It seems I'm a patient now!

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But not a very patient one! 

I've at least got a diagnosis, it's invasive ductal cancer grade 2, but still small, oestrogen receptive but looks as if I might get away with the lymph nodes....and maybe not too much treatment afterwards? 

Complex plan, but to begin with, a sentinel node (plus another one or so) removal as day surgery, (a nuclear medicine visit first to get 'the jab' for them to trace) then a gap while that,  plus the HER result come back, then because of my previous surgeries for cysts and the fact one resulted in a massive haematoma, therefore scar tissue, I will have a complete mastectomy with an implant. That will be immediately after Easter. 

By finding out as much as possible beforehand, the surgeon hopes to prevent too many operations. Obviously I will then need Tamoxifen or similar, so will appreciate helpful advice about that. 

But I'd be interested on anyone's 'take' on her plan. I feel reassured that she took time with me, and the BC nurse afterwards spent a good while too. 

Hugs xxx

  • Oh . It's such an emotional time at best isn't it? I don't imagine CtM is helping much, no. It's a real tearjerker this week!!

    Hug?

    xx

    Karen 

  • Yes, CTM was emotional but ended with smiles too, and think that helped me ‘even up’ at last. The ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of steroids, although I’ve had courses before for asthma and severe allergic reaction had never hit me quite in the same way. I’ve experienced the sleeplessness before but not the emotional aspects.

    Hugs and a peaceful night to all xxx

    Moomy

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to moomy

    You've not had cancer before, moomy  and I know you've nursed your family but it is different when it's you! I don't know if they gave you an exercise sheet but there are some arm exercises that might be helpful to keep you mobile after the SNB. 

    I am on my phone but if you Google arm exercises after breast surgery I'm sure you'll find them.

    Steroids and anaesthetic can make your mood go all over the place without cancer in the mix so be gentle on yourself  

  • Thanks Helen, 

    No they didn’t give me anything about exercises but I have full range of movement at the shoulder, just a bit concerned whether I’m doing right in ensuring that?! ( bet my background as an Occupational Therapist just kicked in without me even thinking of it, plus zooming around taking photographs Saturday morning helped too, haha!) 

    There’s some redness around the incision line, about an inch all round,  but then I bruise a lot anyway, it’s very slightly swollen too, but again I guess that’s normal. I will phone BCN today and ask if they need to see it or if that’s ‘normal’.

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Hi Moomy,

    glad to hear you're  recovering ok, do keep taking things easy and th exercises are essential to do 2-3 times a day of you can.

    heres the link

    https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/exercises-after-breast-cancer-surgery-bcc6

    Even if you can do them all ok, it keeps things supple in the area and will help going into your next surgery.

    take care

    Jac x
  • Thank you very much Jac, 

    I’ll have a look and ensure I keep fully mobile! 

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Ha! Found my leaflet, yes I did get given one with all the others on diagnosis day! 

    Will be a good soul and ensure I can manage all.

    I had a text from my yoga leader advising me not to go today as she knows I would have found it a bit too much and too strenuous 3 days after surgery! (she is doing work on heart centre) but I will still do some yoga stretches, poses and breathing!

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Yoga stretches and a few poses, BC exercises all done! 

    Now time for morning coffee! 

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Had a wee chat with BCN, sounds like all is normal and ok, phew. 

    A bit of gentle necessary housework (laundry basket was full) but no cleaning (apart from bathroom), and I’ve got easy-to-cook duck breasts out of the freezer for tonight.( Sorry, folk, only 2, none for any of you who plan to turn up, haha! ) 

    Hubs is doing too much of course (he’s disabled with spinal arthritis) but he’s determined that I shouldn’t be doing it!

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Post op clinic is this Wednesday at 3.30pm, when the SNB results should be in plus presumably the HER2 status (anyone know how long that takes?) 

    And then presumably the definitive plan is aired.

    Quietly bricking it! But I know it’s got to happen.

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy