Cancer Support

Dear_Prudence

(840 posts)

36. Mastectomy on April 4

Thu Apr 13, 2023, 11:31 AM

Apr 2023

I just had a unilateral mastectomy on April 4 for breast cancer, following a lumpectomy 13 years ago. This is not a recurrence, but a new cancer. Scary, yes. Sometimes meditation helps. DU helps because I can't follow the news due to brain fog, but I know my DU community will flag anything I should know about. Also, cat stories on DU help me a lot. The pain has been minimal. I have only taken plain Tylenol twice, once for a tension headache. Tha stupid post-op bra has seams where the stitches are so 4x4 adhesive gauze pads are a good thing to have on hand; just fold back the adhesive where you don't want it to stick. A mastectomy pillow (Amazon, Etsy) is good for sleeping and to protect yourself from the car seat belt or affectionate feline companions. Bring the pillow for your post-op ride home. Ask for help. Tell people what you need. Wishing you a good recovery.

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I have recurrent breast cancer [View all] cate94 Apr 2023 OP

we are here for you Skittles Apr 2023 #1

Thanks cate94 Apr 2023 #2

believe me, I know how easy it is to want anything that will relieve anxiety Skittles Apr 2023 #5

I hope you have more than one consultation.. Deuxcents Apr 2023 #3

Thanks cate94 Apr 2023 #4

((Hugs)) Deuxcents Apr 2023 #6

Your DU family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need. Sending vibes niyad Apr 2023 #7

Thank you! cate94 Apr 2023 #21

I'm so sorry vercetti2021 Apr 2023 #8

Thanks cate94 Apr 2023 #22

Damn. murielm99 Apr 2023 #9

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #23

Strength and honor. WheelWalker Apr 2023 #10

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #24

Echoing niyad's sentiments. Stay encouraged. ❤️ littlemissmartypants Apr 2023 #11

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #25

Oh shit! BigmanPigman Apr 2023 #12

Right!?! cate94 Apr 2023 #26

Thinking of you. yorkster Apr 2023 #13

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #27

I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in 2001 lillypaddle Apr 2023 #14

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #28

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Apr 2023 #15

All true cate94 Apr 2023 #29

Thinking of you. mia Apr 2023 #16

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #30

best wishes for you markie Apr 2023 #17

Thanks! cate94 Apr 2023 #31

Keep us posted when you can. Solly Mack Apr 2023 #18

Thank you! cate94 Apr 2023 #32

Crap indeed. TNNurse Apr 2023 #19

Thanks for the info! cate94 Apr 2023 #33

I understand what you're going through. Bluepinky Apr 2023 #20

Thank you for this! cate94 Apr 2023 #34

Any time. Keep us posted on your condition. It will be okay. Bluepinky Apr 2023 #35

Mastectomy on April 4 Dear_Prudence Apr 2023 #36

Thank you! cate94 Apr 2023 #37