Hi all,
I have just finished 6months of chemotherapy (9 rounds, 1 every 3 weeks) and now I’ve got my surgery planned for 10th January. It’s going to be a therapeutic mammoplasty and sentinel lymph node removal. It will only be the second time I have ever had surgery and I’m actually nervous about it. The last time I had surgery was for a broken wrist and that was such a blur. I looked after myself after that surgery but I’m being told I won’t be able too after this one so I’m staying at my parents. I don’t have a partner or kids, just me.
Has anyone had this surgery before? How was it for you and how was you afterwards?
Hi I had breast cancer surgery in June And lymph nods removed it wasn’t that bad tbh IV never had any surgery was out off hospital after week. My lymph nods removed was sore after though for about 3weeks I couldn’t move my arm properly. I hope it all goes well for you .xx
I had this surgery back in July. I was home by about 8.30 the same day. I was a bit uncomfortable for a few days, but managed with paracetamol.
It would have been possible for me to manage on my own I think, with a bit of meal planning and organisation. However, that is with the benefit of hindsight. Everyone reacts differently to the general anaesthetic.
Front button short sleeve pyjamas and just a zip front hoodie or cardi and pair of joggers for easy on and off post op. Are you having a drain? If so hopefully your hospital give you a drain bag to carry it around rest up and take it steady post op, no lifting anything too heavy and be careful over stretching. You’ll be surprised how quick your body repairs, let things knit back together, it could feel like ants under your skin as things knit back together. Have some senokot and anosol ready too the drugs you have for op can block you up a bit post op sorry if tmi but just want you to have in stock stuff you might need post op Shi xx
Hello
I had this surgery mid November on my right side with breast reduction on the left.
All went well, i was out that evening. Some discomfort, especially sensitive nipples for 24-48hours. I still have this sensitivity occasionally but it is very manageable. Took paracetamol and codeine, but stopped codeine after 24hours.
Buttoned pyjamas and shirt were very convenient
I had family help at home, but it is doable alone
I slept on my back for 2-3 weeks. I had an airplane cushion against my lower back to be on my side a little, as I’m used to sleeping on my side usually.
I avoided putting water on the bandages for two weeks although the surgeon had said it was ok to do so. Most Bandages were removed after 2 weeks.
All wounds are healing fine.
I started doing the recommended exercises the next day.
I think it all depends on your level of fitness, so listen to your body. Doing a walk every day, at your own pace, is good for your body I would say, and to manage constipation, which i had as a side effet from codeine and other drugs during the chemo.
I only did 10 weeks of chemo however.
I went for a swim the day before surgery, and a small cycle the weekend before.
Good luck with everything you will do great.
Hi
I also had a therapeutic mammoplasty and sentinel node removal in 2021. It was the first time I had ever had an anaesthetic or surgery. To say I was anxious is an understatement. It is scary. However, once I was in hospital and it was all over, I felt so much better. I went home the same evening with paracetamol and codeine but I didn’t need them, it wasn’t half as bad as I imagined.
I did have some discomfort with my arm raising it and doing simple tasks for a few days, my daughter visited and helped out, be sure to do the exercises they give you to do, even if it is uncomfortable, it is worth it as it helps.
I wish you all the best, hopefully you will feel better once the surgery is over
Hi, I had surgery on Tuesday and I’m feeling ok. I’m taking it easy, resting most of the time. I had the drain removed today and feel much more comfortable, looking forward to having a shower. As others have said, button front pyjamas are a must and make sure you do the exercises you’re told to do, it’s a bit uncomfortable the first time and obviously don’t continue if you’re in any pain, but you don’t want to get a stiff shoulder along with everything else!
I really hope all goes well and wish you all the very best on your journey to recovery. X
Yes I can completely agree with Tulip56. Tulip’s and my experience mirrors, except my chemo was over 3 months. I had my surgery 15th November '23. OK, so a little sore afterwards. I can honestly say I hardly required pain killers as the area is numb. Approximately 2-3 weeks later I did feel sporadic sharp electrical feelings. I was told the nerve endings are waking up. Honestly not too bad at all. My dressings were changed each week and 6 weeks on I’m healing nicely. The physio has worked a treat also. Got some good range of movement back. I’ve had the all clear now but I’m waiting for radiotherapy later this month. I hope your surgery goes well for you x
rest up and take it steady post op, no lifting anything too heavy and be careful over stretching. You’ll be surprised how quick your body repairs, let things knit back together, it could feel like ants under your skin as things knit back together. Have some senokot and anosol ready too the drugs you have for op can block you up a bit post op 
sorry if tmi but just want you to have in stock stuff you might need post op 
