So the first 3 ops didn't work! I still have the little monsters running round my breast and seems they are multiplying at a rapid rate so next Monday I go for my 4th surgery in 6 weeks.
My body and mind are both feeling a bit weary but I will be returning to work tomorrow, just for the week to catch up with people and to take my mind off what's to come.
As I am not sleeping much the 4:30am wake up should be a breeze!
Yes,it will be much the same surgery.You may be dragging a drain home with you.I'm assuming you've already had some lymph nodes removed.I found I needed strong pain killers for about 3 days and then the pain eased off abit. I thought it would be hard to see my scar when the nurse took down the dressing but I was ok with it - probably high on medication,that helped! I would think you'd need someone with you at home for a few days.Don't forget you may be weaker from more blood loss-it's bigger surgery.I was in hospital for 3 days and when I got home I was quite weak and thought I'd faint whenever I stood up.By the end of a week I was ok and doing for myself.They usually say to wait around 6 weeks before you get fitted with a prosthesis-that's if you are wearing one.I went to Myers and the ladies were great.Has your nurse ordered the post surgery kit from BCNA for you?You get a Berlei mastectomy bra and a soft form to insert in it -all free.It's a few weeks before you want to wear it but at least you'll have it ready.It's still my most comfortable bra.Not sure if any of this helps you but am here if you have any questions. Tonya xx
having the mastectomy 3rd Sept with 1-2 days in hospital , wondering if I am going to need assistance when I get home, had my daughter stay with me with the last 3 surgeries but for company as much as anything else , managed to do most things myself after the time day ..will it be much the same this time with the bigger surgery ?
You poor darl,that's gruelling-4 surgeries in 6 weeks! We are always getting the goal posts moved on us with this crap bc journey.Having said that, maybe it will be for the best - get it over with now and get through treatment. I had a lumpectomy back in 2003 and the darn cancer grew back 7 years later in the same spot so had to have a mastectomy and treatment all over again.I get by with a prosthsis in my bra now.Blog back if you have any questions about mastectomy surgery.Painwise and recoverywise,it's much the same as a lumpectomy.Good luck back at work,don't overdo it.Sending hugs,Tonya xx
Hi Mich
Originally I was told they were dealing with one small 6 mm cancer and in surgeons words ..simple easy fix op and with the follow up treatment you will be fine..
The pathology found cancer areas close to the margins so more tissue needed to be removed ., I was again told that it was an easy fix
After 2nd op they found a total of 8 with one 12 mm in size so had to go back again to get clear margins and was talked into one more smaller op as I was told I had a good chance of retaining the breast..
3rd op the pathology found that the surgeon had sliced through at least 2 more so now I have no choice but to have the breast off
