)

  • sw2012's avatar
    sw2012
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks everyone, I appreciate your input.  I have 3 casual jobs, thankfully all bosses have been awesome.  2 jobs are desk based, so they should not be too bad.  The other one is more physical, and is the most hours/income so I'm hoping they might have some light duties for me for a while.  I do want to live a normal life again so I'm keen to get back asap.  Donna

     

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Donna I worked through chemo with a very understanding boss. You never know how you are going to cope as we all cope so differently. I chose to work as I needed something else to think about. Hopefully you can if you need to, take care x

  • jd48's avatar
    jd48
    Member
    10 years ago

    Sorry about the typos - my touchscreen going nuts ??

    Jel.

    Meant to say my friend suffers from NonHodgkins Lymphoma ??

  • jd48's avatar
    jd48
    Member
    10 years ago

    A friend of mine managed to work part time (3 days per week) through her Chemo 4 years ago. She was not suffering from BC but from a non hodgink lymphone but her chemo contained 5 ingredients out of which 2 were the ones used in AC Chemo for breast cancer.

    I honestly do not know how she maintained her job, looked after 3 kids and managed go swimming every day through 6 sessions of Chemo.

    Unfortunately her cancer has made a comeback 1.5 months ago and she is again having the same Chemo working part time and trying to not slow down.

    I guess it can be done but do remeber that you need to find a way to take care of you but physically and financially and it will all depend on the type of job you do (how strenuous, if it exposes you to overexertion, bugs/infections etc)

    Wishing you all the best

    Jel.

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    10 years ago

    Very best of luck.

    Everyone is different in their reaction to chemo, but I managed to virtually work full time - one day off every three weeks when had my first cocktail, but only about 3 hours off when I had the 2nd one weekly (for 12 weeks).

    I didn't have nausea or fatigue, and my day oncology was close to work so that made a huge difference.

    Other side effects of course, but manageable.

    But it's really important that you do what's best for you at the time and you may not know that until you start. Take it as it comes for the first few weeks, don't over commit and give yourself time to adjust.

    best wishes

     

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    It's  a hard road we travel. It's  good when we know our decisions were made for the right reasons. Enjoy your return to exercise. I haven't  been able to work on AC but was lucky enough to gave a trauma component on my life insurance that has eased the financial burden. Do see if you qualify for sickness benefits through centrelink. Many more steps to go, and more emotions to come. Take care. Kath x