Post surgery
I’m 66 and a paraplegic. Just been diagnosed and having a mastectomy in 2 days time. I’ve decided to go for bilateral if she agrees and there’s enough time in the theatre but I want to know how much can you use your arms after surgery? I’ve got good support and want to get it over and done with. Love to hear from anyone how much you are allowed to move your arms
What 'new hobby' did you take up after your diagnosis/treatments?
Part of our 'general recovery' is getting back into things that we 'love doing' ..... My favourite 'things' are playing ukulele and kayak fishing! I've thought about taking up a new hobby - but I really suck at art & chess and couldn't sew or knit to save my life ...... What are YOUR favourite hobbies - and did you take up any NEW ones, post diagnosis/treatment?
Dont follow me Im lost too
Im about a year out of active treatment and I seem to be in a slump. I experienced euphoria and gratefulness for being alive following treatment and some days since Ive felt genuinely happy but more recently a less light feeling is emerging. I had a coffee with a friend today and found myself saying " when will i get over this?". How long is it reasonable to talk about this experience with friends (those that didnt keave) and the enormity of it to my life? I feel like ive just returned to a slightly different life grind and im struggling to see the wood for the trees. I work less, see people less and health practitioners more. I exercise 3 or 4 times a week and do crafts things. I have children to look after. Im thinking of buying a graditude journal to try to pull myself out of the blues. Is this common? What have other people done? Are there any good books I can read?
Slow Down Project
Hiya, I am starting a new creative project, thought it might be good place to show my efforts. With a lot of wait time coming up with appointments and treatments I was looking at a portable time fill option - so hand embroidery it is! I just wanted a small, achievable, positive to not need to think too much but focus on. Starting with straight lines (oops maybe will not do it all in 24hrs...remember the slow down being the aim 😉). Then a cross stitch, then a bigger challenge. Three simple kits to start while I learn some needlework. If I am happy with my efforts, I then have a bigger free hand in mind, using some quilting project fabric I keep not having time for.... but now do for a bit. Watch this space 🙂🩷.About to have double mastectomy no reconstruction - any tips?
Hi All, I have finished 5 months of chemo and next step on 1st November is a double mastectomy and R lymph node clearance, I have chosen no reconstruction. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for the hospital visit and recovery time? Anything you would have liked to know beforehand? I have just gone and bought a couple of button up PJ tops and a few button shirts for home. Thanks :)4 years since BC diagnosis & joining BCNA & my surgery ...
Woohoo! This year was the first year that I didn't actually 'remember' that Jan 5th was the anniversary of my actual diagnosis of BC ...... so that must be a good sign! So - today - it is now 4 years ago since I joined BCNA (at the suggestion of a girlfriend in Qld who had been diagnosed a few years earlier) .... and a few days later, Jan 15th, I had my surgery. What a roller coaster ride it has all been .... lots of tears, anger, melt downs, but there's also been lots of laughs and education - all emotions are a part of this shitty disease - but, newbies, take note - it DOES get better! During this time, I've really appreciated all the support & info & camaraderie from the group - but especially the wonderful friendships that I've made along the way - with regular PMs within 'The Famous Five' over the years .... xx. So ... a big THANK YOU to all of you who've helped make a difference All the best to those who've been recently diagnosed ...... reach out, lean on us, ask questions, and we'll do our best to offer support and info to help get you thru the rough bits xx take care, stay safe
Post Op at Xmas
Light and live to all those undergoing surgery or treatment over Christmas 2020. Being diagnosed with breast cancer mid Dec and rush operation just before Xmas was a shock and big downer to an already crappy year. On the mend physically and mentally now. Question: I had breast co serving surgery via areole incision. My areole is now blood red on one side and looks really puckered along the cancer edge. Sore but clean, no ingestion, but looks pretty gnarly. Hoping it calms. Anyone have similar issues?
How long does recovery take?
Just wondering if anyway can remember how long after chemo finishes till you felt like you were feeling better? I finished 16 rounds last Thursday. I never felt terrible during taxol but the last three treatments I found that I was still fairly flat by the time the next one was due whereas early on I would feel pretty normal again by the time the week was up. A week has passed and I still have aching muscles, slightly nauseous and can’t make it through the day without a rest. Just feel like I have nothing left. Then I am up half the night with hot flushes and sweats and unable to sleep. I don’t expect to feel good but just wondering if it takes weeks or months to improve.Preparing for surgery
Moderator moved @m_m11 post from activity section to main 'Discussion' page: m_m11 Good morning lovely ladies, I have finished my chemos and surgery is on 4th of June which is lumpectomy and breast size reduction. I’m very nervous and anxious about it, my surgeon said 6 weeks for recovery. Please share how recovery will be and recovery tips and thing I need to careful, is recovery will be painful? I’m very very anxious because never had surgery before. TIA
