User Profile
FLClover
Member
Joined 6 years ago
User Widgets
Contributions
- 32Views1like0Comments
Re: Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
I was very similar to you, with one surgery back in 1990, and then nothing until all this started in 2020. I went through everything you’ve explained. We just need to keep finding our way. I think you’re doing really well 😊🌸.74Views1like0CommentsRe: Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
I know what you mean, it’s all a bit traumatic isn’t it! That beeping noise still triggers me 4 years down the track 😄🤦🏻♀️😐. They are used for 1-2 weeks only, and you made it almost to a full week, so that’s great. If the incisions are healing well, that’s the most important thing. I understand your worry though because it’s different when we’re out of it and see things in hindsight, but a whole different ball game when we’re in the midst of it and it’s fresh. It is scary and we worry about every little thing, and we need reassurance that everything is going the best it can. Sometimes we’re too consumed by fear to be able to see clearly and it’s also new for us so we don’t know what’s what. Good on you for reaching out. I’m also not a back sleeper so I get how uncomfortable that is too 😩. I will say though, it all passes eventually and things can definitely get much better, so just keep swimming (my motto 😄) 🐠🍀.34Views0likes1CommentRe: Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
It is very loud at night, and quite triggering too. Don’t worry about not having that dressing on because the post-op bra is just as effective and your incisions are probably well on their way to healing by now. A lot of women don’t even have the Pico or Prevena, it’s a relatively new thing, and they’re still fine. I didn’t have it for my exchange surgery but I did wear a really supportive post-op bra and everything healed wonderfully. You’ll definitely be ok without it, just make sure to wear your bra and do your recommended stretches 👌🏻.26Views0likes0CommentsRe: Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
Hello, I had a Pico dressing that sounds similar, not sure if it was the same thing. Mine was not applied correctly so the little devices attached at the end of the ‘drains’ kept beeping and switching off as well. I used to have really bad sleep because I’d keep waking up to try and get them working again. Same throughout the day. I had them for 7 days and was also thankful to finally have them removed. I think the problem was that they were not put on correctly post-op and that then keeps creating issues and defeating their purpose.26Views0likes0CommentsRe: Treatment Decisions
Hello, I shared your fears of treatment because it also scared me more than the cancer itself. I refused chemo as my cancer was stage and grade 1, and I wasn’t given a good enough reason to do it. I was also meant to not need radiation, but my first surgeon did a sloppy job on my DMX and so I ended up having radiation on both sides, double whammy. I was also on hormone blockers for 3 years (I tried all 3) and ended up coming off them early due to really nasty side effects, some of which can creep up on you silently. I didn’t feel the 4% they were helping was worth all that damage to my body and mind. I’m not happy about having had all that treatment but the radiation went ok, and I’m now trying to detox as much as I can from it all and I use natural means to get my body back in shape and as strong as possible. I figure that’s my best tool in making sure I don’t suffer long term from side effects and also avoiding a recurrence. I think an integrative oncologist is a fantastic idea. This is just me, and what I’ve chosen for myself. Lots of women would disagree, but I stand by my choices and believe we have more options than just conventional medicine (I’m not talking about just ‘herbs’, it takes a lot more than that to have a strong immune system that would fight off rogue cells successfully in future to avoid them becoming cancer again). I’m looking at the root causes and working on those, in addition to helping build my body back after all that harsh treatment and surgeries it went through. Good luck on whatever decision you make, you know your body best and I’m sure you’ll be ok in the end 🌸.5Views1like0Comments
Groups
Young women & breast cancer
This group is for young women affected by breast cancer. In the context of breast cancer treatment, ‘young’ usually refers to women who are pre-menopausal. Here, you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis at a younger age. We talk about things like fertility, pregnancy, early menopause, ovarian suppression, relationships, and the emotional impact of treatment and recovery. Whether you're newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this is a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and support one another. You are not alone during this uncertain and overwhelming time.Connecting rural, regional & remote areas
We understand that living outside major cities can bring unique challenges when it comes to accessing care, support, and information. From long travel distances to limited local services, these experiences can feel isolating—but you're not alone. This is a space to connect with others who truly understand what it’s like to face breast cancer while living regionally or remotely. Share stories, ask questions, and support one another through the frustrations and the wins - this group is here for you.Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.