Suddenly on a journey that was never on my bucket list

Hi Kaz3531,

I had a lumpectomy nearly four months ago and lymph nodes removed. It is a shock when you are told and it is important you take a bit of time to let it register and sink in, so first of all sit down with a cuppa, make a list of to do’s and what to take to the hospital with you and relax a bit. I can assure you, that medicine has come a long way and you will be fine, my surgery and medical care were exceptional and I’ve just been told I am clear. As for the bras, I bough two front fastening post op bras from Marks and as I stayed in overnight (I am partially sighted and live alone) the Doctor said to wear it from the day after the op when I was going home. They are necessary, because your breast needs supporting. Please don’t panic, everything will fall into place.

You have made the first big step by finding the Macmillan site, also do visit your nearest Macmillan centre, a list is on here, or ring them on 0808 808 0000, they are superbly helpful and give you lots of great info, do walks, talks and lots more. Please also get a good support structure in place, family, friends, good work colleagues, I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep yourself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. You may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever you do, do not visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information that your head spins and it stresses you out - just listen to your medical team, they no best.

I know it’s hard sometimes, but try and keep as positive as you possibly can, have positive people around you and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to yourself - I promise you, you will get through this. You are never alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

Wishing you loads of luck with your surgery, take care and big hugs.xxx

Dear Kaz3531

I was diagnosed with stage 2 Her2+ breast cancer in Nov it has taken me along quite a rollercoaster of emotions so far. 

If it's any consolation I'm in the same boat too. I'm waiting to have my lumpectomy this week coming. I can relate to where you are coming from. 

It can feel really overwhelming can't it. Ultimately everything will be managed expertly by the medical team. I've bought myself some comfy supportive bra tops so I can just pull them on and off and they are comfy and supportive. 

Looking at other people's experience online is quite reassuring it sounds as though prepping easy go to food to eat, getting support in place from friends could be good too so you have time to rest and recover. 

Wishing you the very best for your operation and recovery. 

Hi Kaz3135,

I had my lumpectomy and nodes removed a month ago.

I recovered really well. Did the gentle exercises they advised.

I bought some wireless bras from Tesco. They have good support. I was advised to wear them day and night for approx 8 weeks. I just used one of my normal pillows in my bed. I felt folding it over and resting my arm on it helped. 

It's helpful to do an online shop of things you may need and you can prep some foods to take out the freezer.

I was back driving 2 weeks after op. I pottered around the house. They tell you no hoovering or heavy chores for 4 weeks. I feel like I have fully recovered from op. There was very little pain. It was mostly discomfort.

I went in at 10am had op at 12.30 and left hospital at 4pm. It was done as a day case. 

The stress and worry are the worst. Our heads run away with everything. I had no common sense, couldn't think straight. However I have moved on and now commence my chemo next week.

Once in the system all your appointments and treatments go quickly. I can't fault my team in Ayrshire I have been well looked after and feel supported.

Good luck with your surgery. Wishing you a speedy recovery xx 

Morning

I had lumpectomy and 2 nodes removed 2nd July. I got front fastening bras from asda and sleep in them too, they are so comfortable. Meals prepped in freezer have been so handy. At night I have a feather pillow I use so I can sleep on my right side, lumpectomy was on the left breast. I went in for 7 and discharged at 6. I had the dye and isotope put in the same morning to locate sentinel node. Wishing you well for your operation.

I think it’s all been said but please try not to worry about the operation 

there’s hardly any pain you just feel a bit bruised on boob and under arm feels a bit tender. Paracetamol job 

driving - 1 week/ 10 days 

dog walks - maybe 4 days after and after 1 week longish dog walks (5k plus) 

freezing food- excellent idea

clean sheets - excellent idea . Tricky to do that post op for a bit. Ditto ironing was tricky (I had right boob done and I’m right handed)

remebet you can use everything from elbow down normally! It’s just the armpit that’s a bit sensitive. 

Hospital gave me a heart shape pillow for under arm pit. Very useful

i bought one front clip bra which I took into the operating theatre and they put on for me. After that I was in soft compression style sports bras which i stepped in to until I could put on overhead. Wear that day and night

thats it I think!! 

Drink lots of water post GA

Eat protein for tissue repair 

Dear Kaz,

I can see you have had some excellent advice, I would like to wish you, well with health and happiness ahead, take one day at a time, be kind to yourself. 

keep posting, letting us know how your doing, hugs Tili x