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Mastectomy in 2 weeks - Tips please

DiagnosedAt28
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Hi,

I'm 28 and was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma in May. As my tumour is rather large (12cm) I am having a mastectomy and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy followed by chemo and Radiotherapy. 

Everything seems to have happened so quickly. I am a mum of 2 young boys and currently studying Radiography at university so have been trying to finish off what I need to before my treatment starts.  

What are main/top things you would say are best to get? I've been given so much informative it's overwhelming . How do you know what size bras to buy for after surgery? I have G cups at the moment but will be having a reduction on my healthy side too. 

Tips/Advice appreciated 

K

  • A warm welcome to the forum K although I'm sorry you've received a breast cancer diagnosis at the tender age of 28.

    I'm sure you're contending with a lot of emotions right now but I'm glad you've joined us as you'll find many of our members have been on this journey so will understand what you're going through at the moment and will hopefully be along soon to offer their support and advice.

    In the meantime, if you'd like to get an idea of what may happen after surgery just click here but if you'd prefer to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Wishing you all the best with your treatment K.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi, 

    I really feel for you to go though this at 28. I'm 42 but also have two young children. I had a left side mastectomy 3 weeks ago with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction and I'm doing ok now. What kind of reconstruction are you having? Your plastic surgery/breast care  nurse should be able to advise about bra size. I have small boobs so just bought my normal size sports bra plus a bra expander. 

    For the hospital take an extension cable - all the plugs are really far away so this meant I could charge things easily. Take a see through large water bottle with easy drink spout; much better than constantly filling up glasses of water. I found audiobooks useful and distracting as I didn't have the concentration to read. 
     

    Feel free to ask any more questions and hope it all goes well for you x 
     

     

  • Offline in reply to kizi41

    Hi, thanks for replying

    I'm having an immediate implant reconstruction on the mastectomy side and a reduction on my good side. I'm normally a G cup so have no idea what size implant I'm going to end up with. The surgeon said it will be down to what they can do on the day. Ive got some crop tops for the time been and think ill have to assess the size once I'm home. 

    How long did it take for you to be up and about? We're the drains easy to manage? I've been told I will be home the next day and worried how ill manage pain wise.

    Thanks for the tips - they're good ones

    K xx

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