How long does healing take

Chanel

Hi , it's been 5 weeks since my lumpectomy and sinus node biopsy.
my breast is still not pain free. I have Seroma which recently triggered nerve pain on Monday night, was not nice. Saw my surgeon who examined me and said no infection all looks fine and if it recurs I'd have an ultrasound to check. So since monday night nothing's come back , but I do get twinges .and the op site where Seroma is Have resumed wearing a bra at night . Now I'm getting hot flushes again every night . Am not taking medication yet , so what's going on.?
also getting pain in the other breast  . I am already suffering anxiety and dealing with depression, trying to look at return to work and having this stuff still going on. When does the breast  heal ? 
Not feeling sorry for myself just want to try to move past this. I really appreciate the help here, thankyou xxx

Chanel

Haha sentinel node not sinus 

Nadi

Hi Chanel. Sorry you are feeling this way. It's good that you got your surgeon to check you out. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy last November before chemo. It took months for the pain in my breast to reduce. I still get twinges of pain every day in my breast. I think one of the problems is that I lie on my stomach to sleep with my arm up under my pillow. That position stretches my deep scar tissue which causes the twinges of pain. But I also get these twinges during the day.  I get hot flushes every 20 minutes but these only started once I had chemo. In my experience it did settle down and I got used to both. Give yourself time to heal, you have been through a lot both physically and emotionally. I struggled so much going back to work. I was still in shock after my diagnosis and surgery. If I could go back in time I would've taken more time off.

Hang in there. Sending hugs.  Nadine

Chanel

Thanks Nadi xxx I don't really want to go back to work. I'm in aged care and my work is very physical and I am also involved with residents wellbeing. It's an emotional  work position. I really love it but am trying to give myself a lot of me time right now. Chemo seems such an aggressive treatment . I wish there was another way of treating Breast cancer. I don't have to have chemo but I feel for everyone who has to. 
Have a lovely day xo

melclarity

Chanel,
Nadi is right, Ive had two lumpectomies in 5yrs and rads and chemo. The lumpectomies do take quite a long time to settle down and heal. I remember getting nerve pangs and twinges a year on, but honestly nothing to be worried about. I think the key is to listen to your body, don't go rushing back to work if you don't have to, give yourself time heal a little and to deal with everything going on. I too work in a challening environment with Autistic children and I went back 6 weeks post chemo 3 days a week. Im now 9 months on, but struggling even with 3 days. So hang in there, its a slow healing process but nothing to be alarmed about, just be kind to you. 
Hugs
Melinda xo

InkPetal

I had a wide excision but I felt this kind of frustration and worry.

I'd been told I'd have an afternoon surgery and 2 weeks of healing to expect. No big deal.

I ended up in the hospital for two days and pain for two months. I wore a bra to bed the entire time. 8 months on and it only hurts if I agitate it (accidentally sleep on it). 

Everyone heals at different rates. You've had it checked on and everything seems fine. Take a beat to just let yourself heal. It's okay to go to your GP about these things too; see if the flushes are hormonal or something else, get some advice on managing the anxiety etc. 

Unfortunately I've been struggling with hot flushes since chemo (like Nadi has) and there doesn't seem to be much we can do about them. The good news is that they aren't dangerous, just really annoying. (Here is the thread we've been talking about them in, some really good advice from the ladies here, : Link)

Chanel

Thanks again ladies for sharing your journey with me. Please know I have found it very helpful and comforting to be a part of this online group. It's all still new to me , but I hope to be able to help women like me going thru this for the first time , like you are helping me. Love and Hugs xxxx

melclarity

Chanel,
Like inkpetal, I too suffer the hot flushes a lovely gift from Chemo LOL, I really dont think they have anything to do with your surgery though which is good. It does sound like menopause flushes, are you on any medications? I think as you say with the anxiety and depression it is so so important to put some focus just on you and this moment, and try not to think ahead more than a day, step at a time will really help I think. x

Chanel

Hi Mel, im post menopausal and am not on any meds.  Just noticing more flushes than usual at the moment. It's only at night in bed and my cat adds to the heat lol I'm going to try sleeping on the couch tonite

InkPetal

That might not help much softer surfaces retain more heat, and I have a feeling kitty will just follow you

socoda

Hi Chanel, I'm still getting twinges from my mastectomy 3 months ago (didn't have chemo or radio) and have just been given a referral to a lymphedema clinic. With going back to work,  have you had a word to your surgeon or breast care nurse regarding the physicality and lifting your job requires and whether there are weight restrictions for x amount of time? Sorry I know its a bit off track from your post but an exercise regime in preparation for return to work could be a big benefit. Take care Xx Cath

Bluewren

Hi Chanel, I also found this site so comforting in the early anxious times. I had a lumpectomy with lymph nodes then a right mastectomy. Took ages to settle with the twinges and wearing a bra. A few weeks ago I started on panadienne from the chemist instead of panadienne and found it really helped with the pain. Mine was an irritating skin effect as well. Only took it for a little while as it has codeine which effects my bowels. But it did help me get over that period. I am six weeks after op. Hope you feel better soon . Take care . Maz xx

Bluewren

Sorry .Must learn to preview more. I meant panadienne instead of panadol.

Chanel

I knew you meant panadeine.

Ady

Nine months down the track from my lumpectomy (2 lumps) and lymph nodes taken. Have a seroma. My breast is still quite painful and have been told by Surgeon it can take upnto 18 months to come right (but I did have Radiation and have been on tablets for 6 1/2 months. It can be frustrating but it is all part of our journey. Hope things get better. Take Care

Chanel

Thank you Ady, wishing you well on your journey through this x