JennyK
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Re: Just diagnosed - feeling very lost
Hi Leonie You've got some great advice from all the other ladies that I've just read through. Just wanted to get in touch and let you know you will be totally FINE! It's so so scary when you first hear the news, but SO many of us have been in your shoes and come out the other side. Just remember that - you probably have some tough times ahead, but you will come out the other side too. My cancer diagnosis was nearly 3 years ago now (I was 39, but still young!). I've had a lot of treatment and surgeries and have come out the other side in one piece! Mine was not ductal carcinoma but two lumps, grade 3, 12 positive nodes which scared the hell out of me. I'm BRCA1 (did not know until after I found my cancer) and so after my cancer treatment I had double mastectomy (great new boobs now) and as I've also had my children I also had an oophorectomy. Please tap into the hereditary cancer clinic at your hospital if you haven't yet. They are full of knowledge and will guide you through your decision making process. My advice is to listen to your doctors rather than Dr Google. Get some tools from a good psychologist to help you to deal with things, uncertainty was a big one for me. Relaxation and de-stress techniques are so important. I am now feeling great and enjoying life again. You will too Take care and if you want to get in touch directly, PM me. Wish you all the best Jenny1View0likes0CommentsRe: Just diagnosed - feeling very lost
Hi Leonie You've got some great advice from all the other ladies that I've just read through. Just wanted to get in touch and let you know you will be totally FINE! It's so so scary when you first hear the news, but SO many of us have been in your shoes and come out the other side. Just remember that - you probably have some tough times ahead, but you will come out the other side too. My cancer diagnosis was nearly 3 years ago now (I was 39, but still young!). I've had a lot of treatment and surgeries and have come out the other side in one piece! Mine was not ductal carcinoma but two lumps, grade 3, 12 positive nodes which scared the hell out of me. I'm BRCA1 (did not know until after I found my cancer) and so after my cancer treatment I had double mastectomy (great new boobs now) and as I've also had my children I also had an oophorectomy. Please tap into the hereditary cancer clinic at your hospital if you haven't yet. They are full of knowledge and will guide you through your decision making process. My advice is to listen to your doctors rather than Dr Google. Get some tools from a good psychologist to help you to deal with things, uncertainty was a big one for me. Relaxation and de-stress techniques are so important. I am now feeling great and enjoying life again. You will too Take care and if you want to get in touch directly, PM me. Wish you all the best Jenny2Views0likes0CommentsRe: Latissimus dorsi reconstruction for swimmers?
Wendy - sorry, I just saw this response to my post! Really appreciate you taking the time to write to me. Hope your range of movement continues to improve. I'm now 6 months post op and am getting in the pool occasionally. Breastroke is definitely easier than freestyle. I'll keep working on the overarm! All the best and take care Jenny5Views0likes0CommentsThanks everyone
Hi lovely ladies Wanted to thank everyone for their advice pre-op (bilateral mastectomy with latssimus dorsi flap recon due to BRCA, previous lumpectomy due to triple negative breast cancer) and also the great advice re "telling the kids". It was all wonderful advice and I am taking it all to heart. I am now day 6 post op and recovering,... well ... as expected I think. Fragile, light headed and sore but positive about everything and looking forward to getting on with life! My girls have been in to see me a few times and don't seem to be too worried about me! They are enjoying the choccies in my bedside table drawer. I'm grateful they are so young Love to all jen xx2Views0likes0CommentsTelling the kids...??!?!
Hi again Pink Sisters. I'm heading in for double mastectomy this Thursday. I've previously posted a question re swimming post Latissimus Dorsi flap reconstruction - I'm just a few days away from the operating table. I've been talking to people (like you ladies here) to prepare myself, however, I'm stuck with respect to what to tell my little girls - 2 & 4 yrs. They know I'm going into hospital for an operation, but what shall I tell them when I come home with wounds, scars, swelling, etc in the breast area. Something I really enjoy doing with them is having a bath of a Sunday night. We have such fun. I know it will be a while until I'm able to do this again, but I'm scared that they will be really shocked when they see me naked after the op. Does anyone have any ideas? I'd be really grateful. Thanks Jenny18Views0likes7CommentsRe: Latissimus dorsi reconstruction for swimmers?
Lee - thank you very much for telling me about your story. I understand it's a complicated operation and not without its challenges post op. I'm so glad to hear the swimming is helping you with your recovery! I am desperate to keep swimming and you've given me good hope that I'll be able to keep it up post op. Really hope your post op issues are resolved over time. All the best to you too! Jen3Views0likes0CommentsRe: Latissimus dorsi reconstruction for swimmers?
Em - great to hear from you and so happy that you are feeling so well, relatively speaking. Will be great to keep in touch. I am scheduled for 2 May. When you say swimming, are you talking laps by any chance? This is what I'm most interested in. Thanks again for getting in touch. And don't forget to take it easy! Jen6Views0likes0CommentsRe: Latissimus dorsi reconstruction for swimmers?
Louise - thanks so much for responding. Glad things have worked out well for you. The doc did say that as a swimmer things would be "different". Just trying to work out what that means!! Again, glad your op was a success. All the best. Jenny4Views0likes0CommentsLatissimus dorsi reconstruction for swimmers?
Hi young pink sisters! I am scheduled to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction in early May. (Have already had breast cancer and extensive treatment (concluded June/12) and also have the BRCA1 gene mutation so need to avoid the potential of having to go through this again!).The doctor has recommended latssimus dorsi flap + implants due to damage from radiotherapy. I am looking for someone who has had similar operation who likes to SWIM for exercise/sport/fun.... Doc advises it will make a difference to the way I can swim freestyle. Swimming has been my vice during the recovery post treatment. It has been so good for improving arm and shoulder mobility but also SO good for the soul! While I've been able to connect with some lovely women who have had a successful similar operation, I haven't been able to find anyone who can tell me the impact on swimming....! I would love to speak with anyone who can share their experience. Thank you28Views0likes8Comments
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