Definitely will help you doing the arm exercises.  I am doing them even if I need to take painkillers beforehand.  Make sure you take time to rest if you are exhausted.  Try and do some deep breathing too as this helps and is good postoperative .  

Take care of yourself. Xx

Hi Saralou and Jovie,

I'm glad to see that you have both hooked up, to get through this journey together. It's also good to know that you have had your surgery Jovie and that you are doing well. 

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy first time around and 6 lymph nodes removed. Fortunately, all nodes were clear, but this area remained tender for several months. The lumpectomy site was fine. A year after my initial surgery, I discovered another cancer in the same breast and had a double mastectomy. I had very little bother with these, once the drains were removed. The only problem was, that I was not a suitable candidate for reconstruction, so have had to remain flat. I have managed to cope with this fairly well and use an assortment of prostheses for different activities. This all happened 14 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life - I'm sure that both of you will too.

Thinking of you both and always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine 

Hi Jolamine

thankyou for your lovely message and I hope your are ok after your diagnosis xx appreciate you sharing we don’t realise how many people go through this xxx so happy you are living and loving life too your are an inspiration xxx

Hi Jolamine, sorry you had to go though so much twice.  I agree with saralou123, you are a inspiration, and thank you for reaching out to us.  I really didn't think I would benefit from chatting on here but how wrong was I.  Such support is gratefully received xx

Hi Saralou & Jovie,

Thank you both for your lovely replies. It is well worth sticking with the forum. You will find that people here are happy to share their experiences all along their cancer pathway. They are also happy to give you any useful tips that they can. We can all feel very isolated, angry and emotional at this stage and it is helpful to see that we are not alone in this.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Saralou123.  I hope you are keeping well.   I am now having another operation on Saturday as another tumor in there.  Feeling a little deflated.  Xx

Hi Jovie,

I am so sorry to hear this. I know that this is bad news, but you are better to discover this now, rather than further down the line. It's just a pity that it didn't show up with your first tests. I know that it is frustrating to have to go through more surgery. I'll be thinking of you on Saturday and I hope that it all goes well.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jovie,

I am so sorry to hear further surgery is needed. Do you know why this wasn’t picked up prior to surgery? It’s positive you are in again for surgery so soon to remove. I know it’s so difficult but keep thinking positive. How are you feeling in respect of pain from the first op are you managing ok and resting xx

I am getting more nervous now that stopped the tamoxifen last Wed as had to stop 4 weeks prior to surgery. Have my pre op on the 13th and surgery set for 20th all confirmed now so feels more real. Every day is a different day in terms of how I feel body and mind.

im just so worried about growth and spread now to op date and what they find when they do surgery. I am continuing to work to keep busy and lots of support around me. 

I hope you have lots of support and are talking through your feelings as this does help xxx

i hope surgery goes well Saturday and I will be thinking of you xxx sending my love 

Hi Saralou,

It's good to hear that you have all of your dates now. Most of us worry about spread from time of diagnosis to surgery. Your care team know the type of breast cancer you have and they don't leave you any longer than necessary. Where there is a more aggressive strain of cancer, they will usually prioritise your operation, so that there is no possibility of spread in that time.

I m glad to hear that you are still working and keeping yourself busy and that you have a lot of support.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx