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Pain killers after a potential lumpectomy

Annie5
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Hi Slight smile I have recently been diagnosed with 6mm breast cancer, at early stages, the breast care nurse said "Potentially a lumpectomy, possibly radiotherapy" also lymph nodes, from armpit area etc

My outpatient with surgeon, is the beginning of February. I will be given a date of the procedure they will want to do. Obviously I will have questions galore. One being pain relief. I can take small 15 mg codeine for another medical issue, however am restricted to these, as I can NOT take Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Is this an option, I use docusate, lactulose to help if 'bunged up' /constipated which codeine does. Im limited to paracetamol so cant reallly have Co-codamol. 

To rest, I should lie with pillows behind me? I usually lie on my left side, which will be the surgery side.  How important is this & would I need a special pillow, or use regular ones, plus where, if not lying on my back. I have fractured vertebrae due to Osteoporosis also. 

Breast care nurse said I'd be given a bra, by charity for holding the dressing inplace, no exercise, apart from the leaflet they send me home with. 

So - pain killers (again obviously to ask the specialist) Codeine would be my best pain relief, unless oromorph is an option. 

Any advice to all the above much appreciated. The more mentally & physically prepared, using mindfulness & breathing, will help me too.

I am a worrier, highly super anxiety normally anyway. 

Many thanks 

Annie

  • Hi Annie5

    Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to the online community. I hope you are finding it a supportive space to connect with others. My name is Eileen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. 

    Levels of pain following surgery for breast cancer can vary depending on the procedure you have. You will be given pain relief according to your needs, this might be in injection form or via patient controlled analgesia immediately post-surgery, moving on to tablet form as your pain improves. Everybody’s pain is individual. The nurses will assess your pain and make changes to your pain killers where needed.

    It is extremely important for your pain to be controlled allowing you to rest comfortably, take deep breaths, and cough effectively, to move and mobilise effectively with only mild pain. Good pain relief helps you recover from surgery more quickly. The doses of painkillers given are set within safe limits, but every individual is different, and you may need more or less pain relief to achieve the desired effect. If you feel that the doses are not strong enough, or not lasting enough, please discuss this with the nurse or doctor looking after you as there are a range of analgesics available that can be prescribed.  

    Changing position in bed, lying on your back or non-surgery side, and using pillows to support the wound can help reduce pain or discomfort after surgery. Some people use v shaped pillows or mastectomy pillows after surgery. Your Breast Care Nurse can talk to you about these options and whether they might be of benefit to you, particularly as lying on your back may not be an option given your fractured vertebrae.

    In the first few weeks after surgery, most women wear a soft, non-wired bra that isn’t too restrictive. Your breast care nurse may advise you on what bra to wear depending on the type of surgery you have had. You don’t need to wear a specific post-surgery or mastectomy bra unless you are advised to.

    It’s understandable that you would feel anxious following a cancer diagnosis but it’s important to know there is help and support available if you are struggling.

    I really do hope this information was helpful. Please know that you can always give us a call to talk things through further.

     

    Take care and best wishes,

     

    Eileen (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref:CF

    Eileen M - Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
  • in reply to Eileen M - Macmillan

    Thank you Eileen. Yes your is extremely helpful. 

    I was chatting to a Macmillian support line team, 'David' who was exceptionally helpful. Unfortunately I had to cut the call short, due to the breast care nurse trying to call too. 

    I will call again hopefully tomorrow after blood tests. 

    Many thanks, I've been given some good local cancer groups, from holistic massage, accupuncture, yoga, to psychothetapy and EMRD even hypnotherapy. A community which includes an allotment- obviously after my wound has healed. 

    Moment by moment, day by day. 

    Kind and warm regards 

    Annie 

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