2nd operation, recovery and exercises

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Hello, I have just got back from my results appointment. I didn’t expect to be told I’d need a 2nd operation and so in all the suprise I forgot to ask a few questions.

The reason for my 2nd op is that a benign lump my surgeon took out at the same time as my lump is actually cancerous. Because he didn’t take extra margins around this part he wants to go back in and scrape out some more. Thankfully he doesn’t need to do any futher operations on my lymphnodes.

My main question is regarding recovery and exercises. Will I be unable to lift my arm above my head like before? And will I need to go back to the beginning of the exercises?

Many thanks :heart:

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@foxgem sorry to hear this but we want it all out out! At least that’s what I keep saying as I mentally prepare for my “scrape” to clear margins on 26/1. It made me feel really low that they had to go back in but out out is the only way forward. When’s your next op date? I will keep an eye on this thread and update you how mine goes. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty with SLNB and I am hopefully the scrape will be minor in comparison as no lymph node removal this time which was the worst bit for me.

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Hello @joodles, you never know what to expect do you with this ride. I really convinced myself I wasnt going to need another op so it was a real shock. I feel ok about it so far. I feel very lucky to have the clear nodes so for me thats a win. Now just to focus on the op again and worry about other treatment later :slight_smile:
My op is 5th Feb so you will have to keep me posted :heart:

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@foxgem definitely will keep you updated. In my appointment - I had op needed for clearer margins, grade 3 not 2 in my larger lump (6mm) and grade two in the tiny one (all on one duct that was removed) then 1 node with cancer with 6 free of cancer - it was not the appointment I had hoped for. So totally get you. I had also painted my toe nails which I now need to remove pre op - it’s the small attempts to be normal that then get trampled that suck sometimes more that the big cancer stuff. Big hugs x

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Hi foxgem,

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable you were surprised by the need for a second operation following your results appointment.

The purpose of the arm exercises you were given is to help you regain your arm and shoulder moment after surgery, to prevent your muscles and joints from seizing up and to help your overall recovery.

To enable you to lift your arm above your head like before, we would suggest continuing with your arm exercises. Whether you need to start at the beginning depends on how your arm movement is after the operation. If you are concerned about your range of arm movement, do talk to your breast care nurse and they can refer you to a physiotherapist for additional support.

If you would like to connect with other people who have had similar treatment and experiences, you can do this through the range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes,

Vic

Breast Care Nurse

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