Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Virtual Support Groups! See times and register here.
We need your inspirational words for a new project! Share with us.
💗 October 2026 Surgery Support — Join Others Prepping for Surgery!💗
Having surgery in October—whether it’s a lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, lymph node surgery, or another procedure? This thread is for you.
This is your place to connect, ask questions, share updates, celebrate milestones, and support others who understand what it’s like to count down to surgery and navigate recovery.
Whether you’re feeling anxious, hopeful, overwhelmed, confident, or a little bit of everything—you’re welcome here. 💞
✨ Introduce Yourself
Tell us a little about your journey:
- Your surgery date
- What procedure you’re having
- Where you are in your journey
- Or simply say, “I’m here!”
Then come back and keep us posted!
This isn’t a one-and-done thread. Check in before surgery, on surgery day, during recovery, or anytime you need support.
đź’¬ Share, Ask & Update
Come back to:
- Share how you’re preparing
- Talk about pre-op nerves
- Ask questions
- Tell us how surgery went
- Share recovery updates
- Celebrate milestones and little wins
- Talk about challenges or tough days
- Share tips that helped you
- Cheer on someone else
No update is too small. Even “Today was a little better” is worth sharing.
đź’— Your Experience Can Help Someone Else
Have you already had surgery? Please stay and share what you’ve learned!
Your experience with things like drains, sleeping, lifting restrictions, recovery, reconstruction, pathology, returning to work, or simply managing the emotions of it all could help someone who is just starting out.
Sometimes the most reassuring thing someone can hear is: “I remember feeling exactly like that.”
And if you’re new here, don’t be shy about asking questions. If you’re wondering about it, chances are someone else is too!
🌸 Celebrate Every Milestone
Drains out? First shower? Slept through the night? Took a longer walk? Got good pathology news?
Tell us! 🎉
The little victories count, too.
🤝 Most of All, Join the Conversation
If you’ve been reading without posting, this is your invitation to jump in.
You don’t need the perfect words or all the answers. Just start where you are.
Post an introduction. Ask a question. Share an update. Celebrate a win. Offer encouragement. Come back tomorrow and post again.
The more we share and support one another, the stronger this community becomes. đź’—
đź“Ś Helpful Resources
And remember, our Virtual Support Groups are also here for support before surgery, during recovery, and every step in between.
Come as you are. Share what you’re going through. Keep coming back. And let’s get through October together. 💞
— The Mods
Comments
-
I'm having a bilateral mastectomy October 5th. I was diagnosed in June and it's been an emotional roller coaster, but I'm feeling better and in a good head space… for now! Lots of wonders about surgery and recovery. I've never been under anesthesia that long, so I'm wondering what it's going to feel like when I first wake up.
3 -
We're sorry for the reasons that have led you here, but we warmly welcome you into to our October surgery thread, @daphne12777! Wishing you all the best for your DMX next week. It may be helpful for you to browse through our previous month surgery threads so that you can get an idea of what to expect with your recovery (along with timelines) from others' real-life experiences. If you need any help navigating the forums, we're here to help!
0 -
0
-
Hi @daphne12777, just checking in - how are you recovering from your surgery? Let us know how you're doing. Sending gentle hugs!
—The Mods
0 -
I’m doing ok. Napping a lot. Little things like standing, sitting, lying down, using the bathroom, etc all cause excruciating pain depending on how I do it. Trying to figure out the best ways to move but the meds are helping.
1 -
We're so sorry to hear you're still in pain. We hope it gets a little better for you soon. One step at a time!
Here's some more tips on at-home recovery after mastectomy.
Keep us posted - we're sending healing thoughts!
—The Mods
0 -
Lumpectomy on October 15th. Nervous but the doctor is very experienced. My neighbor is planning to drive me. Trusting God. Thanks for the place to share.
2 -
Welcome, @efussell! We're sorry you have to go through surgery, but we're glad you're here. We'll be thinking of you on Thursday. Please keep us posted when you can. đź’ž
The Mods
0 -
Double Mastectomy 10/23. I'm angry this is happening. More angry that we do not have better options and more resources. I know we have more than there was 20 years ago. Searching for a counselor who specializes in women dealing with a double mastectomy, but that doesn't seem to exist.
Did anyone do anything exciting or adventurous the day(s) prior to their life changing surgery?
1 -
We completely understand how you're feeling, @sgarland! We'll be thinking of you as your surgery day gets closer, we're here for you every step of the way.
The Mods
0 -
I was also very angry and frustrated with DMX being my only option. I was stage 1 and everyone would say how lucky I was to catch it early. But I would think "How lucky am I if I literally need to get body parts removed?!?" So I totally get how you're feeling. I was working with one therapist but I'm switching to a new one who I think can help me better. I've been taking Pristiq to manage anxiety and depression, and that's helped. In the days leading up to my surgery on October 5, I got a massage, took pictures of my breasts, and touched them a lot. I never really thought much about my breasts, but once I knew I'd be losing them, I wanted to feel them as much as possible. Fortunately I found doctors who are experienced with preserving nerve sensation. They couldn't make me any promises, but 8 days out, I'm feeling soreness throughout most of my breasts (which is a good sign that there's still some nerves working in there). When I touch them, they feel different but they're not completely numb (which was one of my biggest fears). The other thing I did leading up to surgery was deep clean my house and prepare my spaces by rearranging some furniture. I wish you all the best and feel free to ask me any questions!
3 -
Hi again @efussell! Just checking in on you - how did your lumpectomy go and how are you feeling?
Thinking of you!
—The Mods
1 -
Also, @sgarland we're thinking of you since your first post, as you prepare for surgery. We hope you're able to find some peace and less anxiety. Also, wanted to share this resource with you about finding cancer-specific mental health support: How To Find Mental Health Support Services
How else can we help you prepare for your surgery? We're here for you!
—The Mods
0
Categories
Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual support groups. Read more...
Share more about you! Fill out your profile.