Surgery

You don't need special pillows - I just asked the nurse for 2 - in fact I think she suggested it. Just not too bulky - regular pillows are fine.

Yes, I had chemo for 12 weeks.  Be sure to take all the medications for before-&-after that they give you (making a chart and ticking them off helps), because it is easier to prevent side effects than it is to cure them.  I was lucky and coped very well.  I did find that green tea with slices of fresh ginger in it really helped - ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and also good for nausea - and it was the best tip I had from anyone during chemo.  I also had a portacath inserted for easy access.

Like you, I was always very fit and healthy - walks on the beach, cardio classes, yoga - and my cancer was also found between mammograms/ultrasounds every 2 years. Sometimes they call them "interval cancers".  Mine was Triple Negative, so chemo/radiation were the treatments as drugs don't work for tnbc, followed by a hysterectomy.

I was in hospital less than 4 days - surgery Monday evening, home Friday morning. (With 1 drain in, which was removed the next afternoon.)  I did not have reconstruction - I just wanted to heal asap. I am deciding now if I want it or not.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.  18 months later I feel fit and healthy again.  Just take things one day at a time and let the roller coaster take its course. Once you start, it all flows very quickly.  Get a big file ready, and keep all your appointments/treatments/financial records from Day 1, as they will follow thick and fast.

If I can help at all just message me.  Big hug.  Michelle xx