Hi, new here, is anyone here? I’ve had lumpectomy and sentinel lymph nodes removed nearly two week ago and it’s still agony, is this normal? I was doing okay, feeling pretty positive for the first week… although on constant painkillers…but now getting scared and I must admit, bursting into tears when nobody is looking.
Hi SallyCinnamon
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Now Forum.
I’m sorry to read you are going through a difficult time. I hope that joining this Forum and reading other people’s stories will be helpful.
At this stage you may be hearing a lot of new words and expressions. Many people find this a bit overwhelming. We have resources that explain some of the main expressions and treatment options here: breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-breast-cancer-treatment
Regarding the pain you are feeling, we would recommend visiting your GP at your earliest convenience if you notice any changes to your body. They will be able to assess you in person and advise on the best way forward.
Additionally we have a number of resources that may be helpful on this link: breastcancernow.org/information-support/support-you
If you felt that at any point you’d like to speak to one of our nurses, you are very welcome to call us on freephone 0808 800 6000. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to ask, or if you burst into tears while on the phone. We are here to help you - and our support is free, friendly and confidential.
Sending you warm thoughts
Bernard x
Hi Sally, sorry that you’re experiencing pain after your operation. However, I think you will find that it is the same for anyone who has had similar surgery. I had little pain post mastectomy until the dressings came off (2 weeks post op) and now the pain is really severe. With a lumpectomy & sentinel node removal, I suppose it depends how large an area is affected, but it’s still quite a major operation. Keep taking the painkillers as directed, and I’m sure things will improve as time goes on.
Hi Sally, so sorry to read you are in pain. Hoping that you have talked to a medical professional and getting some prescribed pain relief. It’s not a minor operation, so be kind to yourself, but keep moving; essential you have mobility if you are scheduled for radiotherapy.
Hi SallyCinnamon
Your post has been forwarded to the Ask Our Nurses email service as the moderator felt you might find it helpful to hear from a nurse. The service can also be used here on the discussion forum.
As Bernard has said, it can be very overwhelming in the early days and weeks following your diagnosis and surgery, so it’s always important to ask for help and support when you are worried and upset.
Pain varies from person to person and is a common side effect after breast surgery. It can take some time to settle down, so it’s important to take pain relief regularly to help with this.
Experiencing pain doesn’t indicate that anything is wrong but can be frustrating, and may have one of a number of different causes. If you haven’t done so already, do speak with your breast care nurse, treatment team or GP so that the pain can be assessed and you can be given the most appropriate help and advice.
At times like this, talking to someone who has had a similar experience can be helpful and our Someone Like Me service can arrange for one of our volunteers to talk to you by email or telephone. Our volunteers have had a personal experience of breast cancer and are trained to provide support.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0345 077 1893, or email them someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org so they can then match you to your volunteer.
It sounds as though it might also be helpful for you to ring and speak with one of our Helpline team.
They’ll be happy to listen to and chat through your concerns and questions, as well as signpost you to any other support you might need both now and in the future. The free, confidential Helpline number is 0808 800 6000.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Please be aware that we will be closed on Saturday 9 November for training purposes.
Best wishes
Catherine
Breast Cancer Now Nurse
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