post-mastectomy; pre-chemo...

Hi Heather

I read your blog with a bit of a smile on my face as you sound exactly like I was last July! I ended up having a drain put in in Xray as the drains blocked and had to come out and before it went in felt like my boob had grown back. Even after the drain came out I had 2 further drainages and happy to say it all settled.

Your pathology is also very similar I had a 4.9cm lump one sentinel node positive rest clear Her 2 neg  oestrogen and progersterone positive. Just started tamoxifen and all ok so far..........

Here I am in March 2011 all treatment done finished the radiation 11th Feb and chemo Dec 9th. My hair is growing back like crazy have had my first waxing post treatment! Not feeling too bad have lost 4kgs on my post chemo diet ( put on 10kgs) and think I can fit into my uniform in time to start work April 5th!!

Out of it all my arm still feels a bit weird but essentially back to normal. I have been in an aeroplane with a light compression stocking on the arm and all was fine. My biggest fear was and is developing lymphoedema and I know I was always checking myself continually in the early days. I still do and am seeing the physio tomorrow for my post radiation arm check.

So you see life goes on after all the treatment. One tip from my physio which I think helped me so much with radiation was to moisturise your skin every day. I did it all through chemo and am still doing it. My skin was so good during the radiation no burning or skin breaks just a dark tan I am sure the moisturising had helped.

Go well Heather and You will be fine we are all very strong women.........

Sarah x