Surgery and the day after

Hi Mary4004 

That's good to read that you're not in pain. I wasn't either after having a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Usually your wee is a blue colour the first time you spend a penny. However, it doesn't always happen. It did when I had a SLNB 8 years ago but not when I had one 2 years ago.

I queried the fact that the incision for my SLNB wasn't in my armpit with the dressings nurse when I went for a check-up and they were able to confirm that the lymph nodes were definitely removed and that the surgeon had obviously been able to get at them from the same entrance point as removing my lump. When I'd previously had a SLNB the lymph node was taken via my armpit but that was for a different type of cancer.

All the best with your recovery and fingers crossed for your results.

x

Hi, 

I had my surgery 4 weeks ago and my specialist nurse said the effects of anaesthetic can take up to 2 weeks to fully wear off. So yes, it is still in your system and you could expect more pain or fatigue as this relief wears off. Take it easy and rest up. Fingers crossed for your results xx 

Hi latchbrook. 

thank you for answering my queries. He’s obviously taken a different route to my lymph nodes too then. I do have 2 incisions. One where the lump was removed and one at the side of my breast, so that’s obviously where he went in. I’m just glad I’m not in as much pain as I’d expected. 
best of luck to you going forward 

Hi, I had the magseed instead of the dye so can’t help you with that one.

but I had 2 lumpectomies/SNLB- one in each breast. I had 2 incisions on one side- breast/armpit. And one big incision on the other side where they could access nodes near the breast. 
I also felt ok the first few days after my op. But after a week, the pain came as nerves woke up and started hurting. I was able to manage with regular painkillers and after 4 weeks- it started to feel better. 
Wishing you well with your results and recovery x

I had a lumpectomy & sentinel node check in October. I too had the dye at nipple area day before. I had a slight colour in my pee 2 days later but only for that day. Just achy boob was given painkillers for about 10 days (i think) Take the painkillers regularly. & Do excercises. I found breast a bit lumpy was advised after a few days to gentle massage the breast. It helps to disperse it.

Thank you all for your replies. I’m still feeling a bit yucky from the anaesthetic (but I always do) and it makes sense when people say about a little nerve pain later as I’ve noticed I’m still rather numb under the arm pit. I’m sure they told me to keep dressings on for 7 days. Do you just take these off yourself after a week? It all seems to go in one ear and out the other. 

I was advised to keep dressing dry and clean for 7 days and then to take them off if I wanted to. I did take the big dressings off after a week but left the steri strips on a few days more. Once they got wet they came off gradually. 
I know what you mean about in one ear, out the other! But do please speak to your nurse- that’s what they are there for

I had an appointment with the dressings nurse at the hospital to have them removed about a week later.