Just diagnosed facing double mastectomy next week

HI Sue,

I'm sorry you have to be here with us, but you found a wonderful group of women.  If you read the 'What's your ILC story', you'll see that many of us have had large ILC tumors (mine was 7.5cm).  ILC is very sneaky and hard to detect.

Best of luck with your surgery and let us know how you're doing! 

hugs,

Lynn

Hi Sue. Sorry you had to join us, but welcome. I had a bilateral with expander reconstruction 6/14/07, and my PS released me to go back to work (with no heavy lifting) after 4 weeks. I felt ready. I guess it would depend on what sort of job you have, too. I am a high school counselor so I'm in my office most of the day. Good luck and keep posting - I think you'll find it's really helpful.

Sue you have come to the right place.  So many ladies here have been in your position and will be happy to share tips, insights and listen to whatever is on your mind. I know things must be hitting you hard right now and things seem to be moving fast. 

Discussions with your surgeon and oncologist will answer questions about your actual staging and any additional treatments planned. It often helps to have a friend or family member with you at your doctor appointments so they can help you to remember what is said.

You may not have had time to even think about it yet, but try to have some comfortable roomy tops that button or zip in the front, so you can easily get them on and off after surgery. Many women have used soft cotton camisoles made specifically for mastectomy surgery that have pockets for soft forms and also places to pin your drains. I like the large cotton smock tops like nurses wear that have pockets and snaps down the front.  Also plan on comfortable knit pull-on slacks that make getting dressed easier for the first week or so.

Just feel free to ask questions or express concerns here.  It is so difficult right after a new diagnosis to absorb it all in a brief amount of time.  It will get better.  We are here when you need us.

hi ! i'm a ILC gal too ... way over 7 cm ...stage 3A and 3 years and counting

i recommend starting a 3-ring binder of all your reports, tests, meds, questions, etc and take it with you to all appts ... you'll probably have a number of docs before too long and this will help them get accurate info and you won't have to worry about remembering it accurately

hugs and hang with us

I too am having a double mastectomy Tuesday.  It has all hit me within a week and having trouble taking it all in.  I had a mammogram in January and was told it was ok.  My left nipple started inverting around that time also.  I went to the doctor last Wednesday simply because it was time to renew my high blood pressure prescription.  I casually asked her about the left nipple.  She scheduled another mammogram for 8 am Friday and an appointment with a surgeon at 3 pm Friday.  They did a double biopsy Monday at 8 am.  Found out Wednesday that I have cancer in both breasts and have a double mastectomy scheduled for Tuesday. 

Good luck, Sue!

My doctor had told me that I would be off 4-6 weeks and I thought he was nuts.  But he was right. You'll be feeling pretty good at 7 weeks but the stamina needs building.  You'll feel more like yourself at 8 weeks.

Hi Sue -

I am just now seeing your post! I'm glad you made it through fairly well! How are you doing at this point? Hope you're feeling okay. Once treatment is over, you will moving on to the next chapter. Be well.

brahman -

Yikes...sorry you have had so much trouble! And, I'm sorry you have yet more DCIS show up! You may want to also post in the DCIS forum. Best wishes to you...hang in there!