Hello,
This is my first post.
I was diagnosed with early stage IDC, grade 3 and I am due to have a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy next week.
I’ve never had an operation before so I’m really nervous about being put to sleep and generally anxious about the whole experience so looking for some support.
Thanks.
H
sorry you find yourself on here take it a day at a time, step by step. Things you will need, button front short sleeve pjs, slides, dressing gown, anosol (the op meds can block you up), hand cream, lip balm, baby wipes and antibacterial swabs (if you feel nauseous after op sniff one of those, a nurse looking after me post op used that for me and I wasn’t sick after sniffing it) it took the nausea away 
wear zip front hoody or carry after do you can slip on and off if you are having drains post op they should give you a little carry pouch you sling over your shoulder and if you have a drain or drains these will be in for a few days after. Sorry to bombard you with info. Main thing is be kind to yourself fo what you need to do for you, there are no rights or wrongs you just get through your way others will pop on with tips and support too 
Shi xx
Hi hn23
Sorry to here your in this situation , it really isn’t that bad I found he lumpectomy not to painful , the lymph nodes was a odd feeling was numb under and around arm had to do exercise to get arm moving they will talk you threw it all wear something button up home and at home pjs that button up I had a m&s bra that zipped up at front was recommend by the breast care nurse you will find the staff very caring and helpful , I was very nervous but it was over very quick and I went home that evening take care hope all goes well x
Sorry to hear this. It is understandable to be anxious especially if your first ever op. I had a lumpectomy last year and all went well. I am sure they can give you something to relax you before the anaesthetic. I dont know if you have had your pre op yet, but you can discuss it with them. I fully agree with what the others say about what to take in with you. Take something to read as you could have a bit of a wait. I was admitted at 7.30 but not taken through till 11.30. They are very good at explaining what is happening. I came round with no pain or nausea. I was fit for discharge at 5.30. Make sure you have loose, comfortable clothing and get plenty rest as well. Dont forget the exercises though as they really do help.
Good luck with everything x
Dear HR23,
You have had some excellent advice, from our lovely ladies, I can add anymore, except I like to wish you lots of luck next Wednesday, with health and happiness going forward.
Lots of love Tili 
Sorry you find yourself here. I too was a surgery virgin when i had my lumpectomy. I was petrified! Before your op, you will speak with the anaesthetist. Tell them it’s your first op and you are scared. Mine was absolutely lovely. She really reassured me. She talked me through everything and gave me a mild sedative before the main anaesthetic. I didnt feel a thing and fell asleep calmly. Afterwards i woke up to two gorgeous young male nurses who i chatted nonsense to before they wheeled me on my bed to the ward. Afterwards, i felt great and ate a sandwich. Within two hours i was discharged. The healing was fine and although they gave me painkillers, i really didnt need them for long. I milked it at home and enjoyed the attention. Dince then i had 2 more operations and both went fine. I actually quite enjoyed them!
It’s easier said than done for me to say don’t worry, but you really will be fine and it will be over so fast.
You don’t need anything fancy. Just have a comfy bra for after, front fastening is useful. Have a cushion for the car home for under the seatbelt. Take a book for all the waiting around. I did by button up pjs but i wore a hospital gown in hospital and when i got home i was able to put on a tshirt.
Please do let us know if you have any questions afterwards. Good luck and try not worry too much. You will be fine. One thing I’ve learned is that we are all tougher than we think. Xxx
Hello
100% agree with everything already shared but one thing from me is to please ensure you do the exercises as much as you can and that you also rest to heal up afterwards
For me the waiting was awful so i did some puzzles and read a book as I didn’t go down till 330pm, was home by 8pm
I’d also downloaded several box sets to watch whilst on the sofa with a cushion ( heart shaped one given by the breast nurse) to help with the numbness and aches. A rolled up towel does a similar job if you don’t have a cushion and because ive got big boobs making sure the skin underneath was dry and clean everyday whilst wearing a front fastening bra 24/7 to prevent any sweat rash
Good luck
We are all here for you x
I was in a similar situation as you in January - I had a lumpectomy for “benign with atypica”, had never had a general anaesthetic, and became very anxious about it as I approached the day. My pre-op was on a Monday 2 days before, and my blood pressure went very high as it all became very real. You will have lots of questions to answer at the pre-op, and they will give you all the information about what to take with you (it may be different in different hospital/ operating suite set ups for day cases), and when you have to stop eating/ drinking. I recommend trying to focus on the practical things/ planning some nice/ easy meals for the few days after your op. If you haven’t got this already, I’d recommend getting some non-underwired sports bras, as this is recommended to provide compression to reduce swelling / help healing - surgeon advised to wear 24/7 for first 2-3 weeks). (I only had underwired and had to send daughter and hubby out to M&S to buy 2-pack after I got home from op!)
I rationalised my concern when I realised that doctors op1erate on patients in emergency situations/ far more risky operations.
My anaesthetist was great and reassuring/ explsined about giving anti anxiety meds given with the anaesthetic and it was her job to manage me during the operation. Last thing I remember before anaesthetic took effect was her telling me to think of a holiday/ warm sunshine and that I was doing a good job bringing BP down.
Although it’s good to plan to be waiting around, in my case I didn’t experience that - I was in BC unit for wire insertion at 8.30 and op due at 10.30 earliest, likely 12.00 but change of surgeon on the day meant they were ready for me at 9.10 so it all went very quickly - op took about an hour, and I was back home by about 2.30pm.
It was all a bit surreal on the day but the team of Nurses, Health Care Assistants and Anaesthetist and Surgeon were all impressivly professional and caring, and good at dealing with sensitivity and anxiety in a genuine and reassuring way.
It wasn’t painful (my biopsy was worse) - I didn’t need to use the stronger pain relief after first day - just had occasional/ sharp nerve sensation for a second or so for a few days, although the swelling lasts a while and you may have to adjust sleeping position to be comfortable.
Be prepared for tiredness in the recovery period - it was more than I expected but listen to your body and take it easy, but do work on the post op exercises too!
Your concrrns seem entirely normal but you’ll be in good hands. I hope some of my reflections help!
Wishing you all the best gor a good recovery.
Please don’t worry about lumpectomy surgery, I had a lumpectomy & 4 lymph nodes removed. I then had a second surgery as my margins were not clear. The first time I was sick when I woke up after surgery, the second time I was given something to prevent the nausea & was fine. You’re asleep in a few seconds & when you wake up it’s over. I don’t know whether I was very lucky, but I had no pain to speak of, no arm stiffness & didn’t need to take the codeine they gave me. I wish they had warned me that if the margins were not clear I would need a second surgery as this upset me as I thought it was over, but the second time it didn’t even feel as if I’d had surgery & recovery was really quick. I’ve had 5 sessions of radiotherapy, got an itchy rash after this and skin burn, but nothing I can’t cope with. I’ve been prescribed Tamoxifen, but still can’t bring myself to take them as I feel 100% fit again now & don’t want to take something that could very likely give me unpleasant side effects. I’m 76 & think I prefer quality of life at the moment.