I only had sentinel node biopsy which tested first 4, all were clear. Can also recommend do all exercises given, I did mine after each meal so I had a routine and didn't forget them. The physio signed me off after first checkup with them as had full range of movement.
Think about what you wear to and from the hospital. I had to dress myself to come home. I didn't have drains or a dressing on scar. I wore a strappy vest top with loose shirt over the top and trousers. You need to think about drains and what is comfortable.
Take a note pad so you can write down instructions for meds or anything else they may tell you on discharge from hospital. I was a bit groggy the next day. Keep up with meds every 4 hours for a few days even if you don't feel much pain as like the nausea on chemo it is hard to control it once it kicks in. I found taking paracetamol in the day every 4 -6 hours then morphine or tramadol at night to help me sleep. Take meds to bed with you in case you need more in the night. Also write down what time you took meds each day so you know when the next ones are due.
You may get seroma fluid on Mx side after a week or so. Don't worry it is natural, it feels like a waterbed on your chest. Gentle pressure hugging the heart pillow helps and nurse can drain it but they don't like to as it can cause infection. I had 150ml drained on my 6 week check up, it never came back after that.
Also I choose to sleep in the spare room for a few nights just so I was comfortable and to make sure DH didn't knock my scar as no dressing it felt vulnerable!
Will try and think of other tips, it seems ages ago as had Mx on 17 March.
H
