My pre op is a week today and then the 24th my masectomy. Want it to happen and get it over with but starting to feel scared and wondering about the pain when I come round. I had an ovary out three years ago and woke up feeling like I had been cut in half and stitched up again. All my lymph nodes are coming out and wonder if I will be able to lift my arm. Suzanne xxx
Dear Rosie112
While you are waiting for other members to come along to respond to your post I thought our publication might be of some help:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/your_operation_and_recovery_bcc151_0.pdf
You might also find you get more replies if you post in the section “Going through treatment/ surgery”.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi Rosie112
It’s perfectly normal to feel worried and anxious - I think it’s down to the unknown. I had an axillary clearance on the 5 December 2013 and to be honest they give you so may painkilling injections when your under anaesthetic that it was not as bad as I feared. I had a WLE at the same time but unfortunately had to have a second operation as there was no clear margin. I am now waiting the results of the second op which I get today (I think anxiety and worry is the worst thing with all of it !) My advise would be to try and chill out, take each day as it comes and think positive. This is going to rid you of the cancer. You can’t change the situation but remember you are strong enough to deal with it - we have to be. My advice would be to start the exercises as soon as you are told to and stick to a regular regime. You will then make a better recovery and will reduce the risk of restrictive movement in the future. I would say it is more uncomfortable than painful. Movement will be restricted at first but you will gradually be able to lift your arm higher each day. Good luck with everything and remember - BE STRONG ! xxxxxx Pinkrunner
Hi. I had a right mastectomy on the 10th December and like you I was very anxious about the operation. I had never been under general anaesthetic, and I was scared about how I would feel. But the pain was actually not too bad. The drain was the funniest sensation, as it feels like the fluid is running down your back, but its not!! I came home the day after the operation with one drain still in but you soon get used to the ‘sensation’! I only took paracetamol to ease the pain. I had all 20 lymph nodes taken out and nearly six weeks later I can now raise my arm nearly back to normal! Exercise is key. First few days I was scared to do them, but I knew I had to do it!!! Once the drain was out, i felt far less scared about stretching.
I hope this helps ease your mind a little xx