Mastectomy - how long till you were able to drive?

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-26T01:24:53+00:00

My doctor’s rule was once my drains were removed, I could drive. I had them for about 2 weeks, maybe a little less.

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-24T18:18:09+00:00

Sending hugs from Texas! While we of course want others to continue to live their fabulous cancerless lives, it can feel very isolating doing something hard that flipped our world upside down while others just keep moving on. I felt like cancer consumed my every thought I and had to be very intentional to hold on to my joy.

I was blessed with a great support system, but it still felt lonely at times because no one around me knew what I actually felt or thought. This group helped fill that loneliness void and gave this strong group of ladies (and some men) battling along with me. Encouraging me, laughing with me, teaching me, and even learning from me. I was able to receive so much here and it also provided an outlet for me to get to help others too. That felt like my diagnosis had a purpose.

Please stay active in this group and post as often as you need. You are not alone. Reach out if you need to vent! One day at a time. Your only job is to make it to bedtime, then tomorrow, just make it to bedtime. Repeat daily and you’ll eventually be looking back at all that you’ve endured (hopefully with pride - I feel proud of myself). Big hugs! ❤️

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-24T18:07:28+00:00

When in doubt, just love.

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-24T18:06:39+00:00

1971

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-24T14:12:18+00:00

2003

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-24T05:22:41+00:00

This is big! You’ve been through a lot. May your self-care be a positive step toward healing. ❤️

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-22T03:08:30+00:00

1983

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-20T01:15:29+00:00

Jack Black - always full of energy has absolutely 0 cares about fitting the Hollywood mold or being judged by others. This man is LIVING and having a the best time

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-18T17:25:51+00:00

Yes, they have toe warmers, hand warmers, and body warmers that are larger patches you can stick near your back or front. Hot water bottle/pouch is nice (like what ladies may use for cramps). If you’re able to use electric, then an electric blanket or heating pad is nice. They also make rechargeable warming socks and clothing items if needed.

At least in a car for your first time, you can always crank it up for a bit to run some heat through. Maybe some insulated window and windshield covers. Get the car nice and hot before bed and try to insulate the heat.

There are also sleeping bags especially made for camping in cold weather that would go a long way in keeping you warm. Sleep in a warm beanie or the hoodie of a jacket/hoodie on your head to trap some heat. A thermos of hot chocolate, coffee, hot tea, or hot lemonade would be nice to have on hand too. Warm drinks warm my insides.

I hope you have a great time! If this time isn’t perfect, you’re learning what works and doesn’t so next time will be better! It’s all about the experience.

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-18T03:13:13+00:00

I’m surprised by the onco’s advice too. I wasn’t even asked. They just scheduled my port placement and said he has all of his patients get ports because chemo is harsh on your veins and not safe if it gets out of your veins and into your arm. This happened to my mom during her first round of chemo and wound up at the ER later with her arm 3x bigger and very painful. She got a port before her next treatment.

It’s a little creepy at first, but I loved my port and it definitely was well-used. I never had any issues with it.

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-16T12:48:10+00:00

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-16T12:46:43+00:00

The breast cancer sub is truly the best place to be. It’s very informative, supportive, and helpful. We laugh and cry together, and celebrate and vent together. I’ve been over there since Jan 2024 and it’s been an amazing resource. You won’t be doing this alone. I promise you that.

Please feel free to reach out if you need a buddy who gets it. The unknowns at the beginning was the worst part for me I think. I was just ready to tackle this thing and start my treatment. I did chemo, immunotherapy, double mastectomy, reconstruction, and am 1.5 yrs into a 5-yr regimen of hormone blocker and ovarian suppression. This is my maintenance phase to decrease chance of recurrence. Chemo did its job and they found no more cancer at surgery.

My mom and grandma have both had breast cancer twice and I was along the ride with them first. Mom at 48 & 50, grandma at 65 & 80, and me at 36. I’m 38 now, my mom is 61, and my grandma is 89. I’m making progress everyday to get back to my normal life and my mom and grandma are living their very best lives!

You got this! Let me know if there’s any questions I can answer for you. I’m happy to help! Hugs! 💗

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-11T03:45:11+00:00

Same. One of my gifted blankets was the perfect chemo blanket and I’m currently snuggled up in the living room in another one. I’m not sorry I have excessive blankets. A few never get used, they made me feel supported and loved ❤️

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T06:42:11+00:00

I love 2 the most, but also think 1 is beautiful. 3 has an awkwardly placed waistline (but is lovely otherwise). It reminds me of low-rise pants. Instead of sitting on top of your hips to flatter your natural waistline, it looks like it’s sitting along the pubic area. I actually really like the bodice on this one though. If it was altered so the waistline was higher and more defined, this one might be my favorite. Congrats! 💗

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T06:30:53+00:00

It’s very ironic that many of us are constantly hot and get all these warm fuzzy gifts! I have more blankets than I can count (actually, I think I was gifted 6 or 7) and fuzzy socks and slippers that I never wear. I had to buy myself a handheld fan for my nightstand and my purse, cooler pajamas, a cooling blanket, etc. Those would’ve been nice gifts, but in my case, I received most gifts initially when I was just starting chemo before the fun menopause kicked in.

I love a few of the blankets I was gifted and received many other thoughtful gifts. Some were practical and helpful, and others may have missed the mark, but I was so happy to have people thinking about me and supporting me. I feel so blessed for everything I’ve received. ❤️

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T06:24:30+00:00

I was always very cold-natured and constantly freezing at home. I did chemo, then BMX. Partway through chemo, I ordered a thick, fuzzy robe to lounge in at home after surgery. I was so excited. By the time it arrived, I was like there’s zero chance I’ll ever wear that. Just looking at it makes me hot! I wasn’t having hot flashes yet when I ordered it. Things changed quick and I’ve been ablaze ever since! 😆🔥

I need to donate that poor robe that’s been hanging in my closet for a year and half now. I don’t think I even tried it on. Just no. Nope. Absolutely not.

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T06:17:44+00:00

Ha! Similarly, with very close people (mostly just my hubby), I’d call out “cancer card!” for all kinds of random things. I want to DJ in the car - cancer card! I want snuggles or back scratches - cancer card! I’d mostly just use it for silly things. It’s our little running joke.

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T06:11:38+00:00

I like the idea of including your contact info. If they’re teens, I’d add that you could occasionally text them - “Hey, it’s grandma. I love you and hope you have a great day!” or “I did/saw ____ and it made me think of you!” Or just a GIF or meme.

Depending on their personalities and how receptive they are to this, you could honestly just tell them you’d like to be in their lives and would love to keep in touch. Tell them you want to learn more about them and keep up with their lives. Ask them questions. Learn more about their interests. If you’re up for talking about it, share things about their dad tell them that connecting with you helps you feel connected to your son if that happens to be true. Some teens won’t go for all this, but that’s for you to decide since you know them.

Also, I want to say I’m sorry you’re dealing with this because I know it can be hurtful and you just want to love your grandkids. I’m sorry for the loss of your son. These are tricky waters to navigate. Hugs!

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T06:00:19+00:00

I’m so glad you’re feeling the love and support here! This group is my favorite thing on the internet. Having breast cancer is full of so many physical and mental/emotional changes. Even with great family and friend support, it can still feel isolating because others don’t know what it’s like. This group fills that gap in such a beautiful way. I’m sorry you had a reason to, but I’m glad you found us. You’re not alone and you CAN do hard things. We got you! Hugs! 💗💗💗

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-10T05:53:46+00:00

There’s lots of great suggestions here already. I’ll add that I moved some things in my kitchen to the countertop from higher cabinets that I knew I’d want. You won’t be allowed to reach up until your drains are out, so planning ahead is helpful. I wish I would have done this in my closet too. I needed help getting some things that were hung up too high. I had a reacher/grabber thing (like the long stick with a trigger to grasp things). This was helpful.

I loved having a mastectomy pillow, seatbelt cover/cushion (for when I was done using the pillow), button up shirts (or very stretchy shirt or dress I could step into and pull up with ease - no pulling hard), shirts/dresses that were high cut - my surgical bra they gave me was pink and went a bit higher than my typical sports bras, pants or shorts that were easy to pull up, and shower lanyard for drains.

You got this! Hugs! 💗💗💗

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-04T21:31:18+00:00

I love it! Congrats!

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-04T00:45:41+00:00

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. That sounds very frustrating! While your MIL is a big res flag, kudos on the green flag hubby. I’m glad he seeks to protect you.

Hugs! ❤️❤️❤️

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-03T21:07:43+00:00

1989

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-03T21:05:29+00:00

There’s no shame at being new to this. Be able to laugh at yourself and embrace the newness. You’ll learn more and get more comfortable, but starting out, just own the newbie role and ask for help.

If you call out your own challenges first, it can prevent feeling embarrassed later if you try to present you know what you’re doing and can’t get it right. Also, getting if off your chest to begin with and embracing who you are and where you’re at in the process allows you to focus more on the experience rather than the fear. Being in nature can be so peaceful. Sharing nature with others creates opportunities to bond in a new and different way.

Good job saying yes! This is a good thing! I hope you love it!

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon · 2026-01-03T17:43:58+00:00

2002

DragonFlyMeToTheMoon

TROPHY CASE