Surgery May 2018

Glad you are home and feeling better cdc. The course was less than 3k and it really was just a gentle walk. I am spending loads of time in bed reading and watching tv too. My armpit is sore today. My boobs are a bit itchy, but I think that is. Part of the healing process. I haven’t got a bra bandage which covers my boobs but enough of that clear cling filmy sort of tape to make it difficult to see what is happening. The swelling has gone down quite a bit so I have tightened my bra. I’ll take it easy today. Having nice weather helps. Hugs to you all xx

Hi all, glad to hear you are home CDC and that everyone else post op is doing well.  I am having a bad day today, getting so scared for Wednesday.  Can’t stop crying.  Doesn’t help my son starts his GCSEs today and I feel I have added so much stress to his already stressful time.  We had a row this morning (over a pair of school trousers of all things) and I couldn’t stop crying so my wonderful 15 year old found himself trying to calm me down, all on top of him preparing to leave to take his first exam.  He then sent a lovely text from his school bus which has started the tears again.  I feel so guilty for adding all this to my children’s lives.  Feeling very sorry from myself and scared for the future… just received my first addition of the Breast Cancer magazine and read a story of lady diagnosed with secondaries and that just finished me off…  Sorry guys self indulgent panic message over… just had to get it all out xxxx.  Think I need those big pants of Helena’s today.

Hi Kip. I am so sorry you are having a bad day. You will feel better after Wednesday I promise.

BTW make sure that the exams officer at your son’s school is aware of your situation. She can ( and make sure that she does) apply for special consideration which will host his results. You don’t even need to tell him. Do it today!! My son is taking his A levels and his school offered to do this.

Now have a nice cup of tea and enjoy the sun. Xx

Hi Kip What a tough morning but it’s sounds like you and your son have a very good relationship and you both sound like very caring people. Do the school know the situation? I also believe the exam boards take things into account if the school let them know. My sister’s son has been ill for four days and his GCSEs also start today. I don’t know if he’ll even make it in but I was unable to go to an exam when I was younger and the board just rearranged a more suitable day/time to do it so it wasn’t a huge problem at the end of the day. It’s understandable to be nervous before the surgery but like many others on here I too have found my worries were worse than the surgery itself. Please look after yourself and know that we are all thinking of you. Sending hugs and good wishes xxx

Hi KTK you definitely deserve a restful day! I hope the itching lessens but I imagine it is a sign of healing. How are your armpits? I’ve got a lot more range of movement but my main feeling is one of tightness from under my arms and across my chest. I’ve got a Maddonaesque sort of strapping going on with my nipples sticking out!!! Strange but seems to be doing the job. Intrigued by the cling film type tape! I presume each surgeon has their preferred method. Good that swelling is going down. I’m pleased with my new shape from what I can see but just hope they’ve managed to remove all the cancer cells. Just had a shower and off to rest in the sunshine. Have a good day x

Has anyone else been having a problem with cracked lips and a dry mouth since surgery? I’ve been given some paraffin to put on but it only seems to work briefly then they’re sore again.

Hi ladies, thanks for all the kind words, I have spoken to my son’s school (I also have a 13 yr old daugther there too) and they are being really good supporting them and they have sorted out the exams for him if he requires but thats for the heads up on that front.  Managed to stop crying now, a sharp talking to from my husband (he’s very much of the “come on, deal with it” school) and a cuppa are slowly taking the edge of, that and some Rescue remedy drops.   I think its the wait for wednesday, oh how I need an anesthetic… just for the sleep alone! 

 

Intrigued by the Madonna style dressing and the clingfilm, sounds wonderful… bet I don’t get any of that with a masectomy… probably just a vest hee hee!  Not sure where in the country you ladies live but here in Suffolk no sun to enjoy… boo hoo.

Hi CDC my mouth was really dry for two days. I could only get the toast down with a gulp of tea for each bite. Lips still a bit dry but I just keep topped up with lip salve or Vaseline. I was expecting the full bra type dressing so surprised that it is just over the cuts. Where they have repositioned my nipples I have tape around them but I also have my nipples sticking out! I was pleased to find that there is some sensation there too!

I’m in Devon. It is glorious!! Hugs to all! X

Hi Kip and Bridget. Don’t worry about the injection. It is done into the soft tissue of your boob and doesn’t hurt at all. They did mine just before surgery and the surgeon checked it was working with a hand scanner before I went under. Take it easy and try to enjoy the lovely weather xx

Hi all I had the nuclear medicine on the morning of my surgery. It was fine. In my case a ‘sharp scratch’ injection on both sides and then 10 minutes later a specialist scan. Apparently it was very effective and my sentinel nodes were easily identifiable. One thing they didn’t make much of is that it turns your wee blue/green and also the other!! May be far too much info but I’m still producing alien no 2s and it’s 5 days later after the procedure. Waiting for my boobs to turn blue but they might be already but just can’t see under all the tape. I was out in the sunshine today for the first time since getting out of hospital on Sunday. So lovely but now feeling very tired so it’s an afternoon in bed for me. Take care everyone and relax as much as possible. Sending hugs xxx

They add the blue dye in surgery. Apparently it will be visible on your boob for many months! I was warned about the blue pee/poo. Something to make you smile! X

I’ve just done my first online grocery shop! Can’t believe how easy and efficient it was. Everything arrived just as I would have picked myself. Whoop whoop !! X

Hi Bridget, I have had therapeutic mammoplasty, basically a boob job! I was offered this as an alternative to mastectomy as I had quite big boobs. Have gone from an E to a C. Xx

CDC it is just a blue spot by the nipple, not the whole boob!! I can’t put deodorant under the arm that has had the lymph nodes removed, but the other is ok. I use a stick. I wouldn’t want to use a spray. X

Good luck tomorrow Kip. We will all be thinking of you. Big hugs xx

Best of luck with the surgery Kip.  Will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending positive vibes and gentle hugs.  xxx

Hi all.
Just checking in to wish all those having surgery this week lots of luck.
I am recovering Ok. I have quite good movement but have been very tired and keep napping. Ktk - you were right…the drain removal was not as bad as I feared. Off to Gp tomorrow for a dressing and wound check.
Sounds like all those who have already had surgery are recovering well. Is anyone worried/concerned about what it looks like under the dressings. I am a bit scared… I know I can use vitamin e cream to minimalise the scarring but I am a bit worried about how it all looks now.
Anyway…keep strong ladies xx

Good to hear from you Jazza. Hope you have been resting up and enjoying the good weather. District nurse is coming in today to check my dressings. They are a bit itchy now! Looks like it’s a bit overcast so I might have to do some housework rather than sit in the garden reading!!!

Good luck today Kip xx
Yes ktk - yesterday was a lovely day. My Mum came down Monday to help out this week and we spent some of yesterday afternoon in my garden. Today is also looking overcast here… But hopefully it will stay dry. Not too much housework for you though… Make sure you rest up too.
We all need to keep ourselves strong ? and look after ourselves.
It’s funny how this whole experience changes perceptives etc etc. I have always been someone who always puts others first, always checking everyone Ok and trying to make everyone else happy. Now… well, although I do feel a bit selfish at times, I am doing what I want and need to do for me. It all just feels very odd…
Pleased to hear cdc you are home and recovering well.
Take lots of care all xx

Hi ladies, I’m done and home hooray.  Feel really good, no pain yet.  

Bridget, as everyone said it’s not as bad as you think, although I was a wreck before hand.  Went to surgery at about .8.45 woke up at .12 and home at 3.15.  can’t believe I feel so well, one drain but doesn’t hurt at mo.  Dressing is justj one long plaster nothing drastic.  Had a look to make sure they had taken right one off.  Sentinel node taken and 2 more as close byR.  Results31st may.  Now just need to concentrate on those excercises.  Sending special hugs to you Bridget, hope nuclear was ok.