Was coping quite well, was feeling proud but then thoughts such as( why are you coping so well? Something will go wrong!!!) Started to appear in my quite chaotic brain. I realise it must be normal to start having fears nearer the op so can anyone give me some feedback on after the surgery (lumpectomy and nodes checking) sorry can’t get used to the abbreviations… Sick of standing in the mirror staring at my boob and armpit thinking something is going to change in front of my eyes!!! Good job I’ve got my wonderful Labrador around me think I will take him for a walk to clear my head xxxx
Hi loulou
All the waiting is the worst. I had my lumpectomy and nodes taken a week and half ago. I felt quite good straight after like yay the cancer is gone. Last few days arm is uncomfortable luke sunburn feeling but its getting better. I dont look any different in the mirror I was worried I would. I am niw waiting for results on the 28th so starting to get worried again, will they be clear etc. Good luck for your op. Hope I helped a bit.
Hugs xx
Hi Loulou, I know how you feel, my masectomy and lymph node clearance is on Friday. Keep thinking this is all a bad dream. Went for pre opp yesterday and they told me I would be on FEC and reading about side effects scares me wittless. Went to buy post surgery bras on sunday and felt like sitting in the changing room on the floor and bawling. We have to get through this and with the help and support on here I feel like we can do it. Keep strong and believe. Big hugs Suzanne xxxx
I had lumpectomy and node biopsy in December so probably the same op as you are due to have. Like you, my emotions were confused and it sort of felt like I wasn’t me but an onlooker. Being someone who has legged it from the dentist (after being numbed) on more than one occasion the thought of going through an op like this was probably too much to take in and I shut down. Anyway, it’s done now and I can truthfully say that it was not as bad as I’d imagined. You will be put at ease by the lovely nurses and drift into blissful sleep. When you wake up you will have had so much numbing fluid you won’t feel anything. When pain does start tocreep back you pop a couple of paracetomol quickly and the pain goes. The feeling of elation you will experience after is amazing - you will feel so proud of yourself. In the meantime, try and stay positive but remember that you are human so a relapse from time to time is part of the journey. Dog walking is a great way to escape so enjoy it. Hope this reply helps in any small way. If you want to talk further, I’m here. Will be thinking of you. Jackie. X
Thanks for the response ladies, think we all have or do think the same, which I keep telling myself is normal…Just been to lunch with a friend which has distracted me. It is however such a help speaking to others in the same situation and others further down the journey. Thanks for sharing and good luck for Friday Suzanne will be thinking of you, take care …Love Louise xxxx
I too coped well after diagnosis & prior to surgery, I wondered if I were in denial. I had lumpectomy (WLE) to remove invasive ductal cancer grade 3 (IDC) & nodes dissection, 13th Jan. I awoke in no pain, with dressings covering my two incision sites and with a drain that was no bother either. I took co-codamol as it was offered and was home 48 hours after op. My breast scar has healed already ( how is that possible ) but nodes scar is sore but manageable. Tomorrow I get pathology results, eek. I’m taking each day as it comes, enjoy your Labrador, I have two, they’re the best. Good luck, keep strong & take it easy x
I am new to the forum and feeling anxious. I found a lump in my left breast late September 2013 and also had some bleeding from the nipple. I under went removal of milk duct and lump then further tissue biopsy snd now I am booked in for left breast mastectomy and SLNB on 29.01.14 after having two breast ops for high grade DCIS 130mm with no clear margin. I went for pre op yesterday and my blood pressure was high I need to get it down before op. I am worried about how I will look as I am not able to have reconstruction at same time also I have been told that I will look blue for a few days due to dye from SLNB then have to wait 2 weeks for results…
Welcome to the BCC forums, you will find support and shared experiences here. In addition, our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000 and lines are open during the week 9-5 and Saturday 10-2 so please feel free to call to talk any concerns/queries over
You may find the following link to the BCC ‘After surgery’ information helpful in the meantime:
Results, I have been told by my surgeon I cancer free, lump removed with a clear margin, one lymph node effected and removed, I am feeling extremely blessed. However chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone & biological therapies still to endure, for precautionary & preventative measures, phew what a day. This will still prove to be marathon not a sprint, bring it on. I send love & hugs to all our BC friends out there x
Op went fine, went down to theatre at 11.15 and back home for 5.30 !!! Was very groggy but feel ok, had a decent nights kip so wonder what today will bring. Not use to being inactive even if its only a walk, what would others recommend, is it bed rest for a few days or just taking it easy ??? Xxx
Husband is off and taking good care of me, so will relax, might pop out with dog for a little stroll just to get some fresh air. Hope your feeling a bit better today Mel, was it a chillow you have tried? ?? Going to check what it is , have no idea !! Take care ladies, speak soon xxxxx
If you do go for a stroll, make sure you take hubby with you! You might feel a bit faint after the anesthetic. Don’t go too far and overdo it!
Yes, I got a chillow! It’s quite good as long as you don’t expect miracles, or you’d be disappointed. I got mine from Amazon. Mixed reviews, but I went for it and it does help by cooling you down more quickly. It doesn’t prevent the sweats though, hence me saying that some people may have unrealistic expectations.
Hi louise I’m glad to hear your op went well. I had mine on Tuesday so I’m a couple of days ahead.
Take care and do things at your own pace.
I’m getting stronger but it’s the loss of sensation down my arm that’s getting me down. I keep dropping things
Glad your ok and good luck for your results x
Hi hope you don’t mind me posting on this thread. My Mum had lumpectomy and sentinel Lymph node biopsy on wednesday. I was just wondering what the exercises were you’re meant to do after surgery as my Mum lost her leaflet and has just been slowly stretching her arm out and up a bit cos she thinks that’s what your meant to do and she can’t ring breast nurse til Monday cos she’s not there. Also how are you all feeling after surgery? And how often are you exercising your arm? My Mum says she’s not in actual pain. It just feel a bit sore and a bit tight but she hasn’t needed any painkillers today. Hope you’re all doing well xxx
I too have lost my exercise leaflet. As it is very early days, I think just gentle stretching is the best thing for now. Just tell her not to overdo it. When she contacts her nurse, she will be able to talk her through and replace the leaflet.
It’s lovely that you’re posting on here to support your mum. Wishing you both all the best, love Mel. xx
Hi louise
You are doing better than me. I haven’t ventured out the door yet. But I live in an upstairs maisonette so it’s the thought of climbing up all them stairs when I get back.
I had a sit down shower yesterday and I must admit, it wasn’t easy. I didn’t attempt my hair but I just had a general wash over.
As for the dressings, I just wiped around them with a flannel, trying not to get them wet. It’s not great, but it makes you feel a little cleaner.
I have an appointment next Monday. It’s just to see my breast care nurse to check my stitches and redress them. I’m sure that’s what your appointment is for too.
The results from the op take 2 weeks to come back so we have to wait a little longer for them x