One is BIGGER than the other!
Hi I had an early diagnosis and lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and follow up treatment of right breast in 2003 (aged 45 years). As I've aged, my treated breast is shrinking and shrinking and shrinking and is now very obviously a different size to my left breast. 1 Has anyone else experience this? 2 Do you think it would be considered 'medically necessary' surgery if I wanted a reconstruction for health fund purposes? Appreciate any feedback - thank you so much.
Healing Time
Hi everyone. I am new to this group. I had mastectomy around two weeks back. It's really sore and I have limited arm movement. It feels like my skin is glued to my chest wall. Any movement cause uncomfortable stretch. I would like to know how it has been with other group members. How long does it take for inner stitches to heal? When were you able to move your arm and body like normal without pain? I also have like balls under my arm which is really annoying. Can anyone suggest what they have done for that. Has any one taken any special food to heal faster? I have so many questions. Please help. Thanks
DIEP reconstruction
Hi. I am just wanting to hear how other people's recoveries have been after DIEP reconstructive surgery. I had surgery in July last year. I ended up in ICU for 10 days the week after with an infection in a lymph node in my groin. I became septic and nearly died. I have experienced nothing but discomfort since. My stomach feels like I have a knife or razor blade inside, trying to cut me from the inside out. I still have pain in my chest plate and I'm in pain in numerous places when I press on numerous areas on my reconstructed breast. I am due to have the last lot of surgery to remove the petal and make adjustments etc but I am very nervous and anxious about going through any more surgery.
Sore lump after surgery
Hi everyone One week after lumpectomy (removal of 5 smallish carcinomas from right breast and one DCIS from left breast) I had the bandages removed by my surgeon and she noticed I had a very large painful hard lump in my right breast which was a result of the surgery. I am looking for advice on how to treat this. I'm pretty certain she said to massage it, but that does not seem to be making any difference. Has anyone else had the same thing happen? What did you do and how long did it take? Thankyou!
Post op
Well ladies, my surgery went well yesterday (unilateral mastectomy & axillary clearance). Came out of anaesthesia well and was fine last night. I had a nerve block in and when that wore off this morning, was in excruciating pain 😕 A rare complication where the drains rub against a nerve - if I move or breathe deeply I get a terrible sharp pain and burning sensation. Fortunately I’ve just seen a pain specialist whose put together a pain plan, so just waiting for that to start kicking in. Hopefully that helps settle it and I can go home tomorrow (was going to be today). Other than that, I’m a bit surprised at how I’ve reacted to the surgery emotionally. Before surgery I was very sad about losing a breast, and anxious about waking up to see nothing there anymore. Once I’d woken up and gathered the courage to take a peek under my gown, I just felt this huge relief that the cancer wasn’t in me anymore and had an overwhelming feeling of happiness. So I’m another step closer to overcoming this and feeling hopeful 😊
Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome
Dear Sisters.. Has anyone had Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome? 12 years after my first Mastectomy and full auxiliary clearance, I’ve experienced itching; then prickling pain and feeling of inflammation along the scar and near the edge of the scapular under the arm. Most annoying in its suddenness like an attack. Also felt like waves of pain. Relieved mainly with cold pack. .. until the next attack! Anyone else had this experience?
Up coming Mastecomy update
Hi all, I posted back in February about my up coming Mastecomy and the decisions ahead. Update. Had the surgery Thursday 8th. I had a skin saving double mastecomy with immediate reconstruction direct to implants. Surgery went for 2 hours longer than planned as I lost a lot of blood and my blood pressure plummeted. I was feeling pretty wrecked afterward and had to have a blood transfusion at 1am on Friday, 4am and a third later that day. I have yet to see my new boobs but am told they are looking good. The pain is bearable for day 3 and I'm able to walk around today without feeling wobbly. Hoping the drains come out tomorrow but could be Tuesday. I'm really busting to go home. My blood pressure is back to normal thankgod. Really looking forward to my own bed to recover.Upcoming Surgery- so nervous
Hi everyone I have been booked in for an urgent full mastectomy of the right breast and clearing of the nodes ( i think that's the right terminology). I am unable to have any reconstruction at this time, due to radiation being required still. I was in the midst of chemo last week, when i found out that the cancer wasn't responding to the chemo and now surgery has been scheduled for this week. I feel very underprepared as this wasn't meant to happen for some months. I have been very blessed with a large bust and am terrified of what i am going to look like after surgery and what my psychological state will be. I am only 31 and have always loved my boobs, i am grateful the cancer will be gone but it is such a scary process. I have so many thoughts and emotions, which i just don't know what to do with. I feel so overwhelmed. If there is any advice anyone can give on what i need at hospital, after surgery, recovery or just any general helpful hints on anything it would be so greatly appreciated. Kel :)
