Surgery Date Set

Hi Kazza

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 13 April followed by a lumpectomy and removal of two sentinel nodes on 5 May.  My most important advice to you is to be informed - read all the literature in the 'My Journey Kit' sent out by the breast care nurse after surgery (or you can order on this website) and another great book is called 'Breast Cancer - Taking Control' by Prof John Boyages MDPhD given to me by my GP on diagnosis.  After surgery, when you get your pathology results your treatment plan may change.  This enables you to be prepared for these changes.  After surgery, my nodes were clear...phew, but pathology determined I was HER2 positive and require chemo and 1 year of herceptin.  They removed the 18mm invasive cancer, but found there was a further 37mm of DCIS that I have only just had removed today 'day surgery' - the wonders of modern medicine and health systems.  I will find out pathology from this op next week and will commence chemo about a month later for 4-5 sessions, then radiotherapy daily for about 4 weeks - of course tbc as things change all the time.  As I had pieces of information confirming my type, grade, clear margins etc... I then referred back to that section of the book to re-read and get more of an understanding as you are foggy in the weeks when discovering your diagnosis.  DO NOT look at Dr Google - only refer to breast cancer website or bcna or books recommended by your GP/breast surgeon/breast care nurse/team.

You should have received a free bra in the mail that came with a pilates DVD for patients that have had this operation.  Or you may receive this in hospital after your surgery with your free pillow.  I have been completing the DVD every day and have had a quick recovery under my arm.  You do get upper back shoulder pain, probably from having your arm over your head for 1 1/2 hours in surgery, plus from bracing and protecting your breast and underarm.  I went to physio weekly to reduce the ache and by completing the Pilates daily it went quickly.  If you don't receive the DVD complete the exercises daily that your breast care nurse gives you - this will speed up your recovery.  The pillow they give in hospital is fantastic for travelling in the car/seat belt, but more importantly great in bed as it sits over your arm (my op was right arm too) and between your underarm and breast and provides a buffer.

See if you can take a close family member to appointments as you do forget things - pathology results etc..  The Mater has a fantastic Support Group that runs for 6 weeks for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.  They have speakers such as medical oncologist for chemo, radiologist for radiotherapy, phsyiotherapist on lymphodema, plus the bonus of meeting and talking with women going through what you are at different stages.  My biggest wish is that everyone has access to this type of support group.

Sorry for the long blog, but my final point is I have bronchiectuses (a lung condition) that has been under control for years by taking Azithromycin 3 x per week - but certainly surgery and radiotherapy (as its near your lungs) can be a worry.  Make sure you exercise - such as a walk every day, breathing meditation or something - keep your lungs active and your body - this will be a huge help in recovery.  Good luck xo