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LindaN's avatar
LindaN
Member
10 years ago

Post Surgery Update and Pathology

Time to update my blog. 

Prior to Feb this year I was working fulltime as a trauma counsellor and was loving my life. After a routine mammogram Feb this year, I was recalled. It was then I was diagnosed with ER+ IDC with 5/15 lymph nodes +, and had unilateral right mastectomy and auxillary clearance 4 weeks ago. How much can turn your world upside down in a few short months.
I will begin chemotherapy soon, to be followed by Radiotherapy and Hormone therapy. I have had the usual issues of swelling, cording and nerve pain but each day am making progress. That's the physical. I am choosing to stay positive and tell my self that my scars have potentially saved my life. I have been told reconstruction will be a year away. I am choosing to look forward to the end result and have joined this group in the hope of following your stories, to help guide me in the future decision making for reconstruction. I am hoping to find inspiration that I will be able to make the most out of this difficult situation and create the best 'me' that I can physically. The things I used to worry so much about being overweight etc...I so took for granted the beautiful boobs I had! So anyway, moving on with my life... one day at a time. Hunkering down for the next few months of therapy but I will emerge! The beautiful new me...I'll add a couple of photos so you can see my recent journey.
If any of you have any helpful suggestions that can help my scar to heal any quicker for this leg of the journey or advice on things you might have chosen differently with your reconstructions then please let me know. I would also love to know how long it took for anyone with both mastectomy and auxiliary clearance to  heal re the numbness under the armpit and on back of arm.  I have also had numbess and swelling in my back by my shoulder blade.  I was on tramadol for first 3 weeks as when I tried to cut them back I would eventually 'hit a wall'.  Today is the first day I have cut back the paracetamol and ipbrufen also.  I am making slow progress and will begin my chemo next week.  Others recovery stories that might make me feel not so bad about the length of time I have needed pain relief? 

Looking forward to hearing from you.

LindaN  :)

6 Replies

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda, thanks for your update, you are doing really well at just 4 weeks post surgery. As the other ladies said don't be too hard on yourself if you need pain relief - your body has been through a huge shock and we all recover and heal at different rates. I also used Bio Oil and lots of body moisturisers with Vitamin E. Later on (during radiotherapy) I discovered Moo Goo and that was fabulous - you can get it online or from health food shops. Hopefully the hospital has given you some gentle arm exercises to do to help regain movement, although the swelling and numbness will just take time. I went to a physio soon after surgery as I got some lymphodema and she was able to show me how to massage my arm and chest to try and stop fluid build up. Others I have met have used specialised oncology masseurs after surgery and during treatment to help with various aches and pains and to assist with relaxation.  I'm over 3 years post mastectomy and had a reconstruction last year (DIEP) and I recently had acupuncture on my numerous scars and despite my reservations found this to be really good way to soften the scar tissue - might be something to consider later down the track :-) In the meantime, hope the chemo goes well. Keep us updated! Best wishes, Jane xx   

  • Silks's avatar
    Silks
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda

    Lovely smile you have there on that photo...keep up the good work.

    Don't beat yourself up over pain management. You know your body best and you do what you can to keep yourself as comfortable as possible throughout this journey. 

    I am coming up to my 1 year mark in June. Single mastectomy, 6 months chemo, 6 weeks radiation, start Arimidex soon, Herceptin until October. Reconstruction and prophelactic mastectomy other side around April next year. Still smiling.

    I used Bio Oil after my mastectomy. It not only improved the appearance of my scar but it also put me in great stead for radiation. Starting radiation I changed to PURE Sorbelene, which I have been applying super thick 3x a day. My skin is holding up extremely well with only 4 more treatments to go.

    I hope that some of us can help put your mind at ease a little. It can be a rocky ride at times but with good preparation and great advice from the girls online I found it manageable. 

    It sounds corny when people tell you to take it one day at a time or to put one foot in front of the other, but that is exactly what got me through just fine.

    Monday tick, Tuesday tick, tick, tick...here I am.

    And you will too.

    Keep smiling xx

  • Margarita's avatar
    Margarita
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda,

    You've been through so much but it's just going to get better from now on.

    I found Bio Oil was great for my scar.  It is barely noticeable now and my surgeon reckons it's because of his talent (I just humour him) but it was definitely the Bio Oil.  Please try it, you'll be so pleased.

     

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi 12 months ago I was where you are, I'm now only have 2 herceptins, hopefully 1 more visit with PS and 1 heart scan.

    It is a long road you have ahead of you, last year I never thought I would get to the end but here Iam, not perfect but trying tomove on. I have had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I had my chemo before mastectomy everyone has different treatment. Hang in there youwill get there 1 foot in front of the other and if you pain killers take them sending you a smie.

  • LindaN's avatar
    LindaN
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Nicole for your reply. Good to know I'm normal with needing pain relief for so long. I know there's such a journey ahead over this next year.  

    You are right, I want to be informed but still hope for the best.  My first day without meds today!  Proud of myself.  Nervous about starting  chemo but keen to get on wirh eradicating any residual cancer cells.  I do appreciate your honesty. It's what I need...

    Stay in touch .

    LindaN xx

  • nicole_h's avatar
    nicole_h
    Member
    10 years ago

    Dearest lisa, firstly hi and welcomr. You should find all the answers to your questions here and mostly from tough cookies who have finished their treatment and can offer some great and well-informed advice. 

    My advice would be to stay on the pain relief as long as necessary. No need to be brave. I had the severe pain & numbness too.  The arm was the worst till the boob got infected. You have a long way to go yet know that and be prepared for a hard slog to get to the finish line as things dont always go to plan. Best to be prepared for the worst but hope for the best.  At least then it's not as big a set back . Some medicos are still under the impression that we are on a need to know basis and too much information will overwhelm us.  When in fact every woman ive spoken to wants the exact opposite being as much info as she can lay her hands on. And in a timely fashion to get her head around the next step Before it happens.   It also gives us time to research our options which many of us are not offered. Hope I haven't been too honest and you find this info helpful.  Good luck fellow battler.  Keep us posted on how you're travelling.  Hugs Nicole x ♥