Recovery after lumpectomy surgery

Hey, I'm feeling slightly rubbish today also. Light headed and peeing Like there's no tomorrow.  I too came round ok after surgery went home after a couple of hours. I didn't sleep well that first night.. But went up town next day with hubby to collect my pillow, which I shouldn't have done, as I've felt exhausted since. My boob is feeling fine, but I've just got pain in my under arm and arm.  It's just this feeling like crap, that I don't like.. Sorry for putting crap, but that's how I'm feeling.... Can't get over how well I was feeling yesterday, and now feeling like this today.. X

Hi Ladies

I had my lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed back on April.  I just want to reassure you both that how you are feeling is normal. I was surprised at how tired I felt after my operation.  Just try and follow your body and rest when you need it, difficult I know when you are used to rushing around.  Cancer treatment is a rollercoaster of up and down.  Its is quite ok to fell rubbish try and be kind to yours self.  I found watching a funny film on a bad day helped or reading a book or even just sitting out in the garden helps.  Keeping in touch with friends helps to, although you may not want to talk about treatment all the time.  I would also like to reassure that your bodies will heal and you will be amazed at how quickly it does heal. Your breast nurse can also help with any concerns you may have.  There may be blips in your treatment and feel like you are going backwards but you are going forward each day. 

Hope this helps and wish you both a speedy recovery.

Jenny x 

Hi Jenny just to say I agree with you .I had mine in June and am now cancer free going on to the next the stage of radiotherapy. I wish all of you speedy recoveries and we must learn to rest. Lol xx

Hi Helly12

Fantastic news for you, like you I am now cancer free and have had 3 sessions of Radiotherapy 12 more to go! Good Luck with your Radiotherapy and continued good health. Jenny xx  

Thanks Jenny and the same to you .It's a great feeling knowing the cancer has gone . All the very best xx

Thankyou Jenny49 just seen this message.. Im starting to feel a little better, still very tired but i was like that before the operation.  Im booked into seeing my consultant on the 26th July.. Then i find out when ill be having radiotherapy.. xx

I too underestimated the post surgery aches and tried to carry on. In hindsight, I probably tried to do too much. I went on hols 5 days after but we just managed a few days out. for me, tiredness is a biggie as I struggled to get comfy - wearing a bra day and night is restrictive and once some dressings had come off it cut right along one scar. sleeping with arm on pillow hurt my shoulder but physio advised that if it was uncomfy to give up at night. if I'm on sofa I do have it raised on a pillow. Drink lots but eat a little and often as not all drugs get flushed out and going to the loo was better! I'm 5 weeks down - still achy (make sure you do exercises as it does help). Funnily my right hand is achy as this is where they put the canula and the bruising is horrid even now. You have to remember they pump you full of all sorts of drugs (for me sedative as got worked up, anaesthetic, antibiotics and fluids), they've rummaged around, taken bits out and sown you up. no matter how gentle, you'll be bruised inside and it takes time. Every day is different. I've had plenty wobble days where I just sit on sofa and cried, on others I've felt better. it's quite personal to you but keep going, it does get better and take one day at a time. sending hugs x

I find the fatigue and tiredness the worst trying to pace myself. I don't have a lot of pain where I had my surgery and it has healed well.I had my planning and (tattoos) yesterday .I did notice my arms dud ache. Starting my radiotherapy on the 5th August and am so lucky only need 5 treatments.  Remember to rest ladies even if you think you feel ok your breast has gone through a lot and we have emotionally. Wishing all the very best to all of you xx

The crash sounds normal. I was extremely chatty when released from hospital and thought the morphine prescribed was a bit over the top - little did I know.....Just like you, I underestimated the surgery and post surgery....it was all weird and I could concentrate on nothing. Couldn't breathe properly. Back really ached - couldn't sit down easily and getting to the toilet, or anywhere really took an age. Sat in the garden with unseeing eyes, trying to read the same bit of a book over and over again. Had very sore throat and mouth ulcers from the op and lived on porridge. Thought I'd never get better. 

Gosh glad you posted, I've had terrible back ache - like rib ache/below shoulder blades on both sides but mainly on the right (its my left boob that was operated on). I wonder if I was lying on it during the op. probably why sleeping on my back is so achy. I've done deep breathing exercises but it hurts - sometimes I'm a wuss! It is getting better. considered putting deep heat cream on it on right side but I can't reach it. A real crap nights sleep last night so going to try afternoon nap. Woken up very sore and achy today. keep going everyone. you're doing great! x