Hi, I’m new here.

Hi KMac. I am glad they moved fast with the surgery, but of course, the other side of this coin is that it leaves little time to process things.

Once you see the oncologist you should have a lot more information, and what at the moment may seem vague and uncertain will start taking shape. Once the results from pathology are back, the oncologist will be able to say exactly what type of breast cancer this is, and what the recommended treatment path is. The information should include the type of chemo, how it is given, how often, where, how many sessions, and over what period of time each and in total. 

You can then ask what side effects you might expect to experience, what the risks are both short and long term, and anything else you want to know.

About the fluid in the armpit, best to contact your nurse, to see if this needs draining or they want to wait and see if it re-absorbs.

Hi KMac

 sorry to hear your suffering after your operation please don't be so worried about chemo it's not nice and make you feel quite ill a lot of the time ... oops not really selling this am I  but its copeable I have just had my 4th treatment of EC and it has been difficult shaky legs tiredness constipation and diarrhoea with a bit of nausea thrown in for good luck but that's been the worst bits I have also found what wonderful friend and family I have learnt that I am stronger than I think and I have survived ok this doesn't sound great I know but sometimes the unknown is scarer than knowing i still have another 4treatments to go before I have surgery so I guess my opinion might change later but the biggest thing I would say is listen to your body rest more than you think you need  and take the tablets those anti sickness tablets are your friends hopefully you will have a lovely oncology department like I have had where nurses will walk you through gently and kindly not expecting you to take everything in and there is always support on here 

Xxx

Hi, thank you for your kind, reassuring words. I have my op follow up on Tuesday so will hopefully know more then. 
The dressing nurse has been amazing, she has drained my armpit 3 times but we are going to see how I get on over this long weekend. I have a cushion wedged under my armpit so fingers crossed this will help. Xx

Hi, thank you for your kind, honest words. I will hopefully know more on Tuesday at my appointment. I have my questions ready.  It is good to hear you are coping with your chemo, and you have amazing support from your family and friends. Good luck with your on-going treatment. Xxx

V shaped cushion is a god send under armpit still using mine

Hi. I had my op on Wednesday lumpectomy and node clearance. Had 6 rounds of chemo 1st. I’m really struggling at the moment it’s all just overwhelming. I wasn’t prepared I guess for the drains and the pain after the op. The whole thing is just so frightening. I cope for so long and then I crumble. Xx

Oh Julie

I can sympathise i know how you are feeling im terrified i start chemo 27th april,and id love to run away,was wondering how long after your chemo did you have surgery?

Sending you a hug 

Dee x

Hi Dee. I’m always thinking I want to run away and don’t think I have ever felt like this in my life. I finished my chemo 6 weeks ago. So have had a few weeks of building my strength up and now am at rock bottom again. Have you had your surgery? How many chemos are you having? Thanks for the hug it’s very much appreciated. Xx

Im having 6 chemo,one every 3 weeks then surgery then radiotherapy.

I totally get how you are feeling,3 weeks ago o was fine,i feel so well,then the mammogram showed this,im thankful dont get me wrong,im just struggling to accept it,and it seems a mammoth journey ahead,keep talking i think its important.

I think the chemo is the worst part for me,after that ill be so relieved X

Your journey is the same as mine only I found a lump in October. I had 6 chemo’s then my surgery and I will have radiotherapy after this. The chemo is hard but bearable you do manage to get some normality for a couple of weeks in between sessions. Are you using the cold cap? I did and managed to maintain quiet a lot of hair until the last 6 weeks. I wear a wig now but my hair is growing slowly and grey! Picking yourself up each day is hard. Do you have family support? Mine have been great but I get tired of putting in a brave face. Xx