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💗 January 2026 Surgery Crew—You’re Not Doing This Alone 💗
Are you scheduled for a lumpectomy or mastectomy this January? This space is for you. Come gather with others who truly get it as we prepare for surgery together—sharing questions, nerves, fears, tips, and hard-won honesty. This is a place for real talk, reassurance, and mutual encouragement before and after the big day.…
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Surgery scheduled for December 2025? Join the surgery waiting room for support!
Are you scheduled to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy in the month of December? Join us here where we support each other as we prepare for our surgeries, ask questions about what to expect, share reservations and fears, and support one another through preparation and recovery. And, we encourage others who've "been there" to…
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Advice for someone about to have breast surgery
Let's start a new thread to get this rolling!
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Getting ready for surgery? Join us on Zoom.
Our professionally facilitated In Treatment Virtual Support Groups are a great space to meet others going through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or reconstruction to talk face-to-face and get support while going through active treatment. You'll pick up great tips from others who've been there, gain immeasurable support,…
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Prepping for Surgery? Start Here.
For information on all types of breast cancer surgery, see the main Breastcancer.org site's pages on: Surgery, including info on what to expect with any surgery Lumpectomy , featuring info on what it is, risks and what to expect Mastectomy , with what to expect, risks, and questions to ask Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy, for…
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DMX and Medicare Coverage
I have left side IDC and am getting ready to schedule surgery. My right side has scanned clear. I’m considering a DMX and going flat, for symmetry and so I don’t have to worry about future screenings and risks on the right side. A nurse navigator just told me that Medicare won’t pay for the double! In the two months I have…
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Hematoma
So……. Had my follow up with my breast surgeon today 2 weeks post lumpectomy. I’ve been having increased pain and swelling and generally feeling like crap. I can feel quite a large lump that starts over the incision going all the way down to my stomach quite painful! My lump was near my cleavage at the 8 o’clock position…
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Double Mastectomy without reconstruction
Hi, I was diagnosed in July 2025 with TNBC. Stage 2a. I have gone through my 12 cycles of taxol/ carbo/ keytruda. My AC/ keytruda was stopped it landed me in hospital during Thanksgiving. I am scheduled to have a double mastectomy without reconstruction on 12/30/2025, I am a little nervous and trying not to be depressed.…
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Smx and slnb recovery
Had my smx and slnb on Wednesday, suprised at how Little pain i have, bit achy and stiff but other than that ok. Hopefully drain out soon Area feels quite numb still, is this normal ?have been doing exercises, swelling in armpit but not too much
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tamoxifen side effects--25 years post menopausal
hi there! diagnosed in august with idc, lumpectomy and mammaoplasty (bilateral breast reduction), finished 5 fraction whole breast radiaiton on Dec 5, just started tamoxifen yesterday, 20 mg . didn't really expect side effects this soon, but… felt just generally weird both yesterday and today; sneezed a lot this morning…
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Just had my lumpectomy today
I think it went well. Some initial pain that is manageable with Tylenol and advil. Looking forward to recovery and next steps!
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Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....
OK, I admit it, I am a compulsive planner. I have had some great suggestions and tips not only regarding what to bring to the hospital, but also on how to prepare the house to make the recovery as easy as possible. I am travelling for surgery so, for me, "packing" includes the first 10 days of post-op care. I thought I…
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Has anyone decided to have a mastectomy after a lumpectomy and radiation?
I finished my radiation treatments a little over a month ago. Due to the size of my tumor I decided against radiation since it seemed as if the costs would out way the benefits. My surgeon, Onc, and Rad Onc, all said that they didn't think my chances of reoccurrences would be significantly better with a mastectomy instead…
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cording (axillary web syndrome)
Good morning! I’m 4 weeks post op from lumpectomy with SLNB. About a week ago I noticed worsening range of motion in my arm and a “cord” in my armpit on the surgery side. The lymphedema RN confirmed its Axillary Web Syndrome (cording). Man is this painful and frustrating! I can feel the tightness thru my forearm. I have a…
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Seroma
Hello! I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. My tumor was in the left breast at the 8 O’Clock position. I am having increased pain and some redness. I have a hard lump above my incision that continues to below my incision to my abdomen. This lump is painful and tender. I do not have any fever but this lump is concerning and I…