Hi all. I’m having a WLE with lymph node removal on Tuesday and from what I’ve read the wound from the lymph node removal is the most painful. My problem is that I’m currently 15 weeks pregnant (not that I’m regretting my pregnancy) and have been told the only pain relief I’ll have after is paracetamol as I can’t take anything else! Anyone else just had paracetamol? Was it bearable? Also, I was wondering how many of you found that the lump was bigger than initially thought after surgery? Mine is IDC grade 3 and around 21mm. Thanks xx
I was only offered paracetamol and ibuprofen at the hospital anyway. I didn’t really take it as I didn’t need it.
Mine was bigger than they had originally thought but they didn’t have clear imaging on mine at any point so didn’t even know it was cancer until after my WLE.
What I will add is that I was terrified on the day of mine and I woke up wondering why I had much such a fuss. Yes its crap but having the surgery has been the least crap thing about it all. It won’t be half as bad as you are imagining x
Hi cass79,
I had WLE and sentinel node biopsy so just one sentinel node removed but I had no pain at all, just a bit of discomfort from the axillary node area a few weeks later but it really was no more than discomfort and I didn’t need the Ibuprofen I’d been given by the hospital (I can’t take Paracetomol). That said, I know that some of those who had full axillary node clearance had some pain so hopefully someone who has had that done will be along to give you a bit more information.
My lump was exactly the size shown on the mammogram, ultrasound and MRI (much to my relief as I’d also heard that they tended to be bigger!)
Good luck with your surgery, hope it all goes smoothly 
xx
Sharon
Hi Cass79
I have just had a bilateral therapeutic mammoplasty - WLE and node removal including reduction in both breasts. I am unable to take Ibuprofen so only had paracetamol and really only needed it for a day. I am now 11 days post op and back at work in my busy shop with minimal discomfort. I had seriously thought I would be in pain and incapacitated for much longer and have been pleasantly surprised.
How reassuring it will be to see you little one on the scan after.
Best wishes for the next step of your journey
Katie x
Hi Cass, I had the same op 10 days ago although they only took my first two nodes I can honestly say I have had no real pain at all, yes it’s a bit sore at times, more so on the node site but nothing a paracetamol won’t sort out, I was on my way home within 4 hrs of surgery feeling totally fine and as you said just damn relieved to have the blooming thing out of me! Rest as much as you can and listen to what they say about avoiding anything strenuous, it won’t be anywhere near what you are thinking, It must be so much more stressful for you being pregnant but they will take very good care of you and will looking forward to hearing from you once it’s all over, take care , Love Jo ️Xx
Hi Cass
Just wishing you all the best for tomorrow. I also had WLE and SNR, grade 3 DCIS about the same size as yours. The op wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared and I only took paracetamol for the discomfort, which wasn’t much really. I did have shoulder ache for a while on that side which someone told me was due to having your arm kept at a certain angle during surgery but not everyone experiences this. Of course being pregnant must be an extra worry for you but they will take good care of both of you. Just a small tip, ask whoever is picking you up after the op to bring a pillow with them for the car journey home. It protects your boob from the seat belt! Xx
Hi Cass
So glad you’re home and resting i hope! I do feel for you. It’s bad enough going through BC without being pregnant as well. I’m allergic to codeine and had a big red wristband with this on it but they still kept offering me it for pain relief! Sorry to gear that one of the nodes has shown some abnormal cells. Fortunately mine were clear but I had to wait nearly 3 weeks to find out. The waiting is so stressful isn’t it. I’m having another WLE ON Wednesday, as they didn’t quite get a clear margin the last time. Good job I’ve got big boobs!! If that produces a clear margin, then it will be rads when healed and hormone treatment for 5 yrs at least. If not, probanly mx. Did they say what sort of treatment they might give you if nodes involved?i would have thoughtthey’ll be conservative given your pregnancy. Sending you and soon to be bump virtual hugs.
Take care. Xx Francine
N some
Hi cass, hope you ok, you will be fine and we all are here. I had grade 3, 21mm and because no spread into lymph nodes, blood vessels or any where else I am having 15 rads and on anastrozole. Just started on day 2 now. Stay positive and kisses to your bump. Lol xxxxxx
Hi Cass
Oh the waiting, it’s awful isn’t it, really plays with your head. I had most of my meltdowns in the waiting periods. All sorts of things go thro your mind, most of them scary. However, you do cope with it somehow and get on with things. You have your bump to concentrate on, such a lovely positive thing to look forward to. It is true that in the past, a Grade 3 was nearly always treated with chemo it seems. Now they are a bit more clued up I think about the likely benefits to survival and recurrence rates against side effects. Because you do have some lymph node involvement, your treatment will probably be different to mine and Pandorra’s, as fortunately we didn’t. Also you are a lot younger than me (i’m 62, well the body is about 82 at the moment!) so they are likely to want to be very strong with treatment. Whatever you need, you will get through it and not everyone has bad side effects from the various stuff you have. I’m hoping my op on Wed will be it and I can then proceed to rads. Getting an old hand at this now! Give the bump a cuddle from me. Xx??
Absolutely Cass. Have a good weekend. X
Hi Cass. Love to the squirmy bump! Will be a relief when your dressings come off, I know. When I first had a shower I put some clingfilm over the scar and just left a little space at the top for the eater to trickle through. Sounds funny but I couldn’t stand the full force of the water on it. Washing my hair with one hand was very strange but I think you should get your OH to help you. Found a hairdryer on cool or slightly warm setting great for drying boob and underarm. Sending you hugs. I’m off for my 2nd WLE on Wednesday, blood pressure permitting. Should be quick as they are only taking a small bit to improve the margin and no nodes. The worst part will be another 2 week wait for the results I suppose. Hate the waiting xx
Ah I forgot you’re young and fit and can do those sort of things in the shower!! My poor old bones would probably give way. Still having a DEXA bone scan shortly, standard for post menopausal ladies going on to Anastrazole hormone treatments as it can affect bone density, so will soon find out if they’re any good!! Night night. X
Hiya, I don’t see my oncologist until next Tues but as I’ve had final results now surgeon said would be 15 sessions but will have to see what he says next week , I’ve no idea what sort it is, I tend not to ask too many questions! Will let you know as soon as I have more info , love Jo xx