Hi everyone I am due to have my WLE and axillary clearance on 30th Sept but was so concerned about asking the surgeon about the lump and nodes etc that I didn’t think to ask or possibly not taken in what exactly is involved in the op itself.
Will I have one or two scars? What are other peoples stories re drains? Approximately how long is the recovery period to being able to look after oneself again?
regards
Jean
Hello - I had WLE and SNB (senital node biopsy) and have two scars. One where the lump was and one under my arm. The under-arm scar is about 4 - 5 cm, but they only took 4 nodes. I was home the same day and up and about a bit the next. I didn’t drive for a week, but wished it had been two, but had to get back to the school run. Think it probably took me a few weeks to no longer regularly need a rest in the afternoons and to go to bed quite early. Best I can suggest is to try to do what your body wants of it. Not always easy to tell - you don’t know what you can do (or not!) till you try! Wishing you all the best for your operation.
Helen
Hi Jean
I had lumpectomy (WLE) and nodes have 2 scars 1 for the lump and 1 for the nodes. Had the op done in day surgery. Went home with a drain in and the district nurse came in every day to check drain, this was for about 5 days, drain was then taken out. First 5 days felt very tired and weepy. Felt better as soon as drain was taken out. Was then checked a week later at surgery. Then after several weeks started chemo, 3rd one due this Friday.
Val
Hi Jean
I am posting a link to the BCC publication ‘Your operation and recovery’ which you may find helpful:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/your-operation-recovery-bcc151
Take care
Lucy
Hi,
The number of scars depends on the location of the lump. Mine was close to the armpit, about 1/2 way between the armpit and the nipple, so they were able to take it out through the same incision as the nodes, so from the WLE I only have the one scar in my armpit.
As I live on my own, my aunt came down to take me to hospital and stay with me, as you are not allowed to be alone the night after general anaesthetic. She left two days after the op. Unfortunately you can’t drive after the op, so you may need to stock up on groceries, or get someone to shop for you, at least for the heavy items.
I didn’t have a drain for my WLE, but had 2 for my reconstruction, I think it varies from person to person, there is less swelling and bruising with drains.
As others have said, listen to your body and let yourself sleep if you need to. I would also recommend doing the stretches as soon as you are able, as this reduces tightness later.
Jen
Hi Granny,
Had mine some years ago - like the other ladies, scar where the lump/s were removed (had multi focal) and one near the armpit for node sampling.
I healed pretty quickly and remember reaching for the “lippy” at 6pm that evening as a sign to get me home!
I was completely mobile within a couple of days.
Once the scars had healed, swelly down (about 6 weeks)they started my rads. Everyone was keen that I not “fold over” on the scar site and keep stretching the area, not to loose arm movement above the head.
I would lay drapped over the edge of the bed and put my arms above my head ( after scar better)and let gravity pull them down. Tipped up to the physio and she announced I had better mobility than her. You know when to start doing it as it feels right.
My thoughts are with you. Hope this helps.
Hello Jean, it’s a lot of info to take in isn’t it! Don’t beat yourself up for not listening/hearing everything, totally understandable! I had WLE and SNB on 16th August, I have 2 scars, 1 just south west of my armpit about 3 to 4 cm curved and similar size across right breast, just above the nipple where 22mm tumour was removed, also had hookwire, where a wire is placed in the tumour prior to surgery so consultant new exactly where to go, and then to round it all off I had the blue dye injection which enables the consultant to pinpoint the SN’s all in the same day. Even after all that, I was slowly but surely taking care of myself by the second day with the aide of some paracetemol. It sounds quite drastic but us ladies are a resilliant species. Considering I’m rubbish at coming round from anaesthetic, and had to stay in overnight as the poor nurses that were trying to bring me round only got the response of “yeah I’m getting up, 5 more minutes”, I was surprised at not feeling too bad!!! Then my Aunt came and took me home the next day. I have snoozy days, I have interrupted sleep during the night, but nothing that can’t be dealt with in my own sweet time. Got my first oncology appointment to sort out my radiotherapy on the 20th and will attack that round of recovery in my own time too!
Good luck for the 30th and let us know how you get on and march to the beat of your own drum Jean, take care, Simone xxx
Thank you everyone for your comments and kind words, they are much appreciated and have helped me to understand what to expect.
Thanks for the link Lucy.
regards
Jean
Hi Jean I had a lumpectomy too.My main scar is about 5 inches long with a T shape near the armpit which is where the nodes were taken-that is about 2 inches long.I had drains in for 24 hours and was kept in hospital until the wound stopped draining so much.This was in 2006 so I think they let you go home with the drain in now.Its a good idea to have a carrier bag in hospital to hold the drainage bag when you walk to the loo.I had a Mickey Mouse one which raised some smiles.I also took my own pillow[suggested by the hospital] and that helped a lot.When I went home I had my oh to help but I could have managed most things.It is awkward when you try to do up a bra or wipe your bum[tmi] for a few days but you can manage -depends which side your op is and whether you are right or left handed.Oh and do do all the exercises they give you as often as you can.You will be best if you can have someone around[especially at night] for the first week anyway-for emotional as well as physical support.All the best for the 30th.
Vx
Thanks Horace
Will have to look for a cool bag to take in with me, fortunately the op is on my left side and I am right handed. Will have my OH looking after me, think it will be a fight to do anything for myself the first few days but he will settle down after a couple of days, bless him.
Had my first overwhelming moment today and just had a good cry, feeling OK now had a chat with OH about my feelings at this time which also helped.
Staying in overnight and going to be discharged with drains and district nurse coming in each day until it is removed.
Again thanks for taking the time to respond.
BW
Jean
Hi Jean
I had my WLE and SNB on 1st September. I have two scars, one where the lump was and the other under my arm, both are between 1 and 2 inches, although I do not know how many lymph nodes were taken. Mine should have been day surgery but I was very sick afterwards and had to stay in, but think it was more to do with the anaesthetic. The bruising is just settling down now but I still have pain between the armpit and elbow; I was not expecting this. As for exercise, listen to your body and only do what you are able to do. My BCN gave me a pamplet with exercises in and I am following these exactly as she suggested. I have an appointment with my consultant tomorrow to get my results, so am keeping a positive mind. Good luck with your op on 30th Septmber. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Liz
Thanks Liz will be thinking of you tomorrow good luck xx
Hi Granny22
Have bumped a thread from the end of last year that you may find useful.
All the best x