Mastectomy

So sorry to see you joining us here Milva​  .... we have 2 private groups that you may like to join .... A Triple Negative Group and also a Mastectomy/Reconstruction group.  If you click on the links below, you'll be able to see other posts and chat with others that have had the same diagnoses/surgeries.

Breast Reconstruction:
Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

Triple Negative:
Group: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) | BCNA Online Network

Everyone recovers at different rates, specially depending on the type of reconstruction that will be done - so being given an actual 'timeline' may be tricky.

Everyone still remembers the shock of hearing 'the diagnosis':  “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger.   It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body!  It can be highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx.

Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to all your meetings from now on (for physical and mental support - and also a 2nd set of ears!) & also consider recording them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx

Make sure you stay away from “Dr Google’ (difficult tho it is) - as a lot of info there is not only out of date - it probably also isn’t even relative to your own diagnosis.  Going down that rabbit-hole will also muck with your brain.

Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx  She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'!   She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best for your surgery & recovery