💗 May 2026 Surgery Roll Call — Come On In, We’ve Been Saving You a Spot 💗
If you’ve got surgery scheduled this May—lumpectomy, mastectomy, or something in between—this thread is for you.
Not just to read. To be part of. 💗
This is where names turn into familiar faces, where “I’m nervous” gets met with “me too,” and where no one has to carry the weight of this alone.
However you’re feeling right now—steady, anxious, overwhelmed, ready, or somewhere in the middle—you’re welcome here exactly as you are.
✨ Let’s get this thread started:
Say hi. Drop your surgery date. Or just type “I’m here.”
It might feel small, but it’s how connection begins—and it makes this space real for everyone else, too.
💬 What makes this thread special is you showing up:
• Ask the question that’s been sitting in the back of your mind
• Share what’s helping—or what’s hard today
• Celebrate a step forward, no matter how small
• Come back and update us when you can
The more people who join in, the more support we all have. Truly.
💞 If you’re post-surgery, we’d love for you to jump in, too.
You remember what this felt like. The unknowns, the waiting, the “is this normal?” moments. Sharing even one thing you learned or wish you’d known can make someone else’s day a little easier.
✨ Easy ways to participate:
• Post your surgery date so we can cheer you on
• Share your experience (as much or as little as you want)
• Reply to someone else—even a simple “thinking of you” matters
📌 Getting ready? You might find these helpful:
• Our Shopping / Packing / To-Do List for Surgery & Recovery
• The Surgery section of our site for what to expect and how to prepare and much more
🤝 Looking for more connection? Our Virtual Support Groups are here before, during, and after surgery.
💗 One more thing—don’t wait until you feel “ready” to post.
You don’t need the perfect words. You don’t need a full story. Just showing up is enough.
We’re here with you through every step—countdown, surgery day, and recovery.
And we’d really love to hear from you. 💞
—The Mods
Comments
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Hi - I have my double mastectomy surgery scheduled for May 6. Now that I'm sharing with my co-workers, it's starting to feel real now. Everyone has been fantastic and super supportive.:). Feeling very nervous and somewhat overwhelmed with what is to come. I'm a planner, and not having a definite plan for recovery is not ideal for me - it's the unknown!
I really appreciate this site and all the information - it's been very helpful!
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Thanks for posting, @jscs95 and welcome again!
Here are some additional links for you:
Before Mastectomy: 10 Tips to Help You Get Ready for Your Hospital Stay and Recovery
Mastectomy Surgery and Recovery: What to Expect
We hope this helps and we'll be in your pocket on the 6th!
—The Mods
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I was thinking about having sentinel node removal and if it came back positive getting radio therapy instead of axiillary node removal. Is radiotherapy just as good as axillary node removal?
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I’m having a unilateral mastectomy on May 29 on the left and an excisional biopsy on the right at the same time . The biopsy is for atypical ductal hyperplasia. The mastectomy is due to extensive ILC. I’m very nervous and unsure if I made the correct decision about the biopsy. I could have just had double mastectomy.
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Hi, @money1234 and @anniesmummy, and welcome to the community!
@money1234, that’s a really good question. In some situations, radiotherapy may be considered instead of axillary node removal, but it depends on things like how many nodes are involved, the type of surgery, and your overall treatment plan. Your surgeon is the best person to explain what makes sense in your particular case.
A few resources that may be helpful:
@anniesmummy, we’re glad you joined the May surgery thread. We hope it brings you some support as May 29 gets closer. Please keep us posted on how you’re doing.
The Mods
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I just finished my chemo treatment and now have to go to surgery to remove the cancer in my left breast. I now have to choose lumpectomy or mastectomy. I nave ER/PR receptor negative and HER2 positive. What are the chances the cancer will recur with lumpectomy over mastectomy? Please help. I need to give an answer to the surgeon pretty soon.
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Hi, @luc94535, and welcome. We’re glad you found us.
Having to make this decision soon after finishing chemo can feel like a lot. Choosing between lumpectomy and mastectomy is a very personal decision, and things like tumor size, response to treatment, margins, and your surgeon’s recommendations all play an important role.
Here are a few resources from our main site that may help:
When is your appointment with the surgeon? Please, come back to let us know what they’re recommending
Best,
The Mods
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my MRI after the chemo reads as COMPLETE TREATMENT RESPONSE OF A KNOWN MALIGNANCY . BI-RADS CATEGORY 6. APPROPRIATE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN.
My surgeon favors lumpectomy but she respects my decision whether I choose lumpectomy or mastectomy.
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Hi, my surgery date is May 19. I’ve elected for a lumpectomy with a local flap reconstruction. It will be outpatient. I’m nervous but thankful to remove my 9mm tumor (ER/PR+/Her2-, stage 1A). I haven’t told many friends yet, just a few and only my immediate family. I’m honestly still in shock and been trying to just process the diagnosis and information, and deal with getting better before sharing with more people and have all the questions and concerns overwhelm me. Any tips on pre or post surgery recovery are appreciated!
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Welcome, @fhh225! We're so sorry you find yourself here - we know how overwhelming this can all feel. It's so much to process, but you are definitely not alone! We're all here with you, every step of the way ❤️
-Your Community Navigator Team
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