Best Of
Re: Who's starting Radiation in November 2025? Let's gather here to share!
hi@nope123
Thank you soooo much!!
Yes, have to embrace the crappy part of this journey as well. But from that, comes greater inner strength!
I had an appointment with my MO on Fri. He sent me for bloodwork for genetic testing. Also, asked me what my decision was on whether I want to take Tamoxifen or not.. which I declined.
But I commented on that on the thread I started on DCIS Stage 0…
Anyways.. I feel better now, because when I registered for the blood work, the clerk saw my rad schedule, and said I should receive a call early next week (Dec1), and that they rush the process when doing a replan
I spent the weekend relaxing and went for a walk in the forest and yup, I had some GREAT wine.
I’m trying hard to embrace the now and let things “go”. It will all work out in the end, and I WILL continue with rad treatment.
But I definitely needed that break from all the positive thinking. It’s not that easy when things don’t move along, amd even when they do , it is sooooo exhausting
I’ll send an update, here even though we are almost in the month of Dec
And please share.. how are you feeling now. Are you able to still work after your treatments? How were the side effects for you?
I am also in the health care field but have been off work since my surgery which was Sept 17th
Embracing with strength
Redwinelover
Re: Are you currently (or have you been) in a Clinical Trial?
Dear all, thanks for best wishes. Yes, my wife's situation was absolutely desperate… Cannot even remember these days well, probably my brain blocks these crazy moments: could not sleep, was running NCI corridors with 2.5 year old baby in my hands who was crying for mommy, hiding for some minutes to cry, then wiping off tears and going out to fight again. Our doctors were amazing and broke not one protocol to bring my wife back to life. Ehh, my heart always breaks when I hear C stories… no one, no one will really understand what these people go through until you face it yourself. Biggest respect to all these fighters, biggest respect to these forums and you all who gave me hope, courage and knowledge. Hugs,
Saulius
bsandra
Re: How long have you been Stage IV?
Isn’t this group of BCO (Breast Cancer.Org) members wonderful?!
I have learned so much from everyone on this thread and am so thankful for their wonderful advice, encouraging words, and kind thoughts.
Have a great week, all!
Hugs, Pam 💗
Re: How long have you been Stage IV?
Thank you Norah and Juliana. I am anxious and hope whatever they find that they can get this pain under control. This is such a great community.
xsuzx
Post unilateral mastectomy - recovery
I’ve read through a lot of the recovery posts, but am wondering how long (roughly) does it take before lifting heavy and doing things like vacuuming are ok after a mastectomy without reconstruction.
I realise our healing is individual but would just like others timelines.
foggydew
Re: Post unilateral mastectomy - recovery
Hi. It was a few weeks before I could lift anything. Unfortunately, I got sepsis the weekend I got out of hospital so ended up back in ICU. I didn’t want any further surgery after this so didn’t take reconstruction. Psychologically I’ve found it difficult to deal with but I’m getting there. Nobody talks about this aspect of it all.
It’s difficult to make choices but we have to do what we feel is best, whatever that is. I wish you luck and good healing.
foggydew
Re: Post unilateral mastectomy - recovery
Hi I had bi-lateral so it may be a bit different. Left breast was required, but I chose to do both due to a number of factors.
I wasn't to lift my arms past elbow height for the first week. As for weight restrictions, I believe 5lbs at first, working up 15lbs later in recovery. Once I saw the surgeon at 8 weeks he cleared me to slowly return to regular activity but to listen to my body and not push myself. I was given directed exercises to do during the first 6 weeks. Do them, they help.
You will probably have to deal with surgical drains for the first while - I had 3. I can't remember how long I had the drains - probably about 2 weeks but felt like forever.
As foggydew said, no one prepares you for the the psychological impact. I think I ugly cried at each stage of the post surgical progression. Be gentle with yourself and know it's okay to grieve the loss how your body looked. I still have days.
Some tips: I bought a wedge shaped pillow which allowed me sleep inclined for the first while because I couldn't use my arms to push myself up with. - Things you use regularly, leave on the counter if you can kettle, cups, snacks so you don't have to reach. - For vacuuming I have an upright and would hold in place and walk myself forward and back rather than extending my arm. Honestly, let others help with the chores, you can slowly take them back as you feel up to it. - I invested in physio sessions with a therapist who specialized in post mastectomy recovery and I am now going for myofascial release treatments which I highly recommend.
I had a few minor complications but all in all the recovery really wasn't that bad for me.
I had no option for immediate reconstruction. It's now been over a year now and I plan to talk to a plastic surgeon but remain largely undecided.
Choose whatever feels right for you.
missymoo
Re: Post unilateral mastectomy - recovery
Hi, it looks like no one responded to your post, which is unfortunate because I have the same question. What was your experience? I’m having a very hard time deciding what surgical choices to make, and so looking for info on experiences.
time28
Re: November 2025 Chemo thread - let's support one another!
Hi, I am reluctant to join a group that I never wanted to be apart of, but grateful to find others walking in these same uneasy steps. I found a lump in my right breast mid-August. It had only been 10 months since my previous normal mammogram. Subsequent testing and biopsy showed invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma. (ER+, PR+, HER2- neg). I had been taking HRT since my hysterectomy in 2011 & discontinued it as soon as I received my biopsy results. I chose to have a double mastectomy with tissue expanders for reconstruction which was done on 9/22/25 with the hope of not needing further treatment. Surgical pathology was as expected, except that 1 of 4 lymph nodes from my right axilla was also positive. My Oncotype DX score was 27. With these findings, 6 rounds of chemotherapy was recommended to then be followed with an aromatase inhibitor. I started TC chemotherapy on 10/19/25. The day after chemotherapy I received a Fulphila injection. Side effects have been mild with the exception of a few days. I have pretty bad hot flashes- due to stopping my estrogen hormones. (My sweet hubby ordered a neck fans for me which has been a huge necessity & I highly recommend for any other “hot” ladies.). I experiences intense body aches/flu-like symptoms 2 days after my Fulphila injection which were severe for about 24 hours & then subsided. Later that week I had sudden onset of chest pain which radiated to my back & down my spine. It gradually worsened & became very severe and I was sent to the ER for evaluation. They were able to rule out a pulmonary embolism and treated the pain. It was suggested the meds to stimulate my bone marrow or the chemo may have been the cause, but we really don’t know. The pain meds helped and by the next day i only noticed minimal twinges of pain & then it stopped completely. I praise God that I have felt really good the past 4 days but remain cautious to brag because each day seems like an unknown. Sorry for the long post. I’d love to hear from anyone with similar symptoms or suggestions.