Breast Cancer Support Group
Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...
Hello, Group ~
I am newly diagnosed with high grade DCIS and am scheduled for a lumpectomy on September 6th. My surgeon is going to be very aggressive about what he removes, and I fully agree with that plan. In fact, I've told him that if he gets in there, and it's not what he's expecting & thinks I'd be better off removing the entire breast, to just go ahead & do it.
That said, I have a question for you all: knowing that, at best, he'll be removing about a palm-sized chunk and changing the contour, etc. of that breast, and that I'll be having implants the same day and a reduction on the other breast so they're as close to symetrical as possible ---- can someone tell me what the recovery will be like? I have very little help at home. My husband is supportive and cares about what happens to me, but the truth is that he's pretty clueless when it comes to taking care of someone. Will I need help? Have any of you recovered from surgery on your own? I'm not 100% sure, but I think our insurance will cover a nurse coming out to the house a few times a week, if needed... do you think that might be necessary?
I'm just trying to wrap my brain around all of this & get as many ducks in a row before-hand, as possible... thank you!
Prayers for you!
Did you have the BRACA 1 & 2 gene study conducted?
What stage are you?
You are doing all the right things in getting ready and you are smart to do this ahead of time.
I had very little if any pain at all with my lumpectomy. I didn't even require pain meds but got the prescription filled ahead of time. But everyone is different.The anesthesia took awhile to wear off, so if you are not feeling yourself, it could be lingering anesthesia . Ask your surgeon about what to expect during your recovery phase. Are you having radiation?
Have you contacted the American Cancer Society, they have a wealth of information and arranged to have a knowledgeable person call me as a friendly caller who knows everything you need to know. They can connect you with information on transportation, meals, and anything else you may not have thought of. They will send you a big packet of information. Also, your hospital should have a nurse navigator to help you with questions. I went to my oncologists therapist for awhile to help me with emotional issues going thru all this.
It was the nurses that got me thru all this. Friends and family did not understand my needs, so I turned to those who were going thru this by attending breast cancer support groups within my hospital. I finally found my niche in the support group, just listening to what others are going thru and finally discovered I could vent and be heard and understood.
Keep talking and let us know your surgery date.