Not sure where to post as this is all new to me I have her2+..

First, congrats to your 3 year Mary!!! Awesome...I love hearing NED!

Donna ~

Keep a list...and just ask your Dr. what you should expect and what to look out for if you have no questions at that time...I know the mind, you will remember later!  So, if that is the case just call the office or post a thread and there will be lots of support and answers to your questions or concerns.  Make certain you have an understanding - you should always try and bring someone with you. 

Like me, and it seems just about everyone else...we question our other breast.  I questioned at least 3 times to my BS (Breast Surgeon) and he said, " Why in the world would you want to remove a perfectly healthy breast ?"  When I had a second opinion on a BS I asked that very question again, the BS said, I have a chance as anybody else that doesn't have cancer to get it w/ in that breast. So, even though I was MORE than willing to loose that breast....if seemed invasive.

I think it solely depends on not only the individual but your history...for an example of your BRCA positive you have more of a chance.  There are others even w/ a non-aggressive cancer having bi-laterals and they are happy...they reduced their risk as well as having more of an "even" result.

Again, the choice really should be YOURS...speak to your BS and go over any options and put your mind at ease either outcome.

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother...this certainly has not been a good year has it!?  Know, that she is looking over and protecting you.

My BEST to you and your surgery...keep us posted!

Much LUV

Hi Donna-in-Canada,

My sister was diagnosed in April with IDC Stage 3 Grade 3, tumour size 5cm.  Her other breast was dense and cystic and they wanted an MRI to make sure it was negative but they couldn't get one before her planned surgery so they told her they could take it off later if necessary.  She opted to have it taken off at the same time so she wouldn't have to go back in again.  As it turned out, there was no cancer there but she is still glad she had the other side removed because she doesn't have to worry now (her best friend's mother got it in the second breast 5 years later), and also because she's symmetrical so in some ways she feels normal.  Also, she had back issues before and it is easier to avoid back strain if you are symmetric. Finally, taking off the second side adds little to the surgery recovery because they don't take out the lymph nodes which is the worst part.  

So my sister had a radical double mastectomy on the cancer side (with removal of 23 lymph nodes, 16 positive) and a simple mastectomy on the other.  It was a DAY SURGERY.  That is Ontario for you.  It was horrible getting home; every bump in the car was agony.  However, she ended up being glad to be back in her own bed without the nurses hassling her to hurry up and get out.  If we had known what it was going to be like, we would have insisted they send her home in an ambulance.  Then she would have been able to enjoy her own bed without the torture of the ride home.  However, it seems more sensible to stay at least overnight, if the health care system will allow!

On the plus side the surgeon did a great job,  got it all out even though he had to go right back to the chest wall, and the stitches healed up great.  The home care nurses have been terrific.

The recovery on the lymph node removed side was harder than the simple side and she had trouble with arm mobility.  She is now in physio and it has worked wonders.  The drains came out after about a week on the lymph node side, after about four days on the other side.  She was glad to have them out because they had begun to get itchy and sore.

My sister had other health issues that complicated her case (she had to have a second pelvic surgery a few days after starting chemo, because they couldn't fit her in to the OR schedule the month before chemo). Even with that extra trouble, things have gone pretty smoothly, so try not to stress.  My sister was a wreck in anticipation of everything but has been pleasantly surprised; the worst part has probably been the agony of worry. If you could take that away (somehow)...

Donna, I'm glad to hear that your surgery is over and you are back home.  Feeling nauseated after surgery is pretty common - I often get nauseated from the anesthesia and that can last for a couple of days, and some women get nauseated from the pain drugs.  My suggestion is to just be gentle on your stomach for a few days until it settles down - drink tea, eat things like soda crackers and plain soup.  The nausea should pass pretty soon.  If it doesn't, do you have a visiting homecare nurse or a nurse that you can call at the hospital?  A nurse should be able to advise you on what to do to relieve the nausea if it doesn't go away on it's own. 

Dear CNewberry,

The skin of a new scar (which you will have where the drain came out) is usually red.  Also, you can have some more drainage from that wound until it heals up.  If the doctor says that it is okay, then it probably is.  Just keep an eye on it and call your doctor if you think that it is becoming infected.

My doctors have let me use some antibiotic (like hydrogen peroxide) on sites like this.  You may want to call and ask about that.

Welcome and you will get to know this site as you move along.  You may want to start another "thread", or discussion of your own as you post a new questions.

Hope M. 

You sound like me-I was queasy after I came home, but improved gradually after I got off of pain meds. I just took Tylenol after coming home. The pain will gradually lessen as you heal. Just do exactly what your MD says if he wants you to rest. Moving around,especially with your arms, will increase the drainage & delay getting the drains out. I found it helpful to prop my arms up on small pillows.

   I know what you mean about not knowing what to ask-I have to have my husband with me or I remember nothing the MDs say & nothing I wanted to ask!! I have to write everything down in a spiral notebook so I can refer to it later. My brain seems to go to pause when I am at an appointment!

   We will get through this-go to the Message Board that says IDC Her2-positive for more chat with people you have the Her status in common with-it is very helpful to me. What else can we help with?

The swelling may be just fluid-it can be drawn off to relieve the pain if that is what it is. Has your MD said you could use an ice pack? I used them and they helped a great deal. If you use them, be sure to put a thin cloth between them and your skin-if you are still numb on the surface you won't be able to feel when it is too cold. Can you take ibuprofen yet? That might help. When you get clearance to take a warm bath that may help also-be sure to check with the MD 1st. I found that a bath was more helpful than a shower.