Hi all! I’ve finally been given my surgery date today for a lumpectomy for 16th December! After feeling like I’ve waited for so long it’s only 6 days away!!
Could anybody that’s had a lumpectomy tell me what happens on the day? My husband will be taking me but does he stay until I go to theatre or will he have to just drop and go?
Did you do anything to prepare beforehand? I’m getting all our Christmas stuff ticked off and exercising/eating well. Will be giving the house a deep clean too!!
You will be pleased you have a date, but will be wanting it over with at the same time. I had my lumpectomy in April 2023. Admitted at 7.30. Somebody could initially come in with me but unable to stay due to limited space. It might be different at your hospital though. On arrival, immediately got gowned up, wrist bands on and lovely surgical socks.
My surgeon came to see me to double check things and make sure I was happy to proceed. My anaesthetist also came through to make sure I was fit for surgery
It was then a waiting game until taken through at 11.30. The next thing I knew, it was 2.15.
After a couple of cups of coffee, a sandwich, and removal of cannulas, I was discharged just after 5pm.
Take front fastening tops to make it easier to get dressed. If advised to take overnight bag, I would have front opening pyjamas. Both of these would be beneficial for the first few days.
I would also take a small cushion to support your arm and protect surgery site for going home in the car and also for a few journeys afterwards. My hospital provided one but not all do.
I had to be in at 7am for mine, though I didn’t go to theatre until about midday. My husband just dropped me off and went home, via KwikFit as he had a tyre blowout just after dropping me but that’s beside the point. Take a book or something to listen to as there’s quite a bit of waiting around.
I had a lumpectomy and a full axillary clearance and I think having the clearance does complicate things somewhat. The morning of the operation i was seen by the breast care nurses who went through the post op exercises you will need to do, gave me a bra, and answered any questions. I was also seen by the anaesthetist, so if you are on medication then take a list. I also saw the surgeon who marked the breast to be done.
I had very little pain in the actual lumpectomy site but its worth making sure you have paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
If you have an axillary clearance then I found that front opening pyjamas easier to manage, especially as I had a drain for 7 days. I also used a pillow for support both in bed and in the sofa. I went on needing that for quite a while.
Don’t go mad trying to do everything yourself! Rest and be kind to yourself! I hope it all goes ok.
Good you’ve got a date and can get this show on the road!
I had a lumpectomy last year. I had to be at the hospital for 7.30am. There was a meeting with the nurses then surgeon and I had the SLNB injection quite early but after that there was just loads of waiting around. Take plenty to read/do! My husband dropped me off but I told him he didn’t need to stay (he would have only got bored and started being a nuisance!) but there was plenty of waiting space if needed. I was collected to get changed into my gown at about 3pm and into theatre about an hour later. I’ve just looked back as I couldn’t really recall, but seems I was texting my husband by 6pm telling him I’d had a sandwich and a cup of tea and left at about 7.30pm when he arrived to pick me up.
I wore comfy clothes I wouldn’t usually wear outside(!), jogging bottoms and a zip up hoody. Lots of people find a cushion in the car to be helpful but I found it more an annoyance so gave that up. I crossed my arms and kind of supported/cupped myself with my hands for the bumpy Dartmoor roads!
It really wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I had feared or expected. I was very well looked after and I am sure you will be too. Best of luck with it all. x
The ladies above have already given you lot of very good advice. I had a lumpectomy and 4 nodes removed in August. Nodes clear but still pre-cancerous cells in margins so re-excision in October. Both surgeries were day cases. The first was an afternoon, the second a morning.
In preparation for my first surgery I had to have a guide wire inserted. This happened the day before and was done under local anaesthetic. It’s weird and I was a bit anxious but, in all honesty, it was a simple and painless procedure that sounds worse than it actually is. I also had a radioactive isotope injection above my nipple. It REALLY stings - like a bee sting. The discomfort lasted a few minutes then went away totally. So again, not too bad. I’m glad I’d read that it hurt as it wasn’t a shock on the day and I could laugh about it a bit.
Get a proper lumpectomy cushion, mine has been a lifesaver. It was a lovely gift from my sister-in-law and came with a small pad as well that can be attached to your seatbelt. Look for a heart-shaped cushion that has a fairly wide ‘dip’ in the top. You want to be able to cradle your boob in it. You will find that you will use it in different positions depending on how you sleep.
Most importantly, prioritise rest - you will need to go back to bed a lot so make sure you’ve got people to take on tasks for you, do your stretches religiously and start walking. If the weather is dreadful there are some good ‘indoor walking’ videos on YouTube.
Everyone says not to Google. I couldn’t help it as I wanted answers but for the most part it wasn’t helpful and sent me into a downward spiral. Try to avoid it and if you really need advice stick to trusted sources.
Good luck with everything and I hope you manage to have a lovely and restful Christmas. Xx
I found a v shaped pillow was really useful. You can use it in bed so you don’t accidentally roll over and also on the sofa to get comfortable. Best wishes to you.
but that’s beside the point. Take a book or something to listen to as there’s quite a bit of waiting around.