Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer:-(

CypressCynthia said:

Hope this helps!
I am so sorry that you have joined our "club". but please know that you are most welcome here and everyone will try and help and support you however they can.

Your family history sounds so similar to mine. Two of my sisters and I have had breast cancer; brother with thyroid cancer; father with colorectal cancer; uncle died of colon cancer; grandmother and 3 of her sisters died of breast cancer (one also had colon cancer). Unusual and crazy. Of course, we tested negative for BRCA, etc. ;-)

I originally had a mastectomy and then, after sisters were diagnosed, I had the other breast removed preventively. My sisters had bilateral mastectomies.

We all did fine. I don't know how many surgeries that you have had? For me it was easier than my C/S and my appendectomy. You will usuaully have 2 drains when you leave the hospital. When they quit draining (usually about 1-2 weeks), the drains will be removed.

You can ask your physician if Reach to Recovery can visit you after the surgery. I am pretty sure that you need your doc's ok. They helped me a lot. The volunteer gave me a little box with a rope and soft ball to help with gentle exercises. She also gave me a soft prosthesis which was helpful. Most importantly, she just answered a lot of practical type questions and gave me emotional support.

Let us know how you are doing. I will be rooting and praying for you. Good luck!

Reach to Recovery

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/reach-to-recovery

missrenee said:

So sorry you have to be here, but
you will get great information from everyone here. I had lumpectomy, axillary node dissection, 6 rounds of chemo (TAC) and 33 rads. Seemed truly overwhelming when I was first diagnosed, but one of the best pieces of advice I had was "take one day at a time." It sounds trite and cliche, but it helped me to just focus on each day--each treatment as I was going through it and not think of the whole picture. As I progressed through surgeries, chemo and rads, I checked off each one as another part of the journey finished.

I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and treatment. Come here often to ask questions, keep us informed as to how you are doing, or if you need a shoulder (or hundreds of shoulders!) to cry on. We're here for you.

Hugs, Renee

mamolady said:

Sorry you have to be here,
Sorry you have to be here, but you are most welcome here. This is a great resource for all types of information. You have already dealt with cancer so you have a little more insight than some newly diagnosed.
I too have pretty strong family history so I opted for bilateral mastectomy. The surgery wasn't bad and if I get recon, they don't need to match the other breast. They can just fill them up the same! I had my surgery in the end of March then radiation in May and June. Most of the effects were gone by August.
Maybe being out of work is just good timing. There are programs in most states to help with treatment. This way you can just focus on recovery.
All the best,
Cindy

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

Hello. You've come to a
Hello. You've come to a great place for advice, support, love, and laughter. Please let us know when your surgery is scheduled.

I had a left modified radical M and a right prophylactic M in Jan of this year. I have some practical advice for you...

First, you'll want garmets that button or zip up the front. It will be difficult at first to raise your arms above your head. You won't need many, because in a short time you will start getting mobility back. If your insurance will pay for them, mastectomy camisols are great...they have pockets for the drains and usually come with 'pillow boobs'. If insurance doesn't cover them, check with ACS. You might be able to get them that way. You can also just use a blouse, and a baby safety pin will hold the drains in place.

Because you will have limited mobility at first, anything you have to reach for (high or low) should be moved before your surgery...dishes on the top shelf, clothes, etc. You will also have a lifting limit (10 lbs, I think). So keep that in mind as you are preparing.

Check with your surgeon about drain care and about mobility exercises. These are areas where you will want to follow your docs advice. Be sure you know what exercises you should be doing and when you should start them. Doing your exercises faithfully will help you get your range of motion back.

You'll also want to think about your sleeping arrangements. You'll need to sleep on your back for a while. I used a wedge pillow in my bed, and then several smaller pillows to comfortably support my arms and knees. Others here have slept in recliners.

My last piece of advice...when in the hospital the nurse escorted me and my rolling IV thingy to the toilet. I was feeling a little wobbly as I sat down on the toilet, so I held on to the the rail on the wall for stability. DON'T DO THAT! The pain was horrible, I ended up staying in the hospital an extra day because we couldn't get the pain in my arm under control. If you feel wobbly, ask the nurse to help you.

I hope your surgery goes as expected, and that your recovery is fast.

Hugs,

Linda