Hello , just a quick update on my situation. I have a date for the mastectomy and removal of sentinel node on the 20th of Feb. I asked for a double mastectomy but my surgeon asked me to consider having it done in the future and just concentrate on the left breast . After results of genetic test and treatment we will discuss this option. One of my nodes seems slightly enlarged , but nothing definite , only the operation will confirm this . The pathology report then will tell us the big picture, what kind of cancer it is and how I'm going to be treated. Chemo and radio are almost certain. Had chest X-rays and blood tests and everything came back cleared . So, as my GP said, it's now important to "chunk it" , to take one step at the time. I like his suggestions: do yoga and meditation , do exercise, plenty of fresh air , stay clear of processed food and eat plenty of fruits and vegs. Anything that helps white cells working properly again. So relieved we now have a date for surgery and that things are moving forward. Slightly anxious for the pathology report but I am keeping positive . Hope you are all feeling good today . Federica xo

I had some bamboo singlets that I found at Target. They were very soft and great to wear under front opening shirts. I wore leggings and oversized shirts a lot after surgery and even during chemo. You want comfy easy to put on clothes. Once the drains are removed I found ahh bras (from Big W) comfortable. Some have pockets with removable foam inserts and you can put your soft form that you get from Berlei into these. (your breast care nurse should organize a free bra and soft form from Berlei for you) Best of luck for your surgery. I just concentrated on the thought that when I woke up the cancer would be gone. The rest of the treatment is just extra insurance. Take care. Deanne xxx

It's good you have your date for your surgery, some of the waiting is over. It is the beginning of the process but as Deanne said, when you wake up the cancer will be gone, wishing you good luck for your surgery, Hazel xx

Thanks Robyn , I really really hope that they won't find anything on those lymph nodes for the rest I am feeling positive. Regarding operation and clothing, I was going to pop at Sussan over the weekend to get botton up pjs for the hospital and a couple of oversize shirts for home as Deanne was suggesting ( thanks Deanne ! ) , they always have very good sales there, sometime up to 75% off the original price. I have several cotton singlets already, all I need is leggings . And pillows, lots of pillows, I'll get them at Target. Pity I gave away my breast feeding one , it would have been perfect ! How long have you Stayed at the hospital after the operation Robyn ? I am trying to stay at least 3 or 4 days ( unless I'll have to stay longer ) , my husband has taken carer's leaves and will look after the girls, so it will be nice to be able to just lie down and not having to do anything for anyone ;) Thanks Robyn ! Fxo

Hi Rosanna, the support I am receiving here is incredible. I am so glad I joined the same night I've been told I have BC. I think I am ready for the surgery now, both mentally and physically . I try not to think of the long road ahead , I'm just feeling glad that we are now another step forward. Hope you are feeling well today and thank you for your lovely message . Fx

Yes Deanne, so true. The surgery is a huge step forward, I felt a huge sense of relief once we set the date. I am going to get all my clothing over the weekend. Did you wear pjs or oversize shirts/ singlets/ leggings at the hospital? Would I need several changes of clothes post surgery ? Sorry about all the questions, I never been great at packing, I remember for the birth of my first daughter I wasn't sure what to take to the hospital so I ended up packing a suitcase like I was going for a trip around the world :D Hope you are feeling good Deanne, and thanks for your message Fx

Update | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

Federica
Member
12 years ago
Hi Chris , so glad to hear that it all turned up well for you. Today I've seen the genetic counsellor and based on my family history, if the pathology will reveal a hormone induced cancer, it will be enough for me to have the genetic test and then decide what to do about other breast . I decided not to think about the future and concentrate on the mastectomy and the recovery. Then I will focus on treatment and after that reconstruction/ other mastectomy. Thanks so much for your message , my best wishes for the future Chris Federica
Chris
Member
12 years ago
Hi Fx, I also had a double mastectomy, and my surgeon suggested I wait till 6 months following chemo. He said take one step at a time, and let my body recover. I did this, and it was good. It gave me plenty of time to think about whether it was a good idea or not. Everything else around this time is so rushed, that it was good to be able to have time to consider this. I am now all completed with implants on both sides, and happy with the results. I also have NO regrets at all about having made this decision. Chris xx
Chris
Member
12 years ago
Hi Fx, I also had a double mastectomy, and my surgeon suggested I wait till 6 months following chemo. He said take one step at a time, and let my body recover. I did this, and it was good. It gave me plenty of time to think about whether it was a good idea or not. Everything else around this time is so rushed, that it was good to be able to have time to consider this. I am now all completed with implants on both sides, and happy with the results. I also have NO regrets at all about having made this decision. Chris xx
Chris
Member
12 years ago
Hi Fx, I also had a double mastectomy, and my surgeon suggested I wait till 6 months following chemo. He said take one step at a time, and let my body recover. I did this, and it was good. It gave me plenty of time to think about whether it was a good idea or not. Everything else around this time is so rushed, that it was good to be able to have time to consider this. I am now all completed with implants on both sides, and happy with the results. I also have NO regrets at all about having made this decision. Chris xx
Deanne
Member
12 years ago
Just one change each day in hospital. I needed the nurses to help with showering because of the drain etc. I just wore pjs in hospital. It is a good idea to have a pillow to hold against you for support for the trip home from hospital. It is hard to wash your hair that first week or so. I bought some dry shampoo so that I could go longer between washes. Hope it all goes as well as it can. You have a great attitude which will get you through, just don't do too much when you get home. You will recover more quickly if you rest up for that first week or two. Take care. Deanne xx
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago
I had my surgery at Sydney Private Hospital.I felt very fortunate in that I had my drain out the day after surgery.I could have gone home that day,but my surgeon suggested staying a couple of extra days,so I did!!All up I stayed 3 nights and it was plenty.The pain after a mastectomy is minimal .Cheers Robyn.xoxo
Federica
Member
12 years ago
Thank you Hazel . I am so keen on having this operation done that When my surgeon checked availability I said YES to the first date he suggested , I didn't hesitate a single second . So looking forward to have it removed. How are you feeling ? You are all an inspiration for me, I hope to be able to be as strong as you . Fxo
Federica
Member
12 years ago
Yes Deanne, so true. The surgery is a huge step forward, I felt a huge sense of relief once we set the date. I am going to get all my clothing over the weekend. Did you wear pjs or oversize shirts/ singlets/ leggings at the hospital? Would I need several changes of clothes post surgery ? Sorry about all the questions, I never been great at packing, I remember for the birth of my first daughter I wasn't sure what to take to the hospital so I ended up packing a suitcase like I was going for a trip around the world :D Hope you are feeling good Deanne, and thanks for your message Fx
Federica
Member
12 years ago
Hi Rosanna, the support I am receiving here is incredible. I am so glad I joined the same night I've been told I have BC. I think I am ready for the surgery now, both mentally and physically . I try not to think of the long road ahead , I'm just feeling glad that we are now another step forward. Hope you are feeling well today and thank you for your lovely message . Fx
Federica
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Robyn , I really really hope that they won't find anything on those lymph nodes for the rest I am feeling positive. Regarding operation and clothing, I was going to pop at Sussan over the weekend to get botton up pjs for the hospital and a couple of oversize shirts for home as Deanne was suggesting ( thanks Deanne ! ) , they always have very good sales there, sometime up to 75% off the original price. I have several cotton singlets already, all I need is leggings . And pillows, lots of pillows, I'll get them at Target. Pity I gave away my breast feeding one , it would have been perfect ! How long have you Stayed at the hospital after the operation Robyn ? I am trying to stay at least 3 or 4 days ( unless I'll have to stay longer ) , my husband has taken carer's leaves and will look after the girls, so it will be nice to be able to just lie down and not having to do anything for anyone ;) Thanks Robyn ! Fxo