Surgery tomorrow (4th May)

[Maximiliana]

OMG ladies. Yesterday I started to leak fluid from my incision around 10am. It wasn't too much but it gradually increased throughout the day. By 9:30pm I was in a cab enroute to the hospital. Sadly the emergency department was very busy and I didn't get seen until 12am. By then my clothes were soaked. The doctor said that I had hematoma. They changed my dressing and then sent me home. 

I had no idea that this could happen. I was so glad that I chose to take the full two weeks off from work. I was starting to feel pretty good on Wednesday so I was considering going in to work on Thursday and Friday of this week. Good thing that I didn't do that. I'm okay now, I think. 

Just wanted to share in case some are as uninformed as me. *I'm going to read posts and articles about hematoma right now*

[Lizzie]

Thanks Sandra -I'll have a look for it xo

[SandraSussex]

Hi Lizzie
There is a thread running titled Breast care nurse.
I think a lot of us have problems making contact!
Sandra x

[Lizzie]

Good to hear bowels are working and your throat is better.  

I went to the shops for the first time today - felt lovely to be normal.

Mine is my right boob too and I am trying to use my arm normally but find myself 'protecting' my boob and arm - which feels very bruised down to my elbow and I am struggling to reach up and straighten it out - pulled and painful. I don't feel ready to drive yet. 

Other than that things are looking good.

I haven't had confirmation of my review meeting yet - I tried to chase it today but was unable to speak to anyone despite trying 4 times.

So far I have only spoken with my bc nurse once and have not been able to get her on the phone - I am wondering what is the point of having one.  As you can see I am a bit disgruntled re my perceived lack of support from the bc nurse.  Before my operation the time was changed and I tried to contact her to get some clarification - I phoned and left a message every morning for 5 days but only got to speak with her by going into the hospital and sitting and waiting until she was free to see me, that was the day before my op. I waited over an hour, my husband and I were told she was having her lunch.  

I am sure bc nurses do a wonderful job but so far, for whatever reason, I have yet to experience this.

Apologies and venting over.  

Has anyone else had trouble speaking with their bc nurse?

[Flyingarcher]

Hi

bowels are now working fine and throat has improved considerably.  Just felt a lump under my arm.  Decided to take off the dressing and leave it off.  The scar is healed and scabbed so can't think that is wrong???  Think the blobby bit is this seroma thing.  This time last week I was getting worried because the surgery was delayed!  I keep having to tell myself 'and I still had my Unwanted Little Visitor' too because it all feels a bit unreal now sitting here with a battered boob and an underarm that looks and feels like the Somme.

Walked into town earlier, had lunch and walked back.  Think I've overdone it a bit hence the swelling.  It was ok this morning but hurt a bit after going to the freezer in the shed (opening doors, runaging around, etc) Trouble is, it's my right arm and so difficult not to use.   Nothing hurts if I just do nothing but that's sooooo boring.   Don't think driving is an option yet.  I still feel tired and a bit yonderly at times.  

I think a cup of tea might have to happen soon (hands round virtual tea and cake).  

[feelthefear]

Haha. I'll like my husband know what you said maxi. He'll love being told he's right for once. 😀
In my case "feel the fear" comes from the brilliant Susan Jeffers book. Feel the fear and do it any way. She teaches that whatever comes our way embrace it. Whatever lies ahead we WILL cope. X

[Maximiliana]

Hi Feelthefear 🙂

Your post made me smile!

I actually told some one that yesterday.... I said, I need to "feel the fear" and entertain some of the scary outcomes. I've been tired of people telling me not to think about the outcomes. How can you not think about it?!? Especially while your are healing from surgery, every pain and discomfort is a reminder of my unknown situation.

For me, leading up to my diagnosis (April 13), I was living in a dream world. I did even think that cancer was a possibility even after my second biopsy. I went to my 2nd biopsy results appointment alone. I was just dropping in to get the news and intended to go back to work. My shock of hearing the news was HUGE. No idea how I got home safely because it was all a blur.

I love your husbands advice! I like that he did not try to tell you to stop thinking about the worst outcomes but to ADD good ones too. Please let him know that that advice has helped me. 

[feelthefear]

That should be throat not threat. Maybe my subconscious as I definitely feel under threat. 😀

[feelthefear]

Hi maxi. I had mastectomy and lymph removal on the 2nd. My results are also in on the 17th. 😳
The waiting can be torturous if you start to think think think. My husband says for every worst outcome I imagine I have to also take a minute to imagine the best. It'll of been nearly 8 weeks from diagnosis by the time my results come in. That's nearly two months of unknowns where your imagination is in complete overdrive. It's obvious we'll have bad days. Sometimes I feel great, then all of a sudden I give myself liver, threat and bone cancer as well. 😳😳
Definitely keeping busy helps. I've spent a fortune going shopping etc. I think I might have to hide the credit card statement when it comes in. 😀

[Lizzie]

Hi Flying Archer, yes I had trouble going to the loo - probably our bodies telling us they've had a shock. I hope the senna has worked - I find a caffeinated coffee in the morning helps.
Has anyone tried driving yet? xo

[Maximiliana]

Thank you Helena and Ann 

[ladybowler]

Max

What ann says is so right and I was the same, focused on what I knew for now and if by any chance it changed post op then I would deal with it then.

We are all here to support you and totally understand what you are feeling.

Sending you ahug

Helena xxx

[Debbie61]

Hi Flyingarcher. Hopefully by now you're better at both ends! But, if not, I had a really chronic sore throat after my op - which went on for about three months (of course I thought I had threat cancer) and also totally bunged up down below (of course I thought I had bowel cancer)! Actually went to see specialist about throat, and he assured me it was ok, prob caused by tube down throat, and my onc told me the bowels were because of the anaesthetic. Everything fine now (my onc is a very patient man!). Debbie xx

[ann-m]

welcome Max,
Meltdown moments are quite normal, we've all had them!
When waiting for my post surgery results, I found it helpful to focus on the facts I already knew & if something more unexpected came up with the final results, then the treatment plan would be adjusted to deal with it. As it turned out, everything was all ok.
ann x

[Maximiliana]

Hi Queebee (and everyone)!

My lumpectomy surgery was on May 3. I'm recovering okay but I'm having a meltdown about my follow up appointment on May 17. I'm trying to remain calm but its so difficult.

My family and friends are being supportive, which I love them for but I'm still in a weird place.

Thanks to you and all the posters right now, I gain strength and comfort from reading your words.

[Flyingarcher]

Hi.  I'm in Surrey/Sussex border.  Numb under the arm today.  Still feeling rather tired.  Managed to go out for coffee and cake yesterday morning and had a shower and washed hair.  Have moved into a cami top with inner bra support and that is more comfortable.  The sodding support tape stuff is itching but going to see the nurse tomorrow afternoon to get redressed.  Feeling a bit feeble today and tired.

worryingly (and sorry, this is poss TMI) I haven't had a bowel movement yet so am off to Tesco this afty to buy soft crop tops (didn't before because I thought I wouldn't be able to lift my arm but I can quite easily) and some senna as can feel myself bloating.  

does anyone else's throat hurt?  I think this is down to anaesthetic but think I was possibly beginning to fight off something on Wednesday.  

Still, have had some good sleeps and not needing so much painkillers.  Am taking arnica to try and reduce bruising.

have a lovely weekend ladies.  Just offer to mutter the words 'lunch' to sons and look hopefully at them....

[queenbee]

It was nice to get out and about and get dressed although i was tired come bedtime but it helped me sleep better. Im not suffering any numbness at all. I'm starting to get a ache in my shoulder but been doing my exercises daily so hopefully they will help...xxx

[Lizzie]

I know what you mean. It was chilly here today so my husband put the fire on and I watched Big Little Lies -I can recommend it. I dint have a dressing - the surgeon used glue and said it was fine to have a quick shower.
Had s few visitors today. I dud plan to go for a walk but didn't get far as it was cold and quite sore.
Just off to bed - each day we will get better. I'm hoping the numbness,and fluid in my arm will soon go.
Take care xo

[queenbee]

Lizzie I am in Grimsby! No time yet either for mine. I've had a bath but was told not to get my dressing wet for 5 days so just a little one so I felt fresher! I slept the whole night last night and didn't wake in pain. I'm so bored of resting though now and off to sit at my friends for an hour just for a change if scenery! X

[Lizzie]

Hi Flying Archer and Queenbee (Lizzie) glad you are both doing ok.  I took it easy yesterday and indulged in pain killers and sleep - feel so much better. 

I've just had my first shower - was,a bit nervous but it was lovely.  Feeling refreshed and smell great.  

Queenbee we both have our review meetings on the 18th, although I don't have a time yet.  Where in the country are you ladies?  I am in Northamptonshire.

Take care and remember to take it easy. Xo

[kittyb]

Flying archer
Love your analogy of the Petri dish it did make me smile x

[queenbee]

Flying archer.... glad you are doing well too. I am.the same. I don't feel.as stiff and sore as they said I would.....i am too getting those stabbing pains every now and again but I suppose that where all the work took place so I tell myself it's my body going back together.... they did tell me my breast would be indented as the tumour was quite big and at first I was dying to see how it looked but I'm not too bothered now... the cancer has been removed from me and that's all that matters now! X

[ladybowler]

Flyingarcher

Good to hear that you are through the op, rest up now xx

[Flyingarcher]

Hi

had my surgery yesterday too.  Finally got home at midnight as I was really late in.  The waiting was awful and they had to send a lady home because they couldn't fit her in, poor woman.   

Wearing a tight sports bra and downing painkillers.  The arm isn't too bad but get stabby pains in my nork where the tumour was.  Off to have a big sleep, hopefully.

glad to hear all the other 4th May ladies are well.  Still feels unreal that My Unwanted Little Visitor is no longer with me but muttering grumpily in a petri dish somewhere.

[Dawny]

So pleased you are both home. Take it easy (easier said than done I know!) x

[Fee70]

Hi ladies xxxx

Have some rest now and take it easy, sending best wishes to you both.

Hugs
Fiona x

[queenbee]

Lizzie (sounds weird typing that as that is my name too lol) I feel like that too. I've woken this morning taken painkillers a d feel as though I can take on the world lol... feeling a bit woozy but other than that I'm fine although I do need to tell myself to rest as I'll only feel worse later x !

[ladybowler]

queenbee and lizzie

Great to hear that you are now post op.  Take it easy for a few days now.

Sending you both a very gentle hug

Helena xx

[Lizzie]

I think I ran on adrenaline yesterday - felt fine took no pain relief - used my arm did the exercises.

I was up all day -  people were very kind, lots of visitors and phone massages.

Boy by 9pm I was shattered, 10pm pain and swelling.  Having a very quiet on day today and staying away from the phone!  Think I tried to run before I could walk - a bit foolish and naive.

I hope you are feeling ok Queenbee and are taking things easy xo

[queenbee]

Thank you. Operation went good. Everything went according to plan! Feel quite sore and stiff this morning and haven't really slept well as Kept waking up in pain! Keep getting alot of pins and needles in my fingers! X I'm back in Tuesday for a dressing change and then review meeting on the 18th x

[Dawny]

Hi Queenbee just checking in to say hope all went ok for you and Lizzie hope your pain improves hugs xx

[Lizzie]

Hi Queenbee,

How did it go?  Hope you are ok.

I had my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy yesterday too.  I had it in the afternoon, got home just after 8pm.  Everyone at the hospital was very kind and looked after me well.  I was surprised by how painful it was when I came round - I naively thought I'd be dosed up with pain relief and anaesthetic and wouldn't feel a thing - actually it hurt - a lot.  I was sorted out with pain relief pretty quickly and that has been much better.  Now awake at 4am, ready for some more pain relief !  

How are you doing?

I will definitely be taking it very easy for the next few days and be kind to myself - make sure you do the same.  I plan to make a start on the easy exercises and have a go and also make myself use my arm as normally as I can, within reason, to try and prevent stiffness.  

Fingers,crossed that our review meetings in a couple of weeks bring good news.

Take care and be kind to yourself xo

[ladybowler]

queenbee

Hi, can totally relate to what you are feeling but you will be fine honest.  Before you know where you are you will be back in the ward getting ready to go home xxx

Just make sure that you rest well after the op and do your exercises as they will help with the mobility of your arm post surgery.

Let us know how you get on sending you loads of hugs xxxx

[queenbee]

I'm having my lumpectomy tomorrow. To say I am bricking it is a understatement! I had to have the needle in my nipple this afternoon for the lymph nodes test thing where they will I next the blue dye whilst they are removing the tumour! Also got told today that I am Her2 positive so when I start chemo will need more but said will go into that after I have recovered! X