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Rosetta's avatar
Rosetta
Member
10 years ago

Post surgery, pre radio

This is my first entry here. I was diagnosed with BC in October 2015 - yes, Breast Cancer Awareness month :) Lots of pink around to make me feel like I'm certainly not alone. I'm yet to read entries of anyone in very similar circumstances as myself. I have had therapeutic mammoplasty/lift style surgery - a wonderful option given my pre-surgery generous size - and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. The surgery style allowed for very large margins or as I said "take what you need and then take some more". So surgical incisions have been quite different to those I've read in posts so far - I describe it as an anchor style scar. I'm fortunate to have my grade downgraded from an initial grade 2 (via biopsy) to grade 1 (surgical specimen pathology) Invasive Ductal Carcinoma - clear margins and negative lymph nodes. I commence radiotherapy tomorrow and am having Mepitel dressing applied prior to first treatment with dressing being replaced as needed. I'm having 25 treatments/roughly 5 weeks. Once radio is finished the plan is to go on Tamoxifen for a couple of years, then Arimidex. Later this year, I have surgery on the non BC side to even things up - that surgery I'm excited about......going down a few sizes, a life-long dream = silver lining :) My query mainly lies in the surgical style, followed by radio, Tamoxifen, then follow up surgery approximately 9 months after initial surgery. Would love any specific advice anyone has to offer. I returned to work two and a half weeks after initial surgery. I am still working my 4 days per week as I have to financially - have run out of paid leave but earn a number of weeks at about week 3 of radio so I have that option then. I'm taking vitamins & resting as much as possible, I get very tired most days still - I'm 7.5 weeks post-op.

Thanks, Rosetta :)

 

 

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Rosetta,

    there's something ironic about being diagnosed during bc awareness month ?? The day I was told I needed chemo I went to the pub for a drink (most unusual for me), the darn bar was decked out in pink bras & they just happened to be having a bc fundraiser! Maybe one day I'll laugh at that?

    I've just done my 20th rads with 10 left to go. Yes, I've been tired with it but still managing to attend 2 days training a week, actually looking at going back to work earlier than I expected. Depends on how physical your work is, see how you cope with Rad, everyone is different. Hope you find that balance between work and rest, Tracey ??

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Rosetta,

    Welcome to the Online Network, my name is Ann-Marie and I am the Online Community Coordinator here at BCNA.

    You are definitely not alone here and the members will be able to help you with advice and answer any questions you have. Like you have already mentioned, each situation can be very different.

    Please let me know if I can help you in anyway.

    ~Ann-Marie x

     

  • mona63's avatar
    mona63
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi there I'm about 2 years down the track after lumpectomy, radiation and tamaxafin. I booked a weeks leave on the 5th week of radiation and that was a good idea, also over did self care during this whole time and ended up having 2-3 days on certificate when tiredness got so felt the walk to the bus was a big effort I got acertificate covering entire 6 weeks so basically I took an hour off every day : this was a good idea as I didn't feel I had to make up time. I didn't start tamoxafin until about a month after radiation therapy stopped so I was recovered from one before starting the other. The machine broke down for a few days so I got a break and my energy picked up so that was great morale booster that experience won't last etc best wishes

  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Rosetta!

    I too was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.Hormone Receptive.

    Ultrasound and Mammo on 22/12/15, basically confirmed by dr's phone call on 25/12/15. Core biopsy done on New Years Eve! Lumpectomy done 13/1/16, lymph nodes cam back positive, so they were removed too. have been told I'll need chemo, radio and hormone treatments. But won;t know full prognosis until 22/1/16.

    Meanwhile, I have a drain in and am still swollen and numb. Like you, I too am blessed (or not) with big boobs (14HH cup to be exact) so once the swelling etc has gone, or if I have to have further surgery after full results, my have to have altering surgery to match my other...I have thought long and hard about if i have to remove the right one, the left one will go and a be replaced with a nice C or D cup thanks! LOL! (You gotta laugh don't you?)

    I can't offer you any  advice as I'm only in the early days of recovering from surgery myself, and still swollen and numb....but i do wish you all the best for your treatment and a positive mind is MOST important! You've got this!

    Love and Light for speedy healing and beautiful days.

    -Tracy

    Stay Strong|Breathe|Believe