Hi I’m new here and just been diagnosed on 22nd Jan

Acasia 24 days ago

10 replies
25 subscribers
150 views

I have been told I’m having

LEFT wide local excision of breast

And Sentinel lymph node removal. I’m a bit worried about what to expect after surgery, how long the recovery is and how painful things will be.
If anyone is able to advise I’d be very grateful.

latchbrook 24 days ago

Hi Acasia and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy 4 years ago.

The online community is divided into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you join the breast cancer group as you'll then connect directly with others who have the same type of cancer as you.

To join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

I was uncomfortable for a few days after surgery but nothing that paracetamol couldn't keep under control. I followed the daily arm exercises and I'd say that it took me about 4 weeks for everything to feel normal again.

It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and proposed treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Acasia 24 days ago in reply to latchbrook

Thank you so much. I’m not sure how to navigate everything but I will learn I’m sure. I will click the link now. :)

latchbrook 24 days ago in reply to Acasia

If you need any help finding your way around just let me know.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Acasia 24 days ago in reply to latchbrook

Thank you I appreciate that. I think I’ve added a small bio and saved it and asked a question through the link. Information overload in my brain at present. :)

Jamie696 24 days ago in reply to Acasia

It will all be overload at present. But we are all here to support you.

SEE 24 days ago in reply to latchbrook

My experience was similar to latchbrook’s. I was surprised and pleased at how little pain I had - I was uncomfortable rather than in pain.

Do follow the instructions re exercises. They really helped and my movement was pretty quickly back to normal.

I’ve had a lot of side effects from the adjuvant drugs but they’re bearable.

I wish you well.

Acasia 24 days ago in reply to Jamie696

Thank you so much.

Acasia 24 days ago in reply to SEE

Thank you for replying. I’m trying to stay as positive as possible and manage the anxieties. Hearing your experiences is helping so I’m so grateful.
my consultant has said she will cut around my areola as my lump is in my left breast but on the right side so I will have a dent and she will take a couple of nodes around arm pit.
she said I would have radiotherapy and I need some moisturiser cream which is safe. Would you recommend one please?

Leelaloo 24 days ago in reply to Acasia

Hi Acasia, I had breast cancer in left breast on right side. I had lumpectomy and sentinel nodes removed. My tumour was 4cm so quite big. My scar is not so noticeable anymore and only have a dent when I lift my arms up. I had chemo and radiotherapy. I know a lot of people used Aloe Vera Gel with radio. When are you having your op? I didn't find it too painful but remember to do the exercises that you give you. Good luck.

Lee x

Acasia 24 days ago in reply to Leelaloo

Hi Lee,

sorry you had to go through it to but glad you were not in to much pain and healed well.
my original date for op is tge 17th Feb but they called yesterday and would like to bring it forward to the 5th Feb. The closer it gets the more anxious I feel but hearing positive stories are helping my nerves.
I will have a look at the Aloe Vera gel. Thank you so much for sharing. X