Lumpectomy surgery experience

Hi Laura, I was diagnosed with er+ on 1 June. I was told that I was booked in for a lumpectomy and lymph nose clearance on 25 June. I was absolutely petrified but the operation was nowhere near as bad as I had imagined. I went in as a day case, I was first one down at about 9:00 and rang my niece to come and collect me at about 4:15 so was home for 5:00. I was given plenty of pain medication to take home with me but I didn’t need to take much of it. I was given exercises to do which you need to keep on top of. I had to see the surgeon 2 weeks later to get results and to get the dressing taken off and she gave me the good news that she got clear margins and only 2/16 lymph nodes were cancerous therefore no more surgery was required. She recommended chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and referred me to an oncologist. This was the first time that I had seen my scar as I was told to leave the dressing alone until this appointment and I was really surprised at how small and neat it all was.

i can honestly say the lumpectomy was nowhere near as bad as I had imagined, I know we are all different and have different pain tolerance. I did get an infection a few weeks later and needed antibiotics but it has been a fairly easy journey for me so far. I still get a few niggles occasionally but other than that I have been fine. If you want to know anything else don’t hesitate to message me.

Muriel x

Hi Laura,

I had a lumpectomy after chemo in April,with 2 clear sentinel nodes removed.Unfortunately due to Covid I couldn't have my last chemo as the surgery was moved before hospital lockdown.There was very little tumour left though.I have healed well and quickly as it's not such a major op as a mastectomy,minus nipple but with a large amount of areola left and from above look symmetrical.I rarely wear my prothesis as it doesn't bother me.I have had a mild case of cording which has virtually gone.The operation was a day case and the external closure was healed in just over a week and has faded well,the node area is still slightly pink but obviously gets rubbed all the time but lays perfectly in a crease and only visible when I extend my arm in a skimpy top.Bottom right of right breast removed.Now on Herceptin,hormone blocker and Zometa.

  Hope this helps you and someone with a mastectomy adds there info.

       Yvie

P.s areola still responsive to touch and cold

Hi  Laura, I had a lumpectomy and removal of sentinel node at the end of April on my right breast. The scar from the lumpectomy is around the top half of the areolar and has healed well The node scar is in a crease near the axilla.I too went in as a day case and was home in time for tea. Pain was easily controlled with Paracetemol although I was also given stronger painkillers which I didn't use.I was told to remove the dressing 24 hours post operation and shower with my back to the shower head. My breast care nurse said to wash the area gently with my hands and pat it dry afterwards. Some surgeons advise this way while others prefer that the dressing is left in place -you should be told what procedure to follow. I was given exercise leaflet and told to start them the following day which I did. These are to prevent tightening in the shoulder area and are important to do but follow the guidelines closely. I already knew that I would be probably having radiotherapy so carried them our religiously 3 times a day.The hospital staff were wonderful and so reassuring and kind- they explained everything that was going to happen.I know  when the time comes for your operation that you will probably be nervous but there really is no need as you will be in safe hands.Be gentle on yourself and try and do things that you enjoy in the meantime. Sending big hugs and do keep in touch with this site.The only silly question is the one you don't ask.xx

I had lumpectomy two weeks ago, and biopsy on lymph nodes. Margins successful, was meant to be day case but due another health i stayed overnight. But had no problems, my dressing under arm came off two days later, and left the boob dressing for a week before removing. Surgeon was impressed yesterday in how it looked and heeled. Had offer of a reduction in other boob to match but i declined, but it doesn’t look much different to my other boob.