Hi, I’ve already had support and help from you lovely ladies on this website and I wondered if you could help me with this one. I had a WLE two weeks ago for DCIS, had terrible reaction to general anaesthetic but seemed to be improving, but now I feel like I’ve gone a few steps backward. Feel really tired, no energy, no interest in much either - definitely not myself! Do you think it’s still the after effects of the op or inwardly worrying about the results coming up on the 29th?
Hi Summerdays
I had a WLE for DCIS in February. I did fine for the first week or so, then hit a brick wall and felt dreadful. I had to go to bed for about 2 hours every afternoon. I didn’t feel right until about a month afterwards. Remember, you have had major surgery. OK, a WLE is not as drastic as a mastectomy, but it still involves a lot of invasive surgery etc. I also think with me, it was a lot of delayed shock as everything happens so fast. Also with DCIS, I know we have very good odds etc and somehow I felt that I shouldn’t be feeling so shocked or down, but I did. Your poor mind and body have been to hell and back in the last few weeks and you still have the worry about your results. I think with DCIS, they are fairly certain it won’t have spread, so the main concern will be if they have got clear margins. You will feel better once results are in. Do you know if you are you having radiotherapy?
Thanks Cathy, following the biopsy they said I had low to intermediate grade cells and radiotherapy after the op would depend on pathology results from removed tissue. Surgeon did say that iff they didn’t get clear margins I would have to have mastectomy - suppose that is playing on my mind too! I’m just not used to sitting around feeling lethargic, I have been telling myself I have had minor surgery what’s wrong with you?!
I know the thought of having a mastectomy is a big worry, but it might not come to that. Even if they didnt get clear margins they might be able to do further WLE? Its good that your cells are low- intermediate. Mine were intermediate and I was given the choice of radiotherapy or not. I am 48 so just slipped into the younger women category and after much research, decided to have radiotherapy. If they tell you you don’t need it, I would look at that as very positive. Be kind to yourself at the moment and rest. You will feel much better in a couple of weeks.
Hi,
I had a WLE on 9th April I get my results this afternoon I also has Lymph glands removed .
I feel like I’m treading water at the moment, not strong enough to go out on my own and climbing the walls at home! That must be a good sign?
Before my surgery I had discussed the Mastectomy option with my consultant and had prepared myself for it, but when it came to it they did a WLE…I really need to know WHY?? Don’t get me wrong I’m glad I didn’t have it but I worry that I may need further surgery IF they didn’t get a clear margin… hope I get the answers this afternoon…
Hope yours goes well…
Sue xx
Hi Sue
I feel like that - not strong enough to do a full day’s work but getting bored and agitated sitting at home. done loads of spring cleaning. getting a bit of ocd if you ask me!!! Good sign that WLE not mastectomy - probably lump was contained or small enough not to warrant it. Good luck this afternoon.
Hi,
Thanks Cathy, pleased you are feeling stronger now, I know what you mean about being bored and then you try and do something and the fatigue hits you again. I rang one of the breast care nurses today and told her how I felt - as if I should be getting over this minor operation quicker and doing more - like you, she told me a WLE is not minor! - very invasive plus having the bad reaction to the anaesthetic she said I could be looking at 6 weeks or more before the fatigue goes away and I start feeling more like my old self again. She also said I was probably worrying inwardly about my results.
Sue - hope all went well with your results today and they got a clear margin.
Luv Carol x
Unfortunately things are not so good following results.
My Consultant says that although he removed the tumour size about 3.5 cm with clearance, the lymph glands have come back showing one is affected.
I am now facing second bout of surgery, this time Mastectomy and Lymph clearance under my arm and maybe into my shoulder. Then…who knows??
apparently the tumour was stage 2 and estregeon (sorry lousy spelling!) receptive.
I’m scheduled to go back in on 5th May with Surgery on 7th May.
I feel totally numb at the moment.
Sue x
Hi Sue,
I am so sorry about your results, it must be really daunting to face more surgery and I am not suprised you are feeling numb. You, like me enquired about a mastectomy at the outset and you must be wondering why they didn’t do that in the first place. At least only 1 lymph gland was affected so that sounds like it’s been caught early and although it’s a hell of a lot to go through you will be able to fight this thing. I’m sending you lots of hugs and am sure there are lots of ladies on here who have experienced similar that will be able to give you lots of support and advice.
Carol x
Thank you for that Carol, have you had your results yet?
Sue x
Hi Sue,
How are you feeling today? Hope you are managing to stay positive, I know it’s hard to. Don’t get my results until 29th.
Luv Carol x
Hi,
Had a very tearful day wandering around like a lost soul. I slept better last night but had awful dream where I was trying to stop someone getting into the house and I was screaming for Tim (hubby) but he couldn’t hear me…feel like a rag doll today…I suppose that’s natural is’nt it?
Good luck on the 29th!
Sue x
Hey Sue
It’s a horrible place to be trapped, waiting for the surgery, I imagine especially so since you’ve already done it once.
I had very strane dreams just before and after the surgery, my partners mum used to be a recovery nurse and pointed out that it does take weeks for the effects of anaesthetic to fully leave the body and your body is concentrating on healing which is bound to mess about with your subconcious.
I actually had a dream really quite similar but a few weeks later then stopped. I had bilateral mastectomy and now that is leaking into my dreams. In the dreams I never seem to be able to find the right bra but on the flip side I’m also dreaming about spending time travelling in a campervan with my fiance and dog so things are lightening up at last.
All I can suggest is watching movies that make you laugh to distract you for bit.
Lots of love and good luck with the next bit of surgery.
Angie