I had breast lump removed last August and 1 lymph node removed for testing at the same time. Op was fine and not too uncomfortable - went in night before as I was scheduled for early op then home in afternoon after op. .I felt quite positive at this point and sailed happily through my chemo - every 3 weeks ending 24 Jan.
.Breast removal was quite manageable (42mm in left breast) - lymph gland was more awkward as had dressing on which didn’t like being under arm and wouldn’t stay put - also had occasional bursts of fluid from it - quite normal - you get a build up under it that leaks out! called back about 4 weeks later for results (after they’ve tested.everything that was removed - take someone with you if you can - I was expecting ‘all removed - all clear - just radiotherapy now’ and it wasn’t - stage 3 cancer more removed than we thought and (previously all clear) lymph nodes cancerous - further op required!
went in last week for lymph gland clearance ' - was more nervous about this op! - day surgery - Uncomfortable - back home same day with drain bag attached for a week or two! Have to await results (4-6 weeks) then go back for results and then probably radiotherapy. Treatment seems never-ending at this point - and I have lots of up & down days…but I’m getting there slowly! R!
Hope you're through the worst of it now. As others have said, the painkillers you're given at operation and to take home will help you through the first 24-48 hours, but you might want to stock up on paracetamol and ibruprofen. Your pharmacy will be able to give you or your carer a larger 32 supply box rather than the 16 supply you can get from the supermarket. I took two paracetamol and 2 ibruprofen every 4-6 hours for the first 4-5 days, then eased off to turn and turn about with paracetamol, then 4 hours later, ibruprofen, to keep the pain levels manageable for the 2nd week, then I was okay. My GP prescribed codeine for me when I wasn't sleeping well at all, so I would only take one at night before bed, which helped, but as they break down into morphine, was hesitant to keep using unless I was in any kind of severe pain, which only happened a few times as the nerves started to 'meet up' again during healing, sparking sudden pains that kept me awake. Of the box, I only ended up taking about 5 or 6 of them.
I had the same op in early November last year - lumpectomy and sentinel node removal (they took the 4 closest to the lump). Out of those 4, we had hoped only 1, maybe 2 had cancer cells, so would just be a matter of 5 days of radiotherapy and I'd be done, cured. I had seroma (build up of fluid) which had to be drained off a couple of times, but otherwise the post surgical healing went well.
All 4 had cancer cells, so had to go back in at end of November for axillary node clearance (the rest of them removed from that underarm), and of the remaining 10 they removed, only 1 had cancer cells, so this now meant chemo treatment and radiotherapy. Was sent for a CT scan to check if it had spread further, and all organs and soft tissue were clear, but metasteses (secondary breast cancer) found on bone. No longer curable, but treatable to keep it from growing/spreading further. Healing second time around under arm was slower as they had to reopen and extend the same incision from the first surgery under arm, and had a larger amount of seroma develop as well. Once it all sealed up though, I was fine, but be prepared to have extra dressings available to soak up any additional fluid. Your breast cancer nurse/s will be able to supply these for you.
They will also be your lifeline in the coming weeks. If you have any concerns, or questions, that's what they're there for. I was always hesitant to call them if I noticed something, or just wanted to chat, as I didn't want to take up their time unless I thought it was an emergency, but they encouraged me to call and discuss any concerns I had. Make sure you use them for allaying any concerns or worries you might have, popping in for a prearranged visit to have seroma drained, or whatever reason - even just to talk about how you're feeling/coping with it all.
Sending you prayers and thoughts of healing for the coming days,
Good luck with your op. You really shouldn't be in pain, as they will give you IV painkillers in theatre. You can also ask for more when back in the ward/room and they will give you some to take home too. Its normal for them to take 1-3 sentinel nodes for biopsy when you have a lumpectomy, so they can check them - this then informs the next step of your treatment.
I had this op on the 24th of Feb and this is what I found useful, but everyone is different.
Use the painkillers they give you. I got codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen. You can use all the same day, but make sure you keep to the daily limits - kept notes of what I was taking. My op was on a Thursday and took codeine and paracetamol mainly with occasional ibuprofen until Sunday. Made sure I took some at bedtime, to get decent sleep. By Monday didn't need codeine so just paracetamol and ibuprofen for swelling. Last painkillers taken 2 days later and not needed any since. As said before, everyone is different.
Wear front fastening tops and bras until you have good arm movement. I found high impact, zip front, sports bras best, as am 42E. Mine from M&S - expensive but so worth it. My normal bras not supportive enough, although the sports bras cut into my shoulders a bit, as no strap to adjust. Think Asda has adjustable strap sports bras. Recommend a larger cup than usual, as you will have some swelling and bruising. Avoid bras with wires.
If you are not allowed to shower/bathe for 14 days, shower your lower half while wearing bra and use flannel for your top half. If allowed sooner, keep bra on in shower for first few days while washing lower half and arms. Remove to wash breast (with non-perfumed shower gel) pat dry gently and get a fresh bra on again asap. Found it really hurt to not have support of bra due to weight of my (42E) breast and cupping it gently with a hand to support it while getting in and out of shower helped. Once dressed, throw bra in wash, so dry for next day.
Support your breast with a hand while being driven about - going over pot-holes and speed bumps hurts esp if not wearing a high impact sports bra. Use a heart shaped pillow to protect your breast - we all got one after surgery, but you can get them from Pillow Pals on FB (free - just a donation for p&p)
Do the excercises they give you - build up gently. I have good use of arm now 12 days later, although where they took the lymph nodes is a bit nippy and still wearing sports bra 24 hours a day. Can now wear over the head tops and do some light housework.
Don't lift anything heavy and don't drive until you have complete movement in your arm/shoulder, as you need to have total control of car, esp in an emergency situation. Best to wait until post-op meeting and check before driving. We were advised to have someone with us first time driving again and go on short journey and when roads quiet to begin with.
Have lots of rest, eat well and drink lots of fluid - listen to your body's needs.
After 12 days still have some slight bruising, slight swelling and "nippy" where they took the lymph nodes. Still wearing sports bra 24 hours a day. Bit more tired than I expected, so need to be patient - going out for walk every day recommended.
