Lumpectomy and Lymph node removal surgery advise

Hi Janey,

Like you I had the issue of having the side I sleep on, operated on. 

I used a v shape pillow to prop me up slightly and provide support to sleep on my back for a week or so 

I used a heart shape pillow from pillow pals (fb) to relieve the pressure from my arm onto my incisions. 

Front opening pjs were a godsend for a couple of weeks as I couldn't raise my arm up. 

And just do the arm exercises religiously! 

Good luck xx

Hi Janey 

I had my surgery on both sides at the end of November and lymph node removal in January I have to say my heart shaped cushions for under my arms were a god send. 

Make sure you have lots of pillows to prop you up and snuggle in to. You may find it helpful to put one between your knees.

Good luck for Friday

Tommo

Hi Janey

Like you I had a Lumpectomy and lympth nodes removed but mine was in September.

I was affixed to get some non wire bra's for after the op, I found the best post op bra's for me being a large lady were the ones from M&S. If you have some under wired bra's you could also take the wires out and wear those as you need some support. 

Prior to your op you will /should meet the most important man in the theatre, the one that puts you to sleep. This is ur chance to ask him /her any questions with regards how they put you to sleep etc. On the morning of the op I was awake from 3am and when they took me down to the theatre at 11am alI I can remember other than asking them to make sure I woke up afterwards, this was my biggest fear and they assured me that I would and as you can see I did. I was in the theatre for about half an hour and woke up in recovery really refreshed and raring to go. You will be asked if you want some toast and a drink once back on the ward. If you can see if you can have a yoghurt as it will easier to swallow. I found the toast went round and round my mouth and had to drink at the same time. 

When I went home the same day I sat on the sofa being propped up by the cushions around me and used a small pillow off my bed under my arm. Also ask who ever is picking you up from the hospital to bring a cushion so you can put it under your arm, you'll be surprised how many bumps there are in the road that you thought was smooth lol. 

I also had some spare pillows in the house and used them to support me while in bed. I was surprised how comfy I could make myself while sleeping in a sitting position. Once I felt ready to sleep on my side I used a pillow to support the right arm, operated on left hand side, over the boob. 

I tended to live in front buttoning pj's for the first two weeks and doing the exercises. 

With regards staying active listen to your body it will tell you how much you can do but give yourself at least two weeks before you undertake any gentle activities. 

You will also be affixed not to get the dressing wet for 10/14 days after the op. I am lucky enough to have my husband at home full time so we worked out how to wash my hair over the bath as I used a flannel to wash my body. By the time I had my first shower was also the time my dressing was to be removed so did this in the shower. It was easy. I had been warned by the surgeon that the stitches would be inside the wound and that they would glue the scar together. 

I jabs two different scars, one under my arm where they removed the lympth nodes and the second one is round the nipple area where they removed the cancer cells. I was pleased how tidy they are. Just be prepared the colour changes your boob will go through, mine went through oranges, blues, black, yellow etc. Once I was allowed to start moisturising I used E45 cream to get the skin ready for radiotherapy. 

I hope this has helped to put your mind at rest and has helped to put those nerves to rest a bit. 

Good luck and hope you get on well. 

Thank you I’ve ordered a heart shaped pillow and I’ve stocked up on front opening pyjamas 

Thank you for such a detailed reply this has really helped 

Hi Janey

Things have moved fast for you. I was diagnosed a month ago and am now 9 days post-op. It’s understandable to feel scared by the prospect of a GA but it really is true - you won’t feel a thing. I find sleeping on my back works best with a small pillow supporting the affected arm. To keep clean I sponge wash down to the waist and then do the rest standing in the bath. My biggest issue has been swelling - I have quite a big boob to begin with and my two expensive post-surgical bras were unbearablly tight. But having some support does help, so I improvised with two long scarves - I wrapped  one around my boobs and tied it in the middle, then hooked the other round my neck and knotted it around the sides of scarf 1. Looks weird but worked for me. 

I wish you well. If anything worries you at all, get on the phone sooner rather than later. They won’t think you’re being silly.

Ruth

Agree with everything that has been said here. The moisturiser is so important, the button up pyjamas a priority, certain visitors need to be vetted so as not to tire you and lots and lots and lots of treats for when you are ready. Wishing you all the best xx

I am having a Lumpectomy and Lymph node clearance on Tuesday. Reading your post has made me feel a bit more relaxed as I have have the same worries you had i.e. not waking up. I have had 6 rounds of chemo and been told by my surgeon that the once 6cm tumour is now tiny, so she will be going in around my nipple. I have been told I will have a drain from my armpit, which Im worried about. I am hoping that I have clear margins and this is also playing on my mind. 

Thank you for sharing your experiences it has really helped me, I have my cushions and front fastening pjs at the ready

Hi

good luck for Tuesday.  I had my op on Friday and it all went well.  2 days post op I am quite sore but moving around ok and feeling quite well considering.  I didn’t have any drains though.

as for the op itself it was fine.  I walked myself down to theatre lay down while they did their thing getting me ready and the next thing I knew I’m waking up in recovery desperate for a cup of tea.

I hope all goes well

Thanks Janey

Glad to hear it all went well for you and you are feeling ok. Apparently alot of surgeons dont use drains now, but I have been told mine still does.

Did you come home the same day? Xx