Breast Cancer Life

Week 1 Post Mastectomy - Pathology Results and Healing Activities

There was a lot to share in the first week following surgery. I recorded short pieces of content to share what I was feeling and what activities were part of my immediate recovery period.

This episode is made up of 2 short episodes, from post-op day 2 (not even 48 hours after getting out of surgery) and post-op day 7, the day I received my pathology results in my online portal.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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breastcancerlife.org

It was just over 12 hours after leaving the OR when I recorded this episode. I had a mastectomy the day before. I had a very short night of sleep and I was still wobbly when I got up in the morning. I had a pretty good memory of getting ready to be wheeled to the OR, being in recovery, and being awakened by the plastic surgeon before 7am on post op day 1. It was a completely novel experience, as is the journey ahead, as I navigate breast cancer life.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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breastcancerlife.org

It is the day of surgery. This episode describes my pre-operative experience. I arrived 3 hours before I was scheduled to go to surgery. There were several things I needed to do to be ready for the operating room. I refer to some of what I know from work as a nurse and describe much of the unfamiliarity that comes with being a patient and undergoing surgery for the very first time.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

CONNECT

[email protected]

breastcancerlife.org

I did not put breast cancer screening (aside from a routine mammogram) on my 2023 to-do list. I did suddenly become well aware of what the process is over several months this year. The experience of screening and diagnosis continues in this episode. Learn about the activities leading up to surgery.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

CONNECT

[email protected]

breastcancerlife.org

I did not put breast cancer screening (aside from a routine mammogram) on my 2023 to-do list. I did suddenly become well aware of what the process is over several months this year. The experience of screening and diagnosis continues in this episode.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

CONNECT

[email protected]

breastcancerlife.org

I did not put breast cancer screening (aside from a routine mammogram) on my 2023 to-do list. I did suddenly become well aware of what the process is over several months this year. The experience of screening and diagnosis continues in this episode.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

CONNECT

[email protected]

breastcancerlife.org

I did not put breast cancer screening (aside from a routine mammogram) on my 2023 to-do list. I found out what happens when your mammogram is abnormal. In this episode, I share my experience as a patient. This journey started in February and continued into May. I saw mostly techs and providers, but not many nurses, in the process. There were several calls with schedulers and those who obtained insurance authorization. I had multiple appointments and procedures. Despite being a nurse (oncology nurse) and being well-cared for, there was a lot I did not know in this more in-depth diagnostic process.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

CONNECT

[email protected]

breastcancerlife.org

Recently, I became a breast cancer survivor! Survivorship is part of my identity for life. My story of diagnosis unfolded over several months. This left me a lot of time to dwell on my thoughts - fears, uncertainties, and also moments of optimism (because the cancer was very small). Dealing with this personal emergency forced me to test my coping skills. As part of my recovery, I am compelled to share my patient experience. This experience is unique to me, however I hope it will allow others to get a glimpse of what it is like when breast cancer screening leads to further testing or a cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Life is a podcast where I share my breast cancer experience in the hope that you can use this information to help you, as the patient or friend or family member of someone living breast cancer life. Nothing could have prepared me for this lived experience - not a friend with cancer or a nurse or doctor. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I am Natalie, your host. Join me as I share my journey.

The content of this podcast is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

CONNECT

[email protected]

breastcancerlife.org