Hello all
Reading your lovely comments to each other has really made me feel brave enough to join.
I went for my second appointment with my consultant today, getting better news than I had last week! I’m 29 (married, no kids) and was really shocked when diagnosed last Wednesday with grade 3 hormone neg bc. Today I was told I only had one lump, no spread, and feel confident about my treatment now I know what’s going to happen (lymph node testing, then chemo, then lumpectomy/mastectomy depending on how much the tumour shrinks).
I’m guessing that being one of life’s annoyingly happy and positive people does help. I haven’t felt any different really, although I know I will at some point.
Enough rambling (sorry!), I actually have a question… has anyone had sentinel lymph node surgery? I have no idea what sort of size scar to expect, whether I’ll be able to use deodorant (?!), how I’ll feel afterwards, etc. Any pointers/tips welcome…
I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis, but would like to welcome you to the Forums. I am sure you will receive lots of helpful advice and support from our users.
Below is a link to a Breast Cancer Care publication Resources Pack which can be ordered on line, it is filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available.
Hi Vicky,
Sorry you have had to join us but you will get loads of advice and support from all the ladies on this site. I was dx with BC in july with a 2.3cm lump grade3 and had a WLE (lumpectomy) and sentinel lymph node biopsy . My SNB was done through the same incision as the lumpectomy so only one scar , they inject a blue dye while your under the aneasetic to find the sentinel node (which is the first node which the tumour drains to, in my case they removed 4 lymph nodes and all 4 were found to be clear so no spread thank god.Prepare to wee blue for the first couple of days due to the dye and oh your nipple will also be blue mine still is now though it is fading the BC nurses told me it would take a few months for that to go.As for deodorant i was told not to use it for some time afterwards they will tell you about this i expect.I felt very well afterwards and had very little pain at all and have had no problems with using my arm at all.Do the exercises they give you and you will be fine.Good luck with your treatment and let us know how you get on.Hope this helps
All the Best
Lindiloo
I am also sorry that you have had to join us following your diagnosis. Unlike Lindiloo I have 2 scars because of the position of my lump. The SNB scar is about 7 - 8 cm long but is fading fast as I had the op in April. Some blue dye still remains though! I did feel quite uncomfortable while the dressing was in place but you need to get on with the exercises they give you anyway. I gave up with most of the painkillers because I didn’t like the side effects, so the pain can’t have been too bad.
I had an snb and masectomy two weeks ago, your arm will feel stiff afterwards, but do the exercises and it will improve. Unfortunately, I had an incision under my arm to remove the lymph node, but have been told that the lymph nodes are all clear, just need rads to make sure that all the nasties have gone as they were quite close to my chest wall. Sorry you have had to join us, but you will get loads of support and information from this site.
Hi Lindiloo
I had my lumpectomy and SNB last Thursday with a separate scar for each. They took 2 lymph nodes and I heard yesterday they were clear. Yay!!
My consultant told me beforehand to warn my family that my skin would have a bluish tinge for up to 24 hrs. It did look awful, but the next day I was back to my rosy self - except for the black& purple bruised bit, but that will fade - and the rather stylish turquise blue are above my nipple - at least it is a colour which suits me! The blue wee lasted about 48 hrs and the blue/green poo is a bit weird, but these things pass (bad pun intended)!
I was lucky that they only took 2 lymph nodes, so my shoulder/arm mobility is good and I had no fluid retention in my arm afterwards. I am finding that as I keep doing the “funky chicken” exercises the physiotherapist gave me, movement is continuing to get easier and less painful. I just find a couple of paracetamol at bedtime help the discomfort so I can sleep. I am a big girl (F cup) so find I need a soft, supportive bra at night to stop me putting strain on the wounds. I am sleeping slightly propped up with a pillow by my side so I can rest my elbow, to keep my arm from pressing on the side of my affected breast.
My consultant said I can use deoderant, but should not let it get on the wounded area - she suggested applying it using a mirror and covering the wounded area to make sure. She did tell me to avoid talc until I am completely healed.
I hope your treatment is as straightforward as mine was, whatever happens you will find someone on this site has been there and is willing to share their story and offer advice and support. We’ll all be thinking of you and wishing you well.
Hi
Sorry about dx but you’ll get lots of advice and support from this forum.
I had WLE and SNB 5wks ago two scars one 6cm under arm just below edge of bra and the other round nipple. Both healing well. Breast still has a blue tinge. Nursing at home team removed dressings 3days after op and because stitched inside and out was able to shower straight away. Told to use Simple products. They said I could use something like Dove deodorant but avoid the scar. Because I’m having rads they advised me to start using aqueous cream immediately which I’ve done twice a day, I also think it’s helped to smooth the scars and stop them feeling dry and itchy. Did not interfere with arm or shoulder movement.
You stay happy now
Love Caz xx
Thanks everyone for your advice and support! I’m in tomorrow, and feeling a bit more relaxed about it. Ironically my mum is also in for an op a couple of wards down (completely unrelated thank goodness). At least I can see some funny side to this - all my friends want pictures of blue booby (and bodily fluids)! I have to admit to being VERY curious…
Thanks again
Vicky
Hi Vicky,
I’m so glad that I’m not the only one with completely weird friends, I have had requests for the same sort of photographs ( I must admit to my boob being a stunning grape like purple shading to blue and green with matching bodily fluids- fascinating!!). So good to be able to laugh at a time like this isn’t it ? I hope your op went well and that you are feeling as comfortable as I am ( had mine two days ago)
Love Lin x
Hi Vicky
You sound very ‘upbeat’ about things which is good. I was Dx grade 3 IDC in May. Had a WLE and sentinal node biopsy. My scar from SNB is small and neat and well hidden in a fold of fat! I took photos of it regularly so that I could see it healing and fading. Noone ever advised me on deodrant etc so I just used a roll on. After about one week, I thought my scar had become infected because it was oozing white gunge (nice!) but my consultant told me that was normal. Five months on, I still have a blue boob, although the colour is fading now. I am currently having chemo, which has been the hard bit for me to come to terms with. I’ll be finished by December and then I need a bilateral mastectomy.
I think one of the things that is helping me get through this is talking to everyone and anyone about it all. I receive so much attention from friends, family and work colleagues… I almost feel famous!! But then I wonder how I will feel once ‘my journey’ is over and people don’t make as much fuss… maybe then I will be able to come to terms with everything!
Anyhow, enough rabbitin’!
Stay positive