Diagnosed, Lumpectomy January 4

So sorry you've been given news that brings you here!

Yes, the acceptance does come eventually, though how much and how fast varies from person to person. But be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as you go through treatment. (Not saying it's inevitable. Just that random fountains of tears are an entirely normal reaction.) Don't be shy about asking for psychological help--it's a devastating diagnosis regardless of where in the spectrum you fall.

I told my immediate family, and my neighbor--queen of the nosy parkers, so she'd have guessed anyway--and the two clients I was working with at the time to explain why I might be late returning their manuscripts. But then I didn't go through chemo, so kept my hair.

What to do to prepare yourself? Make sure your surgeon spells out any activity restrictions (for me, it was lap swimming and weight lifting), and what the incision's likely to look like. Try to enjoy the holidays! Do something especially diverting--a trip? a massage? a few hours volunteering at a soup kitchen? depends. Make sure you have tasty appealing meals available for the first few days after surgery.

sofia, sounds like you are doing a great job working through the questions and thinking ahead about the "after." I don't see that you said how big the lump is, but that could make a difference after a LX. I had a 1cm lump taken out and a SNB--right side. The scarring is minimal and I have a slight (I do mean slight) depression where the lump was taken out, but I also have large breasts so proportionally not much removed. This depressed area seems to have filled in a little and has become less noticeable after a year. It would be quite different if I was an "A" cup and had a 3cm tumor. I did develop a seroma, a collection of lymph fluid, where the SNB was, which lasted about a month making the healing of that area take a little longer.

Do you know if you'll have radiation? I had twice-a-day/5 day multiple catheter radiation and have a little scar from that procedure too. At my age, I don't mind seeing a few scars in an area before I put on my bra!!

I recovered quickly from the surgery itself. I went home within a few hours, and within 48 hours was driving and sat in a 3 hour meeting. I didn't really have pain from the LX but more from the SNB location although I never felt the need for pain killers. I wore a breast binder for first few days and then off and on for weeks, and also during radiation. I felt better with tight fit, especially when sleeping. I have similar work background to you and I had no work restrictions on teaching. If I were an elementary school teacher, I would have worried about students running into me, but otherwise you'll do fine with adults. It's restrictions on lifting your arms, carrying heavy objects, and other full movements you'll want to discuss with your surgeon.

Keep asking questions. I hope your breast center has a nurse navigator available to you also. They were very helpful to me before and after surgery.

Be good to yourself, pamper yourself while you have the chance. You'll be back in routine before you know it!!!

Hello Sofia, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I, too, was just diagnosed about 2 weeks ago and go the ER/PR results early this week. I am ER + PR + and HER2 negative. The lump was found in my left breast by self exam (because I started getting "bee sting" pains in it). I found it at the end of October. Sadly, I haven't had a mammo in nearly 6 years. NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen to me.

I'm 54, and understand how you feel ~ it does all seem so surreal. If you have a good support system (family, friends, etc.), then by all means I think it's good to talk and share. I only just broke down in tears and sobs last night after we had visited with my surgeon to go over my options. I am so extremely fortunate to have a caring and supportive husband and family.

Hugs to you, and don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to share experiences or need a virtual hug. Your surgery is scheduled for the same day as my visit to the radiation oncologist, so I'll be sending you lots of strength and healing vibes that day!

~Snowy

That's wonderful, sounds like a great plan! Reiki is beautiful, I have friends up the road who are Reiki Masters and they offered it to me any time I feel the need. Hugs!