I went into hospital on Tues 15th (my b’day) for a WLE and node sampling.
I had to wait in the waiting room until 12pm and then I got called to theatre, I was such a baby and cried. I hadn’t spoken to a nurse or doctor prior to the call because of the shortage of beds. I had a couple of minutes while in the anaesthetic room being preped and signing the consent form to get my head around what was about to happen. It was such a rush I couldn’t think of anything to ask, all I could do was cry.
Having said this I am pleased to say ‘so far so good’. I didn’t have any drains and I only had one night in hospital. I got home Wed lunchtime and slept for the rest of the day, I was exhausted beyond words!
I was aware that I shall suffer some numbness under my arm but it runs all the way down the back of my arm to my elbow, is that normal? And I don’t think I was quite prepared just how numb my armpit would be. Can anyone advise does this improve a bit given time?
Also on my discharge notes it says node sampling level 2. Does anyone know what level 2 means?
I had a really low day yesturday and cried alot for no reason, my neighbour knocked on just to say she had put my bin out for the dustbin men and I sobbed on the door step. I felt so silly!
Today is a brighter day, I hope to have more days like today!
I’m so sorrry to hear how you are feeling right now and I really sympathise with you. I had my operation (mastectomy and lymph node removal) in November 2007 and it can feel quite uncomfortable for a few weeks after which time it settles down. The numbness and discomfort can last longer and some of the area is still numb. I think the bit about node sampling level is about the fact that you have 3 levels of nodes which start in your armpit and work their way up inside on levels. Sometimes when they are sampling, they take out level one and if nothing is found, then that’s it. Sometimes they go up to level 2 i.e. a little higher up to see if any nodes are affected. I think level 3 lymph nodes are right up in your collar bone area and are very difficult to get to. Sometimes people have radiotherapy in that area just to be safe (I did).
It’s a very emotional time for you and crying is a way of releasing the emotion. I certainly was very emotional in the time leading up to my operation and I was in hospital for a week and remember feeling pretty emotional some of the time. Seeing as you were only in for a day, you haven’t got all the distractions of being in hospital and have more time to think about it. By the way, happy birthday, mine is also on the 15th and this time last year I was preparing myself to start chemotherapy so it wasn’t such a happy one but all different this year.
Hi Catherine
I had a mastectomy and node clearance in December. The numb feelings are quite normal. The feeling does come back but even now there is still some numbness.
I too had a level 2 node clearance-think this just means they remove all the nodes that are in that area.
Feeling low is also quite normal-you’ve had a huge shock and a big operation so don’t be hard on yourself. I wept buckets over losing my breast. You will have good days and low days-just accept them and don’t push yourself too far.
On an up note, I’ve just come out of hospital having had a DIEP flap reconstruction (using tummy fat to create new breast). Although very sore, I can’t get over my wonderful new breast.
Post again if you need further help or advice and good luck to you.
Thank you for your kind words and advise. My armpit feels like there is a ballon there each time I lower my arm. Of course thers nothing there other than the dressing, but it doesn’t stop me checking all the time.
Happy Birthday to you too!! I’m so glad you had a great birthday this year. I will have to make up next year too!
One more question… how long after surgery are you supossed to be able to lift your arm right up? I can get it up to wash and dry my hair but worried I should be doing better.
Sorry to hear that your hospital experience was so rushed, but good that the suregry is over. I am not sure about the node sampling level 2 but the numbness down the arm is perfectly normal. I am 6 months post surgery and my armpit is still numb as is my upper arm, but you get used to it and I’ve reached a point whereby I am only aware that it is numb if I touch it.
Good luck with your recovery - the emotions will still be all over the place, again this will settle down eventually.
Thats great to hear about your recon, I was advised to have mastectomy and recon at later date but went with a WLE.
I will possibly look into bilateral mastectomy and recon when all this is over as I have BRAC1.
Its good to hear from someone that has the experience of recon and are pleased with the results. A big help for my future thoughts.