Newly Dignaoised

Hello,
I was diagnosed in February 2001 after lumpectomy and then had a sentinel node biopsy, left breast removed, inserted a port-a-cath and had breast reconstruction (saline expander) in early April. Two out of Five nodes were positive so I had a third surgery in late April to remove 10 more nodes, which turned out clean. It was alot of surgery in one month and I must tell you that I too was scared as I did not know anyone who went through this and did not know what to expect. Although you can expect some pain the first few days post surgery, the body has an amazing way of healing itself. It's only been alittle over a month since the node surgery and I am doing great. I'm on my second round of chemo and I am returning to part-time office work this Monday. I am still rehabilitating my arm but I've disiplined myself to do the ACS suggested post-mastectomy exercises every day in order to regain my full range of motion. Still some pain but very tolerable. Have faith in your healthcare team and be strong. You will get through this one step at a time. When is your surgery? Please let us know how you make out.

The beginnig was the scariest time for me and my husband because we knew almost nothing. However, once you know what you have to do and why, it is less difficult. I recovered from my mastectomy very quickly and with just a little discomfort. Hard to believe, but true. I think I like my reconstructed breast more than my real one! Treatment (chemo and rad) was no picnic, but definitely not as bad as I had envisioned and what you see on television. If you have a good oncol. and take you meds, you should be fine. I was sick from chemo only once and that was my fault because I didn't take my medications for nasea. I was tired some of the time, especially at the end of chemo, but that wasn't so bad. I found that in the beginning I tried to read as much as I could get my hands and eyes on. I discovered that for me (I can't speak for anyone else) that that wasn't the best thing to do. Sometimes what you read conflicts with something else and it will drive you crazy and worry you too much. For me, I read realiable sources of info and left the rest up to my doctors. It is their job and you should trust them or find another doctor you do trust.

People told me that I was a strong person and that I could do it. Well, I found out how strong I was. It was no picnic, but YOU CAN DO IT!! It was not the worst thing in the world. I am a three year survivor and still have days that I get low, but believe it or not, you will find some positives in your journey. I have never appreciated life and health as I do now. It makes me mad to see someone take life for granted! I was never sick through four rounds of chemo and only missed 1 week of work because of my surgery. I had 28 nodes removed and I still have full range of movement in my arm and only now and then have little twinges in it that remind me. I have had no swelling that sometimes occurs. Just do your exercises religiously. Trust in your doctors. I also tried reading a bunch of things that just made me more worried, so take that part slow. Find a doctor that you trust, is compassionate and gives you lots of encouragement. Plastic surgery is wonderful these days and they can build you a new breast. A friend gave me some advice and that was just to take on things one day at a time and don't think past tomorrow. Just get through what you have to do that day and then take on the next day. You will be amazed that one day you wake up and you feel like yourself again. Keep your chin up! You can do this!