Lymph node removal Question

FormerMember over 5 years ago

1 reply
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Hi Everyone,

I have been diagnosed with widespread DCIS and have to have a mastectomy with restructuring. I've been told I have to go and have an op to remove 3 lymph nodes from underarm on 8th Jan before the big op when they get the results from that.(would have been better earlier as I'm self employed and can't afford to take time off for christmas followed by time off after too)

My question is how does the lymph node op affect me? Will I need to take time off work at all? They have said it would be under general anesthetic and I would be kept in for the day. Are there any others who have had this op on it's own and how did it affect you?

Thanks

Sam

moomy over 5 years ago

Hi ,

yes I had a sentinel node biopsy a couple of weeks before I had my Mx as it was suspected they would be clear (they were) and so my request for an implant could be a permanent implant.

it’s not a long operation, I was out the same day but somewhat sore. It’s important to keep up pain relief and do the given exercises as shoulders do tend to stiffen up given the chance.

if you’ve never had a general anaesthetic then you won’t know how YOU will react, but I felt ok as I ensured the anaesthetist knew I was sick after a previous general, they used quite a few anti nausea meds including steroids. That gave me a ‘down’ weepy time the following day.

Oddly, I had more discomfort after that op than I did for the mastectomy, probably because they used an extra painkiller drip into the Mx wound. If you’re planning on working I would urge you to remember that a general anaesthetic takes a couple of weeks to completely leave your system. So ask your team about when best to return to work.

hopd all goes sell

Christmas hugs xxx

Moomy

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