Advice for someone about to have mastectomy, radiotherapy, then delayed reconstruction? Treatment plan changed last minute

That looks lovely. Hopefully it’ll look as lovely as the photo. With the temporary prosthesis I had to take some of the stuffing out as it was too big compared to my other breast. I’ve also ordered some prosthesis from a charity called knitted knockers which is another alternative. They send it for free and are very lightweight. They seem to fit better. X

 RKD   thank you.  I'm hoping it looks as nice as it does in the photo 

Oh that's good to know about the Knitted Knockers as I ordered some this week.  

How are you managing with pain and mobility etc now that you're a few weeks in?   A nurse yesterday put the fear of god in me telling me I could be off work for 6 months following my operation as it's such a major op.   I only get 6 weeks sick pay so 6 months isn't really an option for me.  She also told me I'll struggle to work whilst having radiotherapy.  I work from home at a desk job and managed to work throughout my chemotherapy with no ississues.

The dress looks beautiful.

regarding the bra and softie I’ve been told by my medical team that it’s better to wear it morning and night to help prevent swelling so i am Persevering with it. It’s a little uncomfortable but not terrible. My compression dressing is due to come off today which makes me nervous but it’s all fear of the unknown if that makes sense. I’m taking pain killers as prescribed and doing my exercises and so far it’s just been uncomfortable rather than painful. I am hoping this continues once the dressing is off.

The pain has gone now. I stopped my painkillers after a week from the surgery. I been doing my exercises daily and after around 3 weeks I was able to fully move my arm. I’m still off work as I’ve started chemotherapy. I may go to back to soon but will meet my manager at some point and see whether they would make any adaptations. If you’re using a computer all day it may aggravate your arm as I think they suggest avoiding repetitive movement and computer work for 4-6 weeks. With radiotherapy you should continue with the exercises indefinitely. You may need regular breaks from your computer. X

Love the dress and color is one of my favorites.  Should look beautiful and will make you feel wonderful.  Very stylish.  

 MamaHill  that makes sense about the bra and softie , Thank you.

That's good to know that you're managing to do your exercises and are finding the pain levels manageable.

Did you gave chemo before your op?  i was told it'll take longer to heal as I've had cheno first.

How did you get on yesterday with removing the dressing?

 RKD that's great news that the pain has gone and you've got your mobility back. That's really reassuring to know.  Did you have a node clearance too?

I spoke to my managers again yesterday and they've stressed I must not rush back and need to take the time to heal.  We agreed that I'll finish work next Friday ahead on the op on 4th June.

Wishing you all the best with the next stage of your treatment xx

 Hopeful Barb  thank you

I’ve not had any chemo. I was put on tamoxifen for a bit. Stopped that 2 weeks before surgery. I go back to see my surgeon on 5th of July where he will tell me how much radio therapy I need and if I will need chemo or not as well as when I will restart the tamoxifen.

the dressing was a bit awkward to get off as it was trying to take the one underneath it too (that comes off Tuesday) I can move a bit more freely without it. Will be keeping an eye open for swelling or fluid build up but not feeling too bad at the moment.

 MamaHill  how have you found the Tamoxifen?  I think the plan is for me to go on that eventually but I'll have 12 months of phesgo injections first. 

Have you been able to shower woth the dressings on?

I hope that you're feeling better with each day thst passes. xx