Sonia,

Ty Anne-Marie I live in Dapto so that will be great 

I had a double mastectomy on the 23rd of march with expanders. And had my first chemo yesterday they gave me tablets to take before they started the chemo and said that should last for 5 days they gave me tablets for nasea and some tablets for gastro in case i get that but so far have not gelt sick or anything my second chemo is on the 29th of april i only need 4 rounds all up. And need blood taken on 28th april for them to check blood cells and i had to have B12 injection as they said that was low with my first blood test and need to have that every chemo to het that up. Also on the 28th april i have my first lot of fluid since op put in my expanders. But i am hoping next few days go like this that i don't feel sick. I also had cold cap at time of chemo to hopefully kerp my hair.

I can not help you advice with prosthesis but I would very much reccomwnd you call the hospital and ask to be put in contact with the breast care nurse.

One visited me on the ward after my surgery last Friday and I have to say I have found her far more helpfull and informative than the surgeon both in terms of what to do and not to do to ensure speedy trouble free recovery.

She also had me go see her yesterday (1 week post discharge after I had my post-op consult with the surgeon) and again I found her incredibly helpfull as she also helped me clarify some forthcoming 'launch into Chemo' information (I am seeing an Oncologist on the 19th) and the info she gave me both about my diagnosis and most likely treatment options went way beyong the surgeon's info.

She also fitted me for a sports bra which turns out will be sent complimentary (free of charge) next week and was excellent in giving me more advice on how my breast was doing and looking as while I thought the size and shape I have now was it, turns out there are a fair gew weeks until all the swelling goes away so if fitted to the current sidlze it would be all wrong.

The same gorgeous lady did help me get more info on support for my hubby as I think he will need some to deal with what is coming (and by that I do mean 'me') since I want hom prepared for what I may need or how I may behave as (as selfish as this may sound) I intend to make the next few months all about me to give myself the best chance getting through Chemo with the least damage possible so hubby may have to suffer for a while but I am guessing his short term pain will be long term gain if I get through this so I intend to use all help that is available out there and preserve as much as possible of our finds seeing that financially this may be serious strain if I am unable to work.

I know your post was about prosthesis and I do hope you will forgive me for going off the topic but since you did mention you had not been put in touch with a breast care nurse I really trully believe meeting with one would help you enormously in being guided through this process.

They are really remarcable ladies and in addition to being just incredibly supportive they really know their stuff.

Hi Sonia, I was given the following information but as yet have not contacted her.  She cames highly recommended from a good friend who experienced bc 2 years ago. 

[email protected] and Mobil 0421034531. I live in Wollongong and I'm not sure where you live so it my not be any good for you.  

Keep in touch.  

Anne-Marie

Not yet Deanne but thank you for the information it was very helpful. 

Should have mentioned that I was given the details of where to get my prosthesis from the Breast Care Nurse who works in with my surgeon. Have you been put in contact with a Breast Care Nurse?

Deanne 

Hi Sonia,

Good idea to wait a bit to allow for weight fluctuations with chemo. I put on only 3 kg but with healthy lifestyle changes ended up losing those 3 plus 6 more in the year after treatment. This resulted in me going down 2 sizes in my prosthesis. 

I was fitted for my prosthesis at a Specialist Lingerie Shop. I also purchased bras, a swim form and swimmers there too. I actually practically live in the swim form rather than my more expensive prosthesis as I find it sits better in my sports bra which I wear most of the time. 

We are entitled to a rebate (about $400 I think) every 2 years for a new prosthesis. I think I will just be replacing the swim form soon (only around $100) as I have hardly worn the more expensive one. I finished treatment nearly 2 1/2 years ago. I don't suppose I can use the rest of the rebate on bras! 

Wishing you all the best for chemo. Hope it goes quickly for you. Take care. Deanne xxx