Helen L

OMG! Here we go! (No.3)

2010-06-14T08:13:06Z

Hi Guys

I am now home after having my double mastectomy last Wednesday. I can honestly say (especially for those out there facing the same thing) it was not as bad as I imagined. Op on Wednesday home by Friday evening after drains were taken out (not painful at all, but just a weird sensation) and am finding that I do get tired after a few hours, so a good excuse for a lie-down! My chest is not painful at all, just a little sore, although I can only sleep on my back! Seem to have a little fluid on my right side, which should absorb back into the body (completely expected) but if it doesn't and gets to be quiet alot (resembling a deflated water balloon!) but it will need to be siringed off. Dressings are removed this Wednesday by practice nurse, and then its waiting for Wednesday after (23rd) when I find out about the next stage of treatment.

Next stage ranges (obviously depending on what comes back from pathology tests) at least hormone therapy (Tamoxifen) for 5 years, at most more surgery (more lymph nodes to go - already removed 4/5), chemo and/or radiotherapy.

Too sore to wear any prosthesis as yet (care nurse said it will be 3/4 weeks until I can stand a bra hooked around me) to that is a little strange having the chest to match my 11 year old Son! However, trying to disguise it with baggy cardigans draped around my shoulders (only time I wished it wasn't so warm!) or fancy scraves.

Anyway, feeling really positive, and even though it was a shock to see my chest for the first time, I know that at least the cancer was somewhere which could eaily be removed.

As always, I feel very blessed xxxxx

OMG! Here we go! (No.2)

2010-06-02T14:04:59Z

Hi Guys

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyones comments to my first 'blog'. Its wonderful to know that so many people are sending me good wishes and that I am not the only person going through this.

Trying to get organised for next week - went shopping for 'button-front' pj's etc for the hospital and treated myself to a few extras also. Gary my Hubbie has a golf break with his buddies with weekend, and I am trying so hard to get him to go. As I have said to him, its his time for a break and then once he gets back, Op on Wednesday and then he's on hand for non-stop tea making!

Good luck to everyone out there, I know in many ways I am extremely lucky xx

OMG! Here we go!

2010-06-01T14:21:22Z

Hi everyone, have just joined as I thought it would help to put things down on paper.

Started a few weeks ago, thinking I had a lump in my left breast. My Mum had breast cancer 27 years ago at the age of 35 and had to have a left breast mastectomy (and is still here to tell the tale). On being referred by my GP, discovered nothing on my left but two tumours on my right, which after biopsies, came back as positive - I have breast cancer at the age of 36!

Things have moved very rapidly since then - bloods and tests, and I am having a double mastectomy on Wednesday 9th June 2010. The Consultant and my Care Nurse feel that because I am only 36 and have numerous tumours, then a double mastectomy is best. Have had to be officially measured (for my silicone and soft 'falsies') - I will be having reconstruction at a later date, as to have this done at the same time would complicate things if I need further surgery. I will also find out shortly afterward surgery whether I will need chemo.

I am trying to be positive (usually for those around me rather than myself) as I have a 9 year old Daughter and an 11 year old Son ... and a Husband who is trying to hold himself together for me!

All in all, from the day of my GP to the day of my Surgery, will be exactly 4 weeks to the day!

This week is the longest of my life! xx