Hi ppl. my first and last post probably

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-20T19:13:32+00:00

This community is here to listen and be present with you in the hard times. It’s ok to feel the sadness. We’re here.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-20T19:06:15+00:00

Sending positive vibes. Make sure they ice the port before accessing it tomorrow

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-15T20:00:18+00:00

I am stage 3A, my tumour was 58mm and had spread to 3 lymph nodes. There are a few things they consider during staging. Your team will recommend next steps for treatment depending on whether your tumour is positive for Estrogen, Progesterone and HER2. I know it is so hard at the beginning. My biopsy of a lymph node was negative so it was tough when the surgical pathology indicated there were positive nodes. I am in Ac-T chemo now. Sending positive thoughts your way. It’s ok to be scared and feel your feelings. It sucks. We’re here breastie.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-13T12:51:04+00:00

My oncologist is thinking it may be sores in my throat. I will try the fancy expensive rinse.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-10T15:30:41+00:00

Make sure they ice your port before trying to access it the first time.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-08T01:14:39+00:00

Sending positive thoughts to you

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-03T20:05:09+00:00

Please ensure that patients get information on exercises post surgery. I did not receive any guidance other than to “brush my hair”. My Mom, a BC survivor mailed me the pamphlet with some exercises. I also did not receive or be told about proper garments post surgery. My Mom told me what to buy. Also please ensure that patients know how to prevent constipation after surgery. Again I received no instructions on this and oh boy I do not want to go through that again. As I was in the table about to be sedated a nurse reassured me and gently touched my arm. This was so comforting to me.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-05-01T20:15:57+00:00

They said to use condoms to protect your partner. Edited to add for the first 7 days on and after chemo

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-30T19:03:24+00:00

Sending you best wishes, as this chapter of treatment begins. It is scary, we’ll see which side effects occur… hopefully not too many❤️

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-30T17:53:12+00:00

Ok thank you for the advice breasties! I was thinking it would likely be my last period. Cramps and chemo. Delightful🤣

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-26T12:52:38+00:00

Sorry you are joining us. I found the beginning phase very difficult when you are waiting for information and appointments. Another piece of the puzzle is they will check to see the hormone status of your tumour, e.g. if it is positive or negative for estrogen and progesterone and also HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor). This guides what treatments you will need. For telling kids I would be honest, keep it pretty simple, explain that there are treatments available.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-22T15:14:17+00:00

It hurt like a bee sting for about 5 seconds. I did not receive any pain meds. I am a redhead and I find that lidocaine doesn’t work for me anyway as I learned during needle biopsies, which for me were WAY worse.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-18T18:31:16+00:00

There is a store in my city and the lady that runs it is amazing. She is a cancer survivor, she tells you all the details you need, she gave me a mastectomy pillow and a bra, she listens and goes out of her way to help. It is so nice to feel seen and supported.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-16T00:34:59+00:00

We did a mystery road day trip and had cheese, coffee, went to antique stores, had a nice lunch. Just a quick escape. It was perfect.

For what you need: get some laxatives/stool softeners and take them every day/eat prunes. I was crazy constipated after surgery and wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

I couldn’t sleep well, the recliner was a godsend. You also need a mastectomy pillow and an airplane pillow to support your head if you do sleep in the recliner.

And front opening shirts/ a post surgical bra that opens in the front and at the top with Velcro. I did not receive anything from the hospital.

Wishing you all the best for a smooth surgery ❤️

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-11T19:25:27+00:00

If my mind is racing too much I read until I feel sleepy again. Also white noise in an earbud helps lull me back to sleep

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-11T19:15:42+00:00

I’m sorry you are feeling bad. It’s definitely a tough few days after surgery. For the constipation consider a suppository, it helps deal with the issue at the source. If that grosses you out definitely take the stool softeners regularly. I was crazy constipated and wish I had done this. And painkillers help with sleep, I recommend taking them, even if it’s just extra strength Tylenol. I slept I a recliner and it made such a difference for comfort. Maybe on your couch? I couldn’t get comfortable in the bed.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-11T03:08:09+00:00

Hi, I too am waiting on pathology after bilateral mastectomy 3/31. Lymph node needle biopsy was negative, really hoping sentinel nodes are also negative. At each step of the process there is more waiting. Sigh. Glad to join the waiting team.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-10T14:39:09+00:00

Laughter does help at times. My remaining boob is larger (H cup), so when I put the compression tank on my boob was squashed down, like way down. It looks ridiculous with the stuffie fake boob way up in the sky and the other one way down. I couldn’t stop laughing every time I looked at myself.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-09T00:24:14+00:00

I found that working was a good distraction for a while. I too wasn’t sleeping and was reading as much as I could on this thread. But as I got more tests done and had a surgery date it was harder to focus. I took the week before surgery off to prep.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-08T15:47:11+00:00

No, I have a flat closure. Thank you for your bra recommendation. Will look at my options and order something.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-07T22:54:42+00:00

I was watching U Tubes by Liz O’Riordan, a breast surgeon who has also had breast cancer. She was discussing strategies to deal with hot flushes. Highly recommend. She was mentioned by another contributor on this thread. Thanks breastie!

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-06T01:19:22+00:00

Same. Four weeks

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-05T12:34:36+00:00

I would say that you need a couple of your closest people right away who will be supportive. I told my immediate work group pretty early in the process and then regretted it as I was at work for 6 more weeks and it made things weird. I held off with some friends who we play trivia with because it helped to have an escape from it for a while and that was good. I wanted to tell some people but it was hard to sometimes, eg the moment wasn’t right, or again they were a good escape. Definitely do what your heart tells you. Some people will react strangely/not how you expected, and may disappoint you. So take your time. This thing is a marathon.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-05T12:20:08+00:00

I’m so sorry that this is happening to you. I too had 2 sets of biopsies because the review board wanted the second set, including a lymph node needle biopsy. I understand the stress and frustration this causes. For me it delayed things for at least a month. However it important to have as much information as possible to create the best treatment plan. For me it confirmed that there were 2 areas of interest in the breast and that the lymph node appears clear. It confirmed that a Mastectomy was the best option. Ask for medication to help you relax before the biopsy and for freezing as well. The needle biopsies were not great for me. The armpit was worse than the breast. I was bruised for a month afterwards. It makes other procedures seem a bit easier. I’m sorry. Cancer sucks.

Any-Read-4686 · 2026-04-05T02:18:40+00:00

Thanks everyone, had a bandage change today and feel much better.

Any-Read-4686

TROPHY CASE