I had DCIS and WLE on 03/07. Final histopathology found DCIS 3x bigger and invasive ca of 1.28 mm found (ER+ PR- HER2 tested FISH as borderline). Margins clear.
So now I am having SLNB. First scar is near the armpit. Will they do another incision or can they use the first incision?
How different recovery is than WLE? Anything to pay attention to apart from no lifting for 6 weeks anything bigger than kettle, no big stretching/ reaching?
Is the mobility back to normal? How long dose it take? Anything else I can do apart from the leaflet exercises to help out my arm ( right and I am right handed)?
Any other advice for post op care or things to be mindful of from personal experience?
I can’t comment on the incision query as I had SLNB at the same time as the WLE.
For me, the underarm pain was worse than the boob pain, but that being said, it wasnt anywhere near as bad as I expected. It was more like a deep ache. For a day or so I felt like I couldnt put my arm by my side, it was a strange sensation like there was a tennis ball under my arm (there wasn’t much swelling, it just felt that way).
I made sure that I did the exercises religiously and now 7 weeks after first op and 2 weeks after second op my arm and shoulder is back to full, normal movement. I made sure to avoid lifting anything heavy such as pans, kettle, shopping etc but other that that I tried to keep to my normal activities as much as possible.
I still get the odd twinge and ache but feel pretty much back to normal. Best of luck with it
Hi, it will depend on where your wle incision is if they can use same site. My tumour was 6 oclock, so too far away. I found the slnb wound more painful and was warned I could lose movement in my arm. I remember coming round and was so happy I had full movement. The recovery room nurses must have wondered what I was doing !. I was still determined to do all the exercises. I did find my arm stiff in the mornings but soon eased off. Kept on the painkillers for several days. Was unable to drive for a couple of weeks as it was my left side. Just take it easy and dont rush in to things.
My surgery was over 1 year ago and still get a bit uncomfortable if I do heavy lifting. Good luck with everything x
girls as always ….Ania