Bilateral mastectomy + SLNB + TAD
Hi everyone, I'm having a bilateral mastectomy in two weeks, and while I've been getting information from my medical team, I know there's so much that only people who've been through it can share. If you've had a bilateral mastectomy, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. Looking back, what do you wish you'd known beforehand? What should I realistically expect during the first few days and weeks of recovery? I'd also love any practical tips, such as: Things that made recovery easier. What you recommend doing before surgery to prepare. Items you found helpful to have at home or in the hospital. Advice for managing drains, sleeping, showering, getting dressed, or moving around. Things that surprised you (good or bad). Any emotional or mental health tips that helped you cope. I know everyone's experience is different, and I'm not looking for medical advice—just personal experiences and practical wisdom from those who've been there. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Reading your stories and advice means a lot as I prepare for surgery.
First surgery coming up
Hi, I have a lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes coming up. I have been given lots of information about the surgery itself, but they haven’t said anything to me yet about managing afterwards ie what bra to wear (or not), what I will and won’t be able to do etc. Does this get discussed before I leave the hospital? Is there anything I should be doing beforehand to prepare? TIA.Who to ask about pathology details?
Hi all, just new here…yay🎉?! 🤦🏻♀️ I see everyone seems to know what hormone, stage and other details of their cancer. I know the size of mine, that it is invasive lobular. Just wondering, as I’d like to find out further details and I guess just assumed someone would “tell me” when I needed to know. Would my surgeon or GP be the person to ask for those details? I’ve had a lumpectomy, several lymph nodes removed and need to have further margins or areas of margin removed. I’d like to know obviously if the cancer is potentially fast growing, stage and hormones. thanks so much.
Post surgery pathology
Hi there, I had a double mastectomy last week following a cancer diagnosis in April. I had sentinel lymph nodes removed as part of the surgery and am assuming the lymph node testing will infom the next steps/stage. I was disappointed to hear that the pathology on the lymph nodes will take at least 6 weeks due to a massive backlog in the Tasmanian public healthcare system. I'm curious to hear how long the wait is for lymph node testing in other states. I'd appreciate hearing how long other women generally have to wait please. I'm pretty anxious to know if the cancer has spread beyond my breasts, as well as to find out what the next steps are. Thanks for reading, AnnaLymphoedema Information & Events
Lymphoedema can develop after breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy treatment. If lymph nodes are removed – usually from the armpit – fluid can build up and cause swelling known as ‘lymphoedema’. Find out what causes it, ways to reduce your risk of lymphoedema, and what to do if you develop lymphoedema. Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema Reduce your risk of lymphoedema Lymphoedema treatment Compression garments for lymphoedema Coping with lymphoedema Watch Ask the Expert 'Living well with lymphoedema' - with Maree O’Connor
sentinel node biopsy
Hi there my name is Anna. i am having surgery next week , my anxiety levels are pretty high. i am very nervous about the sentinel node biopsy. the idea of having a needle near the nipple. i am reading about it, it doesn't mention having a local injection, like we did with the core needle biopsy. anyone please tell me about your experiences
Radiation Therapy
It's all been very quick diagnosed with stage 1, grade 1 invasive breast cancer, ER+ then appointment with surgeon 2 days later, lumpectomy and removal of two lymph nodes 4 days after seeing surgeon. Currently day 3 after surgery, home recovering. Get results on lymph nodes and margins next week. I'm trying not to think too far ahead, but ... I worry about radiation (been told 5 days a week for 4 weeks) and how it will affect me as I work full-time. Any advise on what I can do to make the next stage of treatment easier and what to expect ☺️
Post mastectomy and auxiliary clearance concerns ?
Hi I am a 45 yr old post single mastectomy on my left breast and also full auxiliary clearance and was hoping for some advice from those who have gone through the same ! I am still struggling to be able to lift my left arm to a full reach and also have some weird sensations in different parts of my under arm and also my upper arm and from where breast was ! I haven’t left the house much and can feel my mental health heading down ! I’m just curious as how long it took others to be able to be at full arms reach after surgery and or any tips regarding this ! I am following the after drain removal exercises but still quite painful for me is this normal for 2 weeks 3 days post surgery ? Feeling quite lost with it all so thought would reach out to others for some or any advice ? Thanks a lot for taking the time to read !!Just need to talk to someone
I’m 59yo and newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m really not sure I get what is going on either because I’m just slow or it’s just not all clear yet so I feel confused, in total panic and that I’m drowning and there is nobody to save me 😢 I am waiting for an mri this Thursday. I have a 10cm Not Special Type Grade 1 something positive to do with hormones and her2 1+. The surgeon says mastectomy is the only choice because of the size. There isn’t anything clear about what happens after that… is that how it’s meant to be? I just feel very lost appreciate any words of wisdom for these circumstances? susanRecovery after axillary clearance
I had axillary clearance 12 days ago with the removal of 13 lymph nodes. I’m a bit bowled over by the severity of the aftermath of the surgery, including nerve damage and cording. I’m most concerned about the size of my axillary wound swelling, which is quite large (maybe 8cm x 10cm), painful and hard. It feels like I’ve got a tennis ball under my arm. Is this kind of swelling normal and I wonder how long it might be before I see improvement? Thanks for any thoughts.
