I have a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy on Tuesday. Now it’s so close, I’m feeling scared and not quite sure what to expect or how I will be afterwards.
Can anyone advise what the pain will be like - do you def need painkillers? Which area will be painful - breast or underarm? When will I be able to move my arm properly? Will I be able to put my own bra on afterwards?
My wound will be underneath the breast (6.00 O’Clock position) - has anyone else had this location? I’m wondering if it will be hard to keep my wound dry and clean.
Any advice and information would be welcome - it’s a very last minute request because I’ve kept myself busy until today, which is why it’s juat really hitting me now.
I had a lumpectomy and SNB in July. My lumpectomy scar is around my nipple (a sort of 11 to 1 position). I really don’t recall my breast or my arm being painful immediately afterwards, it was more like discomfort later on in the healing process.
I felt absolutely fine after my surgery (to the point that I insisted on being discharged at 10.30pm). I had no problem putting my (front fastening) bra on straight away. I was determined not to stay in overnight having had a horrendous experience the last time I was in hospital and having to stay in when it wasn’t strictly necessary.
It massively helped me to put my complete trust in the medical team: I told myself it is just another day at work for them and my surgeon assured me that this type of operation is one of the most straightforward that they do.
In terms of pain relief I did as I was told and took a couple of doses of co-codamol but switched to paracetamol the next day. My arm was a bit stiff, but again I followed the instructions to do the shoulder exercises: I had no problem doing them straight away, it was only a couple of weeks later as the healing progressed that I stiffened, but I kept on and I’ve had no problems since.
I took it upon myself to take extra doses of Vitamin C for around 6 weeks as it helps the body to heal.
I hope everything goes OK for you on Tuesday
I had lumpectomy and SNB nearly two years ago. My scar runs upwards from 6.00 to nipple with a second straight horizontal one near my armpit. I wasn’t in much pain afterwards and could move my arm straight away, just a slight pulling sensation when doing the stretching exercises. I had front fastening post surgery bras from Asda, very easy to put on and plenty of support. My surgeon put glue over my scars so was quite easy to keep them dry in the shower, I just let the water run gently over them for a brief moment. I had no problems with recovery, I had rads for 3 weeks but just applied the cream the gave me and went braless as much as possible during that time. When you go back to normal bras try to get one that doesn’t have seems that fall where your scar is, as they can be uncomfortable.
I had a 6 o‘clock lumpectomy one year ago and node removal. I found the tiny scar from the node removal more irritating than the 6 o‘clock scar as it some times rubbed.
I was able to shower, dress myself and do up my front fastening bra. I had padding (little guaze squares) which I stuffed in my bra on any areas where it was likely to rub.
There was no problem keeping scar area clean.
The advantage of this surgery is that you retain a nicely shaped breast and the scars are barely noticeable.
Regarding after the op, there is of course some discomfort/pain but I found this manageable. I had ops on both breasts at same time so tricky to compare as sleep was problematic for me as couldn’t get comfortable position.
I was up and about moving around as soon as I could after the op and went for short walk with a friend the day after. I was very tired and needed to rest a fair bit during the day.
I started gentle yoga exercises as soon as I could - this was a huge help physically and mentally.
Wishing you all the best, take good care of yourself and feel free to write again if I can be of any help.
I had lumpectomy & sentinel node biopsies on 17th Nov. My breast scar is at about 6 o’clock too & sits right in the crease under my D cup size breast. I was able to dress myself easily after the op with little pain & discharged same day. I had very little pain that day/night.
Waterproof dressings applied which I was told to remove myself after 7 to 10 days & I could shower as usual.
The wound under my breast has been very little trouble although the breast is a bit swollen & numb. However the wound in my armpit has caused me some discomfort (& still is). I went back to the clinic to have my dressings removed because I was worried about some redness. No infection but quite swollen & a weird sensation that I describe as feeling like a worm inside my armpit - not massively painful but a bit strange & uncomfortable. Found it difficult to get comfy in bed for the first week but I can now lie on my side. A small pillow to pop under your arm will help.
I took the Co-Codamol prescribed for the first 2 days, but they made me quite drowsy & upset my stomach so I switched to ordinary Paracetamol on day 3 & took it 3 times a day for a few more days then just took it before bed to help with discomfort at night.
All in all the scars & overall appearance are much better than I anticipated, but the lymph node biopsy site continues to cause some discomfort & I think will do so for several weeks yet.
I haven’t driven yet but hopefully I’ll be able to by the end of this week & back to work next week. I used to do 4 gym classes a week & the consultant said 8 weeks until I can resume, which is hard but I have started to do some 30 min less intense exercise videos at home in the last few days & been going for a 30 min walk most days since the first day after the op.
The worst bit is waiting for my pathology results & getting my treatment plan & I’ve got an appointment on 22nd December which seems an eternity away. I’m hoping my results will be available sooner & if I badger the breast care nurse enough (who have been amazing I must say) she may get my appointment moved forwards .
All in all the actual operation day wasn’t as bad as I anticipated but I have been surprised how uncomfortable my armpit has been. However, I feel very lucky that my surgery wasn’t more extensive & I feel a bit of a fraud sometimes when I think how much worse some people have to put up with.
Good luck for tomorrow & I’m sure you’ll be surprised how well you feel by this time tomorrow night.
.