Hey! - new to breast cancer

Hello Keepers Gal, Hope you ok? The waiting is the worst part. The surgery is a walk in the park compared to all the anxiety.  Glad you will be starting treatment soon .  Get it over with so you can put this all behind you and get back to normal life soon 

Best wishes Jayne X 

Thanks Jayne - any tips - what i need or expect?

Umm? Try and keep your head in a good place don't let your mind wander to dark places. BC very treatable today.  The operation really is the easy part in all this , in and out on same day normally . If I was you you I would start to do arm exercises now so that when they pull you arm into funny positions in theatre it will be easier for you in recovery.  Your arm will get stiff as you heal but it's not really painful.  Prepared your self for the possibility of more treatment after surgery if lymph nodes affected. Could be either radiology or chemo or sometimes both. It may well be that no further treatment is needed.  Have time off work 3 months if you can ?  As you need to recover emotionally as well as  physically.  Do not be tempted to Google stuff it's almost always out of date.  For example , the treatment for Triple Negative has changed dramatically in the last two years and outlooks are sounding very good.  However the stuff on Google is mostly out of date !  Take care 

Jayne X 

thanks Jayne will try the arm exercises! - i already know lymph's have been affected and chemo will be recommended - im planning to get in touch with HR and see where i stand re time off - thanks again

Hi Keepers Gal sorry to hear of your diagnosis. As Rhiwbina says, waiting is the worst.   I was diagnosed in February and have been through the works in terms of treatment, but had surgery in August.   I blogged throughout, as it helped me, so if you fancy a read you can check it here in this Link to Blog

 Best of luck with your treatment and keep popping in here for help and advice. 

Thanks Irishgirl16 x

Hi, 

Have u got a date for surgery?

Pre op - arm exercise, hospital bag, front opening bra / top to wear, leggings so easy for loo breaks, you may have canula for fluids. You will be given TENs socks for DVT to put on before op, these are right!! Try and relax before op as it will help with healing afterwards. You cannot eat / drink before op when under GA. You prob will be asked to walk to OT. I only met the anaesthetist hours before op. The surgeon/anaesthetist will get u to sign consent forms. You probably will get a chance to ask questions during pre op session?

Post op - I found it pretty emotional as I had mastectomy. Cried in recovery from shock and also relieved and grateful surgery all went OK! The first sip of water was glorious. So thirsty! They bring u back to room and u get a meal probably a light one..don't eat a lot as you will throw up! I had a drain and fluid IV. I felt woozy fr GA spaced out and had to ask nurses help for the loo, didn't want to risk falling. Slept OK although beeping noises were annoying from machines off another room. Next morning some food, nurses came to check BP etc. And BCN and physio comes to chat. You will be given exercises. If your drain is less than 5ml they take it off before u leave. Otherwise its kept on and goes home with u. Don't worry they will tell u how to care and manage it all. I got given codeine but I just vomited after. They want to see u eat and wee before letting u home. Wound have got a big dressing on. Keep them dry, important!! Days to come you will have sticky, stiff, puffy and swelling in underarm (nodes removed) and some fluid (seroma) swishing around ...it will go in time.

I used bio oil and moisturise after dressing came off. You will be OK. If I can do it...so can you. 

My emotional healing was more difficult than physical. 

All the best !

C x

Hi, thank you so much for messaging me back again. I had pre op weeks ago, also seen consultant anesthetist. Lymphodema team. That's why I don't understand not having surgery sooner OMG,  I already know it's the emotional side going to be the hardest for me. It's the reality, and having to see. Been told can't have a reconstruction, so heartbroken.  I will be in shock. You know they are sending me home later that day after op. Don't want anyone to stay in now covid. You sound so similar to how I will be. Thanks for information, it's better for me to know. Not been told. Keep in contact please, you have been very honest. Let's check in with how we are doing. I'm dreading it all but let's get on with it.  Best to you A. X

Hope u got my reply. Didn't say sent  let me know x

Realised you sent to keepers gal, but same for me.