Surgery just before Christmas

Hi Ellen944

Sorry you have to be here, but welcome! If I were you I wouldn’t cancel your plans. I had the same surgery earlier this year and was tired for a day or two but still able to be up and walk about, potter around the house. After that I went out to the shops or wherever which involved car journeys (as a passenger), they weren’t a problem. I did become tired quite easily, but it wasn’t too bad, so just kept the trips short and then went home for a sit down. You said you will be able to relax and let others do the running about on your visit, I say let them, relax and enjoy it! 

Best of luck with everything. x 

Hello  

Sorry you find yourself here!

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal in October. After about 4 days or so I definitely felt better and I would have felt fine going to see family; however I was advised I wasn't to drive for 4 weeks so if you're the passenger you should be fine but just watch the seat belt on your wound. You might get a little heart shape pillow for comfort.

This is of course from my experience, everyone might be slightly different 

Before cancelling your surgery (if you choose to do so) enquire first as to when you can be seen again so the delay isn't too long. It's good you have got a date soon so might be best not to cancel. I know my family would rather I had my surgery even if it meant I missed one Christmas with them!

I'm having chemo just before Christmas so I'll just have to sit and relax while my family serve me food and drink 

All the best with your surgery and recovery.

Xx

Thank you, this is very reassuring - I shall continue with said plans and enjoy a lazy Christmas being waited on

Thank you, I will be a passenger in the car and that's a good shout about the seat belt - I will remember to take a soft cushion  or similar. 

I hope your chemo goes well and you enjoy your Christmas with family

Enjoy time with your family too ️

Sorry you are having surgery so close to Christmas.

I had my mastectomy and lymph nodes surgery on the 19 December in 2022. I did a short car journey (30 mins) on Xmas eve to see friends and was fine. I also had a heart shaped pillow that my breast nurse gave me. I made sure I had it under my armpit all the time. I was also religious about taking pain relief so make sure you take a supply with you. We had a year off having to do longer trips to see family and spent time at home. But it was nice to have a year off doing the Christmas lunch. Hope you manage to enjoy the festivities.

Hi Ellen944

I'm so sorry you find yourself here! 

I had exactly the same biopsy results as you and had my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal carried out just over a week ago on the 19th November. This is only my experience, but as I was not in much pain I found myself travelling in a car for a 45 minute journey to do some Christmas shopping and lunch already 2 days after my operation ( not a very patient patient - so found myself already bored). I was armed with my heart shaped pillow that my care team gave me before the op ... and thankfully it was fine just tired me out. I have made a few journeys since which has also been fine, just not found the courage to drive myself yet... but that is my next hurdle.

So if you are anything like me you should, armed with a pillow, be fine and able to enjoy Christmas with your family. Enjoy and let them spoil you rotten!!! 

Good luck with your op xxx

1. Thank you,  that's very reassuring - i am feeling much more positive about the timings since reading the replies from everyone. ️

MadGoatLady 

You, for insurance purposes should check with the doctors/hospital how long after the operation you need to wait before driving. DA1984 was told 4 weeks, might feel ok but you might not be covered. Sorry but best to be safe x

Hi Ellen944

I have exactly the same cancer as you I have my mastectomy booked in for the 5th Dec it's been such a whirlwind. My surgeon is going to remove some of my nodes to check I don't have any cancer cells but I am still unsure what my next steps will be either way.

I'm determined it's not going to ruin my Christmas 

We've got this x