Recovery times and support required following mastectomy and chemo
Sorry for long post... I'm new to this group. I was confirmed 2 days before Christmas with DCIS and suspected Paget’s Disease. I am facing a mastectomy and possible chemo, etc. I'm now looking at what my options are with respect to reconstruction. I’m seeing my breast surgeon tomorrow with my growing list of questions. So far she has suggested a reconstruction of the affected breast using a bit from my tummy. I asked about a double mastectomy - which she would support - but she said that type of reconstruction may not be possible as I don't have enough 'flesh' on my tummy. I'm still not sure what to do but I'm leaning towards a double as I don't want the anxiety of annual check ups moving forward, especially for my kids. I haven't met with a plastic surgeon yet, given the time of year. I am a 54 yo working single mother of 3 beautiful (mostly) humans aged 13, 16, 17 as well as 2 dogs and 2 useless cats. It's been a tough few years. My wonderful husband died unexpectedly in November 2023. Two months before that his mother also died suddenly and two months before that my mother had a life threatening seizure in front of me and was put into an induced coma and was in ICU for 3 days - she had had a stroke and breast cancer 6 months before that and she has Alzheimers. She then went into care two weeks after my husband's funeral. My Dad lives near by and is healthy - thank goodness. Given what's been going on, 'I don't have much left in my tank' to deal with this latest challenge but it is what it is. I am very lucky to have some wonderful friends and family (however it's not the same as having your partner support you.) So, I'm trying to prepare myself for what's coming - physically and emotionally. I'm wanting to understand what kind of help I'll need following surgery or surgeries. What will my energy be like? How long until I will be able to work, cook, clean, drive, etc? My kids are as helpful as any teens - which is OK but not great and the two eldest have especially busy schedules with lots of activities on top of doing their VCE. I appreciate that every situation is unique but knowing how others - particularly other single parents - have managed will help with my decision making and help me prepare for what lies ahead. Also, any referrals for mortality/grief counselling in Melb would be appreciated. Thank you. xx
Chemo tips / hacks?
Hi, lovely ladies is update from me I done my pet scan and have good results and I got a call from my day oncologist today and they already set my treatment dates. Starting next week with paclitaxel weekly for 12 around and carboplatin. Pertuzumab,trastuzumab three weekly so 4 round Is there anything I have to bring during the chemo? And do any of you have or had any similar treatment like mine ? I’m her2 positive Any tips or hacks for the chemo side effect? I’m very nervous and have no idea of what to expect so any guidance is appreciated
Radiation - Is Moo Goo enough?
Hi everyone, I am currently undergoing a 6 week radiation treatment, two weeks in. I am using Moogoo 3 - 4 times a day and my skin is healthy to start with. I am having underarm, left breast and left lower neck. Due to the large area, I have been advised to use Moo Goo 3 - 4 times a day rather than Strata XRT and our centre does not offer Metipel (plus it is so humid up here in Cairns so would not really be viable). My skin is healthy and I am feeling confident, just wondering if anyone else only used MooGoo and if they had minimal side affects? I understand the worst will be the two weeks post radiation and know that two weeks in is very early days. Thanks for your advice and feedback :)
Sorry if TMI but genital pain with chemo...
Currently undergoing 4 dose dense AC and cannot find anyone else mentioning this side effect maybe due to intimate nature? My genital area is inflamed and feels swollen and sore. It's painful. Surely I am not alone with this side effect? Does anyone have experience with it and how long till it becomes less painful? Currently using lots Olive and Bee to try and be more comfortable. Not sexually active.Newly Diagnosed - Diabetes & Treatment Side Effects
Moderator moved @Dee8855 comment to dedicated discussion in 'Newly Diagnosed': Dee8855 Central Coast NSW 11:08AM Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, on my left breast, it was found after having my regular annual mammogram, and was considered fairly small 14mm, Grade 2, ER Positive. I had surgery 3 weeks ago, lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed, all came back clear, so I am very grateful that the outcome has been this positive. I still haven't had any other appointments to discuss further treatment, but I've been told that I don't need chemo (another blessing) but will need radiation and hormone blocking treatment. However, my problem is that I am also diabetic, insulin dependent and need to keep a very tight control of my blood sugars. I am concerned about what the effect the hormone treatment and radiation will have on my diabetes. I've been searching for any information about this, and most of it doesn't sound very positive. I know this is something I will need to discuss with my doctors, but I was wondering if anyone else has been through the same problem, and how they managed it? Just reading about the side effects of these treatments sounds very daunting, but having another chronic condition just makes it seem a lot worse. This is my first time on this forum, so I hope my question isn't too personal. Thanks for any advice.Flushed/Hot spots post chemo
Moderator moved @cathp post to dedicates post in 'Newly Diagnosed': cathp NSW June 10 Hello. I am new here. I was diagnosed in early May and had my first chemo TCHP on Tuesday. My face is so very hot and flushed. I have angry looking spots on my chest and neck. Has anyone had this or have some tips how to manage this?
Mum with young children-how do you cope?
I’m 35 and was diagnosed with a 22mm IDC last month and DCIS, booked in for mastectomy in 10 days. I found my lump while breastfeeding, I have a one year old and a four year old, this diagnosis flipped my life upside down. Still dealing with crippling anxiety, every time I look at my kids or try to spend any quality time with them my fear of not being around for them comes up and I start crying. The sadness and crying is worse at night. Please share some coping mechanisms. I started tamoxifen and zoladex mid Feb so I don’t know if the emotions are also exacerbated by those.
SUFFERING STOPPING HORMONE TREATMENT FOR MENOPAUSE
Hi. Diagnosed two weeks ago yesterday, can’t believe it’s only been two weeks seems so much longer. Daughter is currently in the middle of HSC, so I haven’t told family yet, which sort of makes it seem like it’s not real. I’ve been reading a lot of posts and like a lot of women, I was blind sided getting a call back from Breast Screen Australia, even then thought, nah, not me. One out of twenty, my odds are good. I’ve been to the surgeon and McGrath nurse and now need to make a decision. It would be so much easier if I could get a good nights sleep. As the tumour is hormone positive, I’ve had to go off my happy gel (Estrogel). For the past week the night sweets are back. Anyone with the same dilemma? Any suggestions? TIA
Prolia jab
Hi ladies just been told I need to start taking the prolia injection for osteopina I was taking the tablet and seem to have no side effects but it as effecting my oesophagus so told to stop taking them. I'm on Letrozole and seem to be doing ok but it just seems one thing after another. How's are people going on prolia I'm feeling great at the moment and worried prolia will change things. But then again always nervous starting something new. Thanks in advancel
