DCIS, DMX reconstruction new diagnosis
Recently diagnosed DCIS Stage 0. Opting for DMX and reconstruction using my tummy fat same day…. Videos and some social media groups are TBH quite confronting and disturbing. I would rather know but….. Reading and hearing how awful the recovery is, pain, discomfort, loss of movement and after some helpful tips to prepare please: particularly diet, did you change your diet pre surgery? High protein to help with recovery? Can you recommend a website or recipe site? Things post surgery: hire a recliner to rest in, did you hire a wedge or breast pillow as well? Button up shirts and pjs, anything else that you found useful please? I’ve heard about the drains which sound daunting… what do i need to do with them? Toileting and cleaning myself… I hear you can’t put your arm around your back to wipe? I’ve got wet wipes but …. Don’t want to ask my partner to wipe my bum? Diet after surgery to avoid constipation. Any tips would be greatly appreciated thank you so so much.
Triple negative recurrence
Hi I was diagnosed with Triple Neg last March 2024 and finished chemo and radiation end Sept. I got through it all fine-not too many side effects bar the usual and I was exercising, eating well, and feeling positive about it not returning but then in November I felt a lump but wasn't too concerned I thought is was just fibrous tissue post radiation but it has returned and not only that I now have a small oestrogen postive one in the other breast. In a week and a half i have gone from ultrasound, PET scan biopsy and starting chemo last week and had 2nd one today. As well as immunotherapy and a double masectomy when chemo has finished. I'm just finding it quite hard to cope with this time (even though) the PET scan shows it hasn't spread anywhere. I was so strong last time but this time I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me and I'm finding it hard to stay positive. I sat and just had tears running down my face for a lot of the chemo today. I didn't really feel the need to use BCNA much last time but this time I think I need some extra support. Thanks for listening, just nice to know there are people out there who can empathise with how I'm feeling. Take care.
Newly diagnosed and waiting for appt. breast becoming more tender as I wait :-(
Hi there, I feel I’m in the difficult position of waiting four weeks between diagnosis and first surgeon appointment. Invasive lobular ER+ PR + HER2 - lump that I noticed in right breast a month ago. I’ve had the MRI done privately this week so the information is ready at that appointment. Trouble is the breast and armpit just feels increasingly niggly and slightly tender while I wait. I’m worried that it’s just growing/spreading as I wait. I don’t have private insurance, do have savings. but wanted to hold out for public and it being a more multi-disciplinary team. I’m really struggling wondering if I should have gone private and quick :-( Thank you x
Guilt
Thanks to BCNA and the forum contributors (my new friends). I was diagnosed with IDC this week at 49 and have been 'battling' my emotions rather than sitting into them. That stops now. A couple of family and friends have tried to console me by dismissing my emotions. "Oh, you'll be fine. So-and-so had breast cancer and she's fine." "It's like appendicitis. You'll get it cut out and move on." "With all the advancements in treatment, it's not like it can kill you anymore." "You're not special. Everyone has some form of cancer these days." I was starting to feel guilty for being so emotional. I felt like I needed to get over myself and just deal with it quietly and confidently. I'm lucky I have a supportive husband... and you all!
Nerve Pain Management
Hello, I have recently been diagnosed with DCIS left breast for which I am 1 surgery done and another next week to clear further margins. I am struggling with the sensation in my nipple area for which I'm told is my nerves rejoining which can take up to 6 months to reform. I am finding the sensation extremely uncomfortable and am often in tears at the end of the day at the overstimulation of the area. I am wearing a bra 24/7 as a simple movement on my nipple is too much. I'm wondering if anyone has had success with anything natural as I ideally don't want to take any pharmaceutical medicines. Appreciate any guidance 😊Looking for nutrition/natural medicine recommendations
Hi all, Absolutely hating this journey to be honest. Single mum of two auDhd teens. It’s been hell. I’m angry and don’t feel I’ve accepted any part of this. I’m just recovering from double mastectomy and now waiting to see if I need chemo/herceptin. Waiting waiting forever waiting. That’s one of the worst parts. Anyway, just wondering if any of you know any good online nutritional medicine/naturopaths etc who use good evidence based practice to help me navigate through this **bleep** show? I start ovarian suppression and AIs next week, before going back for more surgery because my nipple is now on the banned list 🙄 Many thanks and all the love in the world to you all xxxxx
Early HER2+
I understand what Early is and I am grateful that I found something at the same time as my breastscreen mammogram and it is not in lymph glands, PET was also clear but they need a new name for Early. My treatment is starting 9/10 and will be Chemo (abraxane) & hercepton then surgery and radiation. I thought I had choice after doing a lot of research on trusted websites, listening to great podcasts and asking questions of my MDT but although they say I do they highly recommend the above plan. I am resolved to losing my hair and looking forward to the freedom no hair should bring me, I am self employed so can regulate my hours, I am active and look forward to keeping that going, as I know how good it makes me feel and again research shows, it helps us through chemo and everything else. What I struggle with is seeing others reactions to the news and seeing my husband frustrated by the time it takes to have tests and get things started. I would delay treatment even longer if I could but know that is not a good decision as the HER2+ is a grade 3. With a name like Early people seem to think 🤔 I will have an easy run, and I certainly hope I do but have read enough to know that I may not. People also say oh that’s good it’s not urgent then and not that bad. For someone who limits toxins as much as one can this is testing my self control to the limits and then having people say and think 🤔 it is going to be an easy road does not sit well with me. I am babbling and that is certainly something that has happened since diagnosis. I spent 24 hours in denial and 24 hours in why and have decided to tell only positive supportive people going forward and focus on things I can control and leave the rest to my team. thankyou for letting me rant and thankyou for all your encouraging posts and links which I have loved. Let’s kick this tumours out of here xThe Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some more groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.
