💗 February 2026 Surgery Roll Call—Let’s Do This Together 💗
If surgery is on your calendar this February—lumpectomy or mastectomy—you’ve found your people. This thread is your meetup spot: a place to show up exactly as you are, whether you’re feeling steady, scared, curious, or all of the above. We’re here to swap questions, share nerves, trade tips, and offer the kind of support that only comes from people who truly get it.
And if surgery is already in your rearview mirror—please jump in. Your real-life wisdom matters. The little things you learned, what surprised you, what helped you heal (body and mind)—those insights can make a huge difference for someone counting down the days.
✨ Ways to join the conversation:
• Drop your surgery date so we can surround you with encouragement
• Share which surgery you’re having (only what you’re comfortable with)
• Check back in after surgery to let us know how you’re doing—your update might be exactly what someone else needs to hear
As you prep, take advantage of our Shopping / Packing / To-Do List for Surgery & Recovery, and explore the Surgery section of our site for clear, practical guidance on:
• Types of breast surgery
• Smart questions to ask your care team
• Navigating lumpectomy vs. mastectomy decisions
• What surgery day and recovery are really like
If you’re looking for even deeper connection, our Virtual Support Groups are always open—for those in treatment and beyond.
You don’t have to carry this alone. This space is steady, supportive, and ready for you—before surgery, on the day itself, and through recovery. We’ve got you. 💪💞
— The Mods
Comments
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Hello, I am new to this site. I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1 Grade 2 ER/PR+ HER2- at the end of January, I am scheduled to have a lumpectomy, sentinel lymph nodes, and possible axillary nodes, on February 24. I’m feeling ok about everything. My surgeon said that I have the best case scenario with a difficult diagnosis.
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Me too! Same diagnosis. Waiting patiently for my surgery date, hopefully Feb. 23.
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@jules54 and @dnanab, welcome to our February surgery club! We're sorry for the reasons that have led you here, but we're glad to welcome you into this supportive space. đź’›
The following resources may help you both understand more about lumpectomy and axillary node surgeries and what to expect before, during, and after the procedures:
Lymph Node Removal: What to Expect
Sending strength and courage to you and everyone else on this thread.-The Mods
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Thank you!
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Hi all,
Things are moving fast for me which is both scary and helpful. Dx last week with IDC TN stage 1b grade 3. Surgery is one week away on Feb. 11. Opting for a single mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure. Sentinel lymph node biopsy also. Please wish me luck and share your best surgery tips.
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Good luck on your surgeries! In my experience (lumpectomy with two lymph nodes also removed), I was glad to get this part done, and remove the offending cancer out of my body. Hope your surgeries go smoothly and you have easy recoveries. Let others help you and let your body do its healing. Focus on getting thru this part and taking care of your body and mind.
I think my prep for surgery was straightforward, they give you instructions about eating, drinking, and when to stop prior to surgery. The anesthesiologist gave me a scopolamine patch to help with post surgery nausea, and it worked really well for me. I used ice packs which were helpful for the soreness post surgery but I found the pain to be pretty manageable with the Tylenol they recommended.
You got this! đź’—
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Hello February surgery pals,
I just wanted to let you know that my mastectomy this week went well. They also took 3 lymph nodes. I am back home recovering. The pain has been very manageable with Tylenol and the drain isn’t really annoying but that’s probably because I only have one. I do feel a sense of relief to have this part done. I am sending you all encouragement for your surgeries!
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Hi @amerli , thank you so much for coming back to update us. We’re super glad to hear your surgery went well. 💛
Wishing you smooth healing and easy drain removal. Please keep us posted as you continue to rest and regain strength.
Hugs,
The Mods
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Hello, I'm due for surgery coming up Thursday feb 19 (Korea time) for a unilateral mastectomy for HER2 positive on my left breast and a possible auxiliary lymph node. I am based in Seoul S. Korea and feel the need to connect with women in English as that's not easy to find here for support. I am glad to find this portal, and to know I'm not alone on this journey. Thank you for being here.
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Hi @kathy108 you are definitely not alone. I had a unilateral mastectomy on the left side three days ago. I am home and managing well. I will be thinking of you on Thursday. I know how lonely this can all feel, so please don’t hesitate to send me a private message if you have any questions or need any support.
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Hi. First post. I had a lumpectomy on Feb 9th. DCIS in right breast. They did a reduction and lift of both breasts after cancer was removed. I am going to need radiation next.
It did not hurt as bad as I feared. I had to stay the night in the hospital because it took a long time for me to wake up after anesthesia. I'm glad I had that first night there. I was able to get up and walk to the bathroom.
I had a cushion for my seat belt and a pillow to hold to.my chest for the car ride home. That was needed. At home I could move better than they said I would. Not doing to much is important so don't ignore that or the restrictions.
After 3 days I could shower. I came home with a surgery bra and gauze padding in the bra. I was scared to take the bra off. When I got my first look at my new chest it was not gruesome. I was amazed if looked that good!
Surgery bra experience.. I am 5'9" and weigh 280 lbs. I am a big girl. They sent me home in a 3xl size bra with velcro front closure and Velcro straps. I purchased 3xl bras with zipper front from Amazon. Getting it zipper was a nightmare. It fit but it was smaller than the one I c.ame home with. I ended up putting it back on. I ordered a $68 velcro front closure and it was perfect. The $10 zip bra will likely work down the road. I would advise staying with velcro for awhile.
I have my first post Op tomorrow morning with surgical oncologist. Then another post Op the next day with the plastic surgeon. Pathology report says I had clear margins. Whew..
I'm finding it helpful to take this one step at a time and tell myself one step closer to complete healing.. I'm grateful for a place to put these words and read others words.
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Hello @kathy108 and @dimplecheek! Welcome to the Surgery Support group. We’re really glad you both found your way here, though we’re sorry for the reasons that brought you.
@dimplecheek, we're glad to read that your pathology showed clear margins. That’s such encouraging news, and we hope it brings you a little extra peace of mind as you move into the next steps. Let us know how it goes at your next appointments.
Best wishes,
The Mods
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my lumpectomy is February 24, 2026. I will have reconstruction/reduction with lift at the same time. I am looking forward to having more answers through oncoscore and gene testing. I'm nervous, because I don't know what to expect and how the after will be.
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Hi February surgery pals,
I hope you’re all healing up well. I had my drain removed today and I’m very glad of it. I woke up from surgery with a distended stomach and it still hasn’t gone down. My surgeon said it’s gas but she doesn’t know why it’s there or how to get rid of it. Anyone have bloating or a big belly after surgery? It’s making me a little nervous.
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Hi, I am sending good vibes to those who also had breast surgery in February. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal on the 24th. I have IDC stage 2 grade 2. Estrogen and progesterone + HER 2 -. My surgery went well, and pain was very minimal. I have my follow up appt on March 4th. I still don’t know what the oncotype is as there wasn’t enough tissue to do the test when they did the biopsy. I have to admit I am a little nervous about what they will find after surgery. I have a question, do they ever change the stage and grade after they remove the tumor? My doctor said that they wouldn’t know how big the tumor was until after the surgery. I was just wondering what they might find. On a positive note, I feel really good, other than it itches a lot, but I figured that would happen.
I would like to say that I bought a small pillow made for breast surgeries off Amazon, it has been a God send. I use it all the time to keep my arm from hitting the side of my breast. It works well in the car too. Anyway I just thought I’d pass that along.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Diagnosed with triple negative stage 2b in April 2025, went through chemo and just had surgery 4 weeks ago. When diagnosed my first reaction was to have double mastectomy with flat closure. Knowing that was the most extreme of the options presented to me. I talked myself out of it over the months of chemo and choose lumpectomy with a reduction and lift on both sides. Thanks be to God, no cancer was found at surgery, and my aesthetic results by objective standards are great. The problem is, from the moment I came out of surgery, I am regretting that I did not get the mastectomy. I am investigating options right now. I would love to hear from anyone else that feels they make the wrong choice and how they proceeded after….more surgery….counseling….prayer…etc?
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Hello everyone
My sister had a bilateral mastectomy on January 30, 2026 (as February approached) and implants were placed at the same time. She stayed in the hospital for 3 days. She walked a lot and did breathing exercises to open her lungs to get rid of the anesthesia. She returned home with bandages, a velcro bra, and 2 drains. The drains were removed after 2 weeks and she is doing well now. We will move on to chemotherapy after the wounds heal. Stage 2B Er-Pr-Her2+++
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