Just diagnosed and scared to death!

Katie55

I was told I had breast cancer in early January. Within a week I was in to see a surgeon and had a few days to consider my treatment options. It all happened so quickly but I guess thats a good thing. Next week I go in for a mastectomy and I am still trying to absorb all this. I was given the option of a lumpectomy but would have to travel several hours away for radiation every day for 5 weeks. I am hoping I made the right decision.

Moderators

Hi Katie, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but we're really glad you found us. We know you'll find our amazing Community an incredible source of support, information and advice. We're all here for you!

You may want to pop into the January 2018 Surgery thread to introduce yourself to others who are facing surgeries this month. There's lots of good info on how to prepare for surgery, what to expect, and recovery advice.

We hope this helps and we look forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

Icietla

Welcome, Katie55. I am very sorry about your diagnosis.

It is often (correctly) said that the right surgery choice is the one you make for yourself. Mastectomy gives greater reduction in local recurrence risk. I hope it will help about your peace of mind.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mast_vs_lump

In our Surgery forum section, you can join this month's surgery group (the January 2018 group). In the same section, you can look around at the discussion threads and learn a great deal about what you might expect with your recovery.

Do you have a person or persons to assist you at home?

We are here for you.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91

Katie55

Thank You, I will check out the thread. I have done some research and spoken to a few people and decided that I would rather not be forever worrying about a recurrence. I also wanted to avoid radiation if possible, because it would involve a lot of travel and/or expense of staying somewhere several hours from home. I have animals at home who need looking after (horses, dogs, chickens) so that would be an added expense and worry with going out of town for treatments. I do have help here- my husband will be covering my job while I'm off work and my 27 year old son has temporarily moved back home to help out. I also have lots of family support and a doctor who I really like and trust so I'm lucky in many regards. But surgery still really scares me- I have had some very bad experiences in the past and I am also somewhat afraid I will regret my choice.

EastcoastTS

Katie55:

So sorry you are here -- but glad you found this resource. I could not have made it through 2017 without BC.org!

There are great pre-surgical prep lists here. I'll post one if I can find it. But search around. I was terribly well-prepared for surgery and it helped to know what I could expect to be able to do (and not do). Other's experiences are helpful to read.

Good luck to you! {hugs}

Katie55

Thank You EastcoastTS! I found several lists and they helped me get ready. I have had the surgery now and all is well so far. I will see the surgeon again on Feb. 7 when he will tell me more.

moth

Dear Katie, sorry you've joined our sucky club.

Just be aware that on the odd chance that something is found in the lymph nodes, you may still need radiation. Just in case it happens, be prepared for that possibility.

Katie55

Thanks moth, yes I was warned that I may need radiation anyway. At least now I will have a bit more time to make preparations and arrangements. Everything happened so fast after my diagnosis I was overwhelmed and had to make big decisions very quickly. Now I am just relieved that the surgery is over and I am not regretting my decision at all. I have no intention of having a reconstruction, will have to figure out how to dress after this. Fortunately my breasts were not very big so for now I can hide it with layers and baggy clothes. I almost wish they had both come off- it would make things a lot easier clothing-wise.

Cpeachymom

Hi Katie- glad your surgery went well. Just wanted to offer support regarding no recon. I also am small chested and had umx, no recon. I have had success with cheap “coobie” type bras from Walmart and little homemade triangle inserts I stitched together with some poly fill. It’s just enough that I can wear just about anything, including my dresses. Not saying you have to go that route, but I’ve found it makes wardrobe choices easier. Best of luck to you!

Katie55

This might be a dumb question but what is a coobie bra?

Snickersmom

Katie - that's not a dumb question at all. Coobie is actually a brand name but you can get the same kind at WalMart, Target, etc. They are pullover bras and I think most of them are pretty much like sports bras without the high back. They have little pockets in them so that you can put a polyfill form inside or a knitted knocker, or whatever you want that is comfortable. If you go to your local American Cancer Society office, they should be able to help you with knitted knockers, etc.

This site is a wonderful resource and you will also get tremendous support from everyone. Ask any questions you need to and remember - there are no stupid questions. We're all rooting for you.

EastcoastTS

Glad surgery went well! There is also a Bra forum somewhere on BC.org that discusses all kinds of bra issues.

Katie55

Haha I've just never seen them I guess! I live in Canada so maybe they do not carry them here. Gonna check out some online sites and also see what I've got here that may work. I'm not sure when it is okay to start wearing a bra- after everything is healed? I got my drain out today and things appear to be healing well so far. I feel a lot freer without that drain tube dangling off me.