| When you're diagnosed with breast cancer there are | | | | any concerns. Take pyjamas that you feel |
| a number of issues that you'll need to take care of, | | | | comfortable in for after your surgery but remember |
| often when you least feel like it. Don't be afraid to | | | | you will need to be able to remove them easily for |
| accept the help of friends and family and if you have | | | | the staff to check your wounds so often button up |
| questions or worries, always ask one of your medical | | | | pyjama tops are best. You might want to take some |
| care team to explain things to you. | | | | squash with you to add to the water that you're |
| Telling friends, family and work colleagues that you | | | | encouraged to drink and take some magazines or |
| have breast cancer | | | | light reading for when you're feeling a bit better after |
| Telling someone that you have cancer is a very | | | | your surgery. Most wards have a contact number for |
| difficult thing to do. Many people are shocked and | | | | relatives and friends which you can give out to |
| find it difficult to know what to say. Give them time | | | | people who will want to see how you're doing. |
| and whatever you do, don't feel guilty for how they | | | | After breast cancer surgery |
| feel about it. Accept that some friends may find it so | | | | After coming home from hospital you will need to |
| difficult to deal with that they may begin avoid you. | | | | take things easy for a little while. Make sure that you |
| This is their problem and not your's. Don't waste time | | | | have help at home and that you don't do any lifting |
| worrying over their friendship because the people | | | | or strenuous housework. You're body will tell you |
| who do stick around are your true friends. If it's | | | | when you're ready to start doing light chores around |
| easier then ask a close friend or family member to | | | | the house. When people offer to do things to help |
| let everyone know about your diagnosis. They can | | | | you they really mean it so don't be afraid to let |
| also act as an information point because people will | | | | them. It often makes them feel better to be able to |
| want to know how you are at various stages of | | | | help. |
| your treatment. | | | | Diet and Exercise |
| Understanding your breast cancer treatment plan | | | | When you're starting to feel better then gentle |
| You will be given a team of doctors that will include | | | | exercise such as walking will aid in your recovery and |
| surgeons, oncologists, specialist breast care nurses | | | | make you feel better. Don't do anything too |
| and radiographers. These are your team, they are | | | | strenuous. Now is not the time to be worrying about |
| experienced and have seen and dealt with many | | | | losing weight or keeping fit. The main priority now is |
| cases like yours. Remember, they're used to | | | | to look after you and to get well. |
| questions so don't be afraid to ask them anything | | | | Future fears and breast cancer recurrence |
| you need to know. If you have any questions about | | | | There will come a time when your main treatment |
| your treatment plan then your breast care nurse is | | | | has been carried out and your cancer care team |
| your first point of information. If she doesn't know | | | | don't need to see you quite so often. For some |
| the answer to your question, she'll find out for you. | | | | people this can feel a little daunting because you've |
| Going in to hospital for breast surgery | | | | become so used to having regular checks and |
| For many people having surgery for breast cancer | | | | because you may have fears that your cancer will |
| this will be their first visit to hospital. You'll be given all | | | | return. Again, talk to your breast care nurse. She will |
| the information you need before being admitted and | | | | be able to tell you what to look out for and hopefully |
| again you can ask your breast care nurse if you have | | | | allay your fears. |