lumpectomy
lumpectomy Seems im to have a lumpectomy soon as biopsy showed ductal papilloma and apparently lumpectomy should follow but if papilloma is benign why do I need to risk anaesthetic etc?also will taking the tissue out leave any lasting damage?Have a horror of ops and also a vomiting phobia so its a double whammy for me,guess I shouldnt be whinging when those of you with bc and its treatments are far worse off but think about op ALL the time will be a wreck by the time its done ,Help!!
don’t panic Hi - you must be swinging between blind panic and total relief. don’t feel bad about being frightened any operation is scary.
I understand that papiloma can cause problems in the future so better out than in as they say! Do check out benign conditions and/or ring the helpline for clarification.
I had a lumpectomy and nodes removed on the 2/3/07. Honestly all my pain came from the lymp node removal, which you will not have. My surgeon advised wearing a good, supportive soft cup bra day and night for 14days post-op (M&S do a good range of post-op bras). This will prevent pulling on the wound and assist healing. also if you are advised to do physio start straight away. You may not need to do this as you are not having nodes out. Also take all the painkillers they give you - it is easier to prevent pain than stop it, don’t be noble!!
Don’t worry about being sick - tell the aneathetist (sorry about the spelling) about your fears. They are very sympathetic and can put in some stuff to stop you being sick when they knock you out. It works a treat, honest., I used to be as sick as a dog after ops!
Try to keep busy while you are waiting to go in and do keep posting 'til you are mended. The other ladies here are incredibly supportive.
Good luck, have a hug Swanie
Hi gizmo
Please don’t think you’re whingeing! People can’t help their phobias (mine is heights!) and it really doesn’t matter what other people have gone through or haven’t gone through.
Have you thought about asking your GP for some anti-anxiety pills to help you through this period? They are apparently very effective and most GPs seem happy to prescribe them short-term.
It’s not clear from your post what your surgical procedure is going to involve. Is it possible that they could do the first procedure under local anaesthetic and then, if need be, perform a lumpectomy under general? It may worth asking your surgeon about this.
I can only speak from the perspective of having a lumpectomy which involves removing the tumour plus a donut of healthly tissue round about it. Following my surgery you could barely tell I’d had anything done as the area removed fills with fluid. However as scar tissue began to develop the area started to shrink and this has worsened following radiotherapy.My operated breast is now noticeably smaller than the other breast, although I’ve been told this should settle somewhat over time.
I imagine whether there is any lasting damage will depend on how much tissue is removed.
It’s worth saying that if you need a general anaesthetic you will get a lovely premed about half an hour before which will calm you right down and make you blissfully sleepy.
Good luck.
Lola x