duct removal op scheduled- what to expect?

[mostlyhappy]

update 2:

I had my post op check/ results on Thursday last week and received the wonderful news that my duct s were enlarged but clear of anything malignant. I saw a different consultant and he was really good at explaining why they needed to operate and left me feeling very reassured. He told me that 1 in 10 come back with bad news but my early indications suggested I might be more likely to be in that category (one side, single duct, spontaneity and colour of discharge, previous breast surgery, age). No follow up needed other than self checking and routine mammograms. 

Unfortunately I don't feel like I have been able to properly appreciate this good news. Since my operation I have been suffering from a sore neck and movement sensitive headaches, which I shrugged off as a reaction to sleeping in a different position to protect my boob and generally feeling a bit more stressed. At the weekend however I ended up unable to function properly and after 6 hours in A&E , Iwith nothing touching the pain was admitted to hospital for a couple of nights where they eventually decided it might be occipatal neuralgia. I'm now back home with an interesting cocktail of diazapam, oramorphine and nerve blockers. Feel like I've gone from someone who hardly ever needs to see a doctor to completely falling to pieces!!

Anyway, the important thing is my results were clear and I shall hold on to this! Wishing anyone else going through tests, biopsies and operations all the best wishes in the world xxx

[Evie-S]

Mostlyhappy - I’m glad to hear that your op went well and wish you the speediest possible recovery, as you go through all shades of purple. If you are at all concerned about the bruising, do contact your BCN, or if you have any concerns, no matter how small. Hugs, Evie xx

[mostlyhappy]

OK, so here is my update, really just incase it is useful for anyone else being advised to have the duct excision procedure....

Monday went like clockwork, the nurses, surgical team and aftercare couldn't have been better. I was taken through to theatre at 11.30 am and just after 1 pm I woke up and it was all over.  The surgeon came round before I was discharged to tell me that the op had gone well, he had removed 2-3 cm of tissue under the nipple and was hopeful that any loss of feeling would be temporary.

I was back home by 6pm, a bit spaced out and unable to keep anything down, even water, but slept well and felt MUCH better on Tuesday morning. The rest of Tuesday was fine and I (quite ridiculously) arranged to be doing my usual stuff again by Thursday. The bruising and swelling that started to really kick in on Wednesday however surprised me, I expected some but wasn't quite ready for the extent of the deep purple/ red bruising (bigger than a dinner plate) or for my boob as swollen as it is. There is no sign of infection, so I am think it is just what it is, and I'll probably go through different shades of colour before it clears up, hopefully by the time of my follow appointment as nobody is allowed near that side of me at the moment! My husband says I 'look like I have been kicked by a horse', it isn't as painful as it looks, not a kick, more of an over enthusiastic headbutt.....

I am waiting to get my follow up appointment but two weeks is what was suggested so I'm trying not to worry as I have been now been reassured that this is a precautionary measure and a 97% chance it will be nothing to worry about, but you know......tick, tock, tick, tock.

J x

[mostlyhappy]

thank-you Evie ❤️

I'm through the other side now....

J x

[Evie-S]

Hi mostlyhappy- I just read your post and wanted to wish you all the best for your op today and a quick recovery. We are all here for you if you need a hug or some support. The waiting is the really hard part, especially if you were having to isolate too. And I agree with you about breast surgery feeling so personal and intimate - you get looked at, prodded, drawn on......I think I just switched off. Big hugs Evie xx

[mostlyhappy]

Hi Mo

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it. 

I've been mostly OK really, apart from a wee wobble the other day, I'm glad to be getting on with it and just want the surgery to be over. I have hated the 14 days of self isolating, but been out for long walks and lots of sea swims (very distanced from anyone else) and generally keeping busy but calm. Pre op on Friday was fine, Covid test not very comfortable, but otherwise I'm good to go first thing in the morning. 

I too had a quick recovery after a lump (fibroadenoma) was removed a few years ago, I can't remember it all that much but my kids were young at the time so no time to rest and reflect, so I am hoping for the same this time. Breast surgery feels really personal though doesn't it? I'd be far happier if it was my foot lol. 

I'll post here in a couple of days time and give an update for anyone else having a similar op. 

Thanks again

xx

[BluebellTime]

Hi, I did not want to pass by as you have not had replies yet. This is not something I have experience of, but I believe it is done to investigate discharge- as opposed to a lump - and then they can test to see if there are signs of cancer. I have had several investigations and usually if the doctor thinks it is cancer they will say so - so it sounds like they really do not know and it may not be. Fingers crossed for you! The nurses on here are great if you want to ask someone who knows - or you should have been given a number for your Breast Care nurses who you could call and talk to. I have had a mastectomy and a lumpectomy and the lumpectomy was done as day surgery. It was a pretty easy op and quick recovery, so if yours is like that you should be fine. Its good that they are doing it so quickly so, I know how you feel, but do try to be pleased about that rather than worried. I hope it all goes well for you. Love Mo x  

[mostlyhappy]

hmmh, I was hoping to hear that it was a very common procedure with a quick recovery. I'll post here next week after my op and share my experience incase anyone else is in the same boat.....

[mostlyhappy]

Hi

Only three weeks ago I saw my GP to discuss spontaneous clear/ pink discharge from my right nipple. It started as dark tea coloured and is now pink or clear, thin and watery. My breast feeding days finished 20 years ago so I knew it was unusual but things have suddenly galloped on a pace. GP referred me to the breast clinic and I was seen 9 days later. Mammogram, then called in for an ultrasound at which point the radiographer told me there and then that I had slightly enlarged glands but they were nothing to worry about. I proceeded through to the next appointment with the consultant 10 mins later, already feeling slightly embarrassed for wasting NHS time in the middle of the pandemic. I was therefore most surprised when he tested the discharge, glanced at the nurse, and said I needed surgery asap. He never mentioned cancer, but did say that he strongly advised duct removal as soon as I could complete 14 days of covid self isolating. I am scheduled for the op on the 19th. 

12 years ago I had a fibroadenoma removed from the same breast, lab results indicated it was benign and I've had no issues since (other than making me very 'breast aware') but I don't remember it moving quite this quickly, though I realise that I am lucky that it is as the waiting around can be so stressful. 

At the moment it feels like quite drastic action, I have no idea what to expect from the operation other than I will be a day patient and it will be done under a GA.  I'd really appreciate any experience of having this kind of op in terms of recovery, outcomes, further tests etc. 

I'm hating the self isolating stage, though it has made me much more empathetic with those having to shield due to treatment, what a hard time so many people are having. 

xx