HI from finding the lump to my operation this Friday - 6 weeks. I am concerned that no where - so far - has explained to me about the operation? So they go into my breast with a guide wire and get the lump/cancer out, Then what? Do they leave a drain in, do this pack out the breast (it is underneath my right breast) do they just stitch me up ? What happens ? Anyone know?
Cheers everyone.
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Hi,
Don’t worry. Won’t be as bad as you think. Guide wire was strange but not painful. The lump taken out and no drain in my case. A bit uncomfortable for a few days but not really painful. Stitches soluble. Good luck xxx
Did you have a pre op assessment appointment? They should have explained the surgery in detail then and given you a printed sheet with info in writing. Also do you have specialist nurse allocated to you? You can call her with any questions you have. It is a worrying time and you need information! Also if you post on the going through treatment board under surgery lots of people will be able to help. I had MX and had no drains and no pain at all. I woke up feeling fine just tired from the anaesthetic. Good luck you will be fine!
I had a lumpectomy last year and, quite honestly, although it was scarey, I found that it wasn’t really anything to be worried about. As Eileen said, having the wire inserted was ‘odd’ but not really painful. What I found most disconcerting was being wheeled round the hospital at high speed to get to the different departments. The porter pushed my chair and my husband, who accompanied us, was puffing by the end of the trip. :womanwink:
I got to the hospital by 8:00 am and was on my way home by 5:00 pm with no drains and no real discomfort. As I didn’t go for the op until early afternoon I was allowed to drink water in the early mornng but that first cup of tea afterwards was really welcome. I did have to wear one of those soggy soft bras for a while (I’m a 40H girl) which meant I was rather ‘wobbly’ for a week or so but then I just didn’t do anything too strenuous until I was back to normal.
Hi I would be a little surprised that you have not had any kind of pre op meeting, mine took a large chunk of a day going from dept to dept to be measured and bloods done etc and a lengthy positive meeting with a nurse who was able to answer questions and support me. I know every hospital and treatment regimen differs but knowing what I know now I would advise you to contact whoever is coordinating your care be it a BCN/surgeon/oncologist etc and ask for advice sooner rather than later in case you have been overlooked!
Also the whole process ‘on the day’ was very busy going from dept to dept but good as it kept me and OH fully occupied until surgery time. Please make contact with someone in the know and let us know how you get on!
Warm wishes
Katie
x
Hiya, you should have been for a pre op meeting, mine was only two days before but they take bloods and various other tests on your heart and fluid levels and explained in detail what would happen during the op, I found it a real comfort as I knew exactly what would be happening and at what times, I had to arrive by 7.30 and was being dealt with by 8 including seeing the surgeon, anethatist and having wire put in and mammogram to make sure was in right place then was on way to surgery by 10 am, awake and back on ward by 12.30 and on way home by 2 pm feeling absolutely fine, I had lumoectomy and 2 nodes removed , no external stitches or drains just covered with dressings but found it all quite painless really and nothing like I was expecting , good luck for tomorrow and I hope you can get in touch with someone today to talk,over what will happen. Jo xx
Hi, thought id reply as I have just the same op same right breast to done in March. They remove tumour and stitch you up with dissolvable stitches, No packing, no draining. I can honestly say that it was soo much better than I thought. The boob will swell up for a time - basically it looks the same then slowly it shrinks back. I just took paracetmol for couple of weeks for soreness but was back at work after 3 weeks. Go get comfy crop top type bras and do the exercises. Good luck