The operation

Hi LL, had the laziest of days today too, just exhausted. I snuggled up on the sofa watching the strictly final, I didn’t guess he would win and I’m sure Alexandra thought she had. 

Haha oh thank goodness it was safe for the in laws to travel home. 

It’s been really quiet on here the last few days, I’m sure it’s because you’re all enjoying the festivities still. 

I’ve been thinking about Joanne all day, I’m sure she will pop something on here soon. 

Hope all of you other ladies are ok. 

I say WTF every day, no results came for me today, maybe tomorrow, maybe not just need to know now so that things move on soon!!

Hugs to you all xxxxxxx

Hi gang.....I'm alive! Discharged early this morning for good behaviour.

Say on sofa eating choc cake with Libby after my big night away at hotel NHS.

Operation went ok was first on list again but this time due to bed issues spend a "pleasant" 2 hours on trolley in recovery waiting to go back on ward. But that was only annoying bit really. Under arm isn't as painful as I'd imagined just but stingy here and there and like I'd been told it feels like have a book under arm which is a wierd sensation but not painful. Have got drain in until Monday unless drains less than 50ml in 24 hrs before that. It's ok bit of a daft to carry it around and keep emptying but found a dolly peg bag in Libbys stuff which it fits in perfectly.

So back in 3 weeks for results and next steps (chemo a certainty from what they said before).

Jackie - bet you are jumpy every time phone rings. Hopefully you'll get the call today. Thanks for my message was nice to see when opened my inbox.

LeoLovelyLady- you are being greedy with the snow send some up North please for Libby. Hope your BIL gets on ok. Lady in bed next to me had had lumpectomy yesterday. 2 friends came to see her and she told me they met at the Hospice a few years ago when all their husbands had cancer and were in there at same time. WTF is all you can say. 

Hope everyone ok and taking it easy.

xx

Hi Jammy, well done on your escape! I go in on the 15th for a full mx and ax node clearance. Let me know how you get on with the drains etc. I am not looking forward to it. Xx

Hi JoJo

What reconstruction are you having ? The drains are a pain but are only in a few days generally, I was surprised with all my ops on how little pain I had.

jo. 

Hi Jo, they can't spare the upper skin or the nipple so I will have an expander put in initially, then they say it will take 18 months to 2 years before they can do the full recon. They have said I can have the diep flap, provided all goes well. I was genuinely shocked that it takes that long and we were shown pics of the various stages I will go through. We thought they were showing us what can go wrong, but he said "no, this is what to expect, this is when it goes right". He must have seen the shock on my face. I am now prepared though and have lowered my expectations, so hopefully I will be okay. I just expected it to be done more quickly. They have also refused to do both breasts at the same time, so that was upsetting too, as that adds more to the mix. I know I should just be grateful, but I will feel mutilated and abnormal for such a long time. Xxx

Hi Jo.

So far the drain isnt really a problem...just getting used to remembering it's there as tube gets caught on things but the bulb bit which collects the blood is small and literally just flip lid open to empty it. I've found a bag to put it in when walking around house and nurse also gave me a bandage so can strap it to me if want to go out. It's not as bad at all as I'd imagined.

Obviously I haven't had the mx op but both my lumpectomy and the node clearance have been less painful than I'd been told. I think they are very good these days at managing the pain relief during surgery which makes recovery much better. I don't really feel need for painkillers now (less than 24 hours after op) but promised nurse I'd keep taking them for couple of days!. Last night on the overnight bit of the day surgical ward there was me - full node clearance, a lady who's had mastectomy and a lady who's had lumpectomy plus 4 others who's had various bone/ fracture/injury type surgery. Us 3 breast ladies were up and about chatting and drinking coffee the others were all in more pain/discomfort so please dont worry too much.

Joanne

Yay!!! JammyR, you’re home on your settee with Libby & everything!! So pleased all seems to have gone well. You must all be relieved this part is over.  

Take your time today, lots of chilling with DVD and tv for you. Lots of love & healing wishes sent up to you xx

JoDec, I had 3 drains after op - always have liked to load up at the buffet - ask anything you want if it helps xx

Woooh Hoooo Jammy is back!!

So so pleased to see your message on here. 

I hope you continue to feel ok and that drain is out on time. 

Oh my what a story re the ladies, makes you feel sad but at the same time it’s amazing they have all stayed in touch and now the others are supporting her. 

Hope everyone is ok today. 

Xxxx

Bigguy - wow didn't realise you had 3 drains after your op, bet that was but tricky stopping them getting tangled. I keep almost knotting my the one tube I've got to handle! Hope you are feeling ok and chemo side effects not troubling you. When is your next session?

xxc

JammyR,

Lol!! Yep!! Never do things by halves me!! Always have been a bit greedy (hence Bigguy!!!!!!) hubster gave me the name after Harold Bishop in 1980’s Neighbours. Incidentally, I was a trim size 14 not the squidgy 16 I am now ;-) Bit of trivia for you, haha!!

I had a bilateral breast reduction at same time as lumpectomy as lump was quite large and didn’t fancy a recon. so as I’d got plenty to spare, I had a reduction instead. Unfortunately, I had a large haematoma so ended up with a 2nd emergency op a few after the 1st one. As my friends & family all said “only you!!” 

So, that’s why I needed 3 drains!! Our hospital provided little cotton shoulder bags to carry them in which made things easier. Showering was errrr fun!! As someone else has said, try to avoid catching the loop on door handles etc - makes you jump a bit that!!

Chemo hasn’t been too bad. Effects started even before infusions had finished on Friday - rude!! Nausea subsided on Tuesday but then flu-like symptoms & very sore throat started overnight Tues & Weds. Temp always been ok so help-line nurse said was probably side effects but to observe. Feeling less achey today but my throat is very painful.

Hope you continue to recover well Jammy xxxxx