1st consultation

I had a mastectomy and lost quite a few lymph nodes and my arm certainly wasn't useless. My underarm didn't belong to me for a while, it's true, but I had full mobility within days and I went back to work after a week. Everyone's experience is different, so it's good to be prepared for some setbacks, but it also means that sometimes things go pretty smoothly. "It is what it is" is a very good thing to keep in mind, also it's good to avoid expending a lot of nervous energy on things that may not happen. It's hard not to plan and anticipate, but it's more effective to wait till you know what you are facing, and deal with it then. Best wishes.

Oh and for a lumpectomy? I wouldnt say your arm is useless at all and I had nodes removed. In fact I remember healing really well I think maybe I had a week off work. x

Your arm is unlikely to be totally useless. Much of the advice you are given is calibrated to fit the worst possible outcomes, which sort of makes sense , I guess. Hope for the best and plan for the worst. There's nothing worse than being told you will be fine and then discovering you are unable to manage--this whole business comes with inbuilt disappointment without giving anyone unrealistic expectations
Surgical outcomes vary so radically that it is not possible to predict how you will feel afterwards. Responses to anaesthetic, seroma and fluid retention, even silly things like dissolvable stitches not behaving can all slow down recovery but are totally unpredictable. It's  reasonable to plan for discomfort but don't get too stressed. Lumpectomies are generally not too bad and sentinel node procedures have varying results depending on where the node is and what they find.
Good luck and set yourself up so you won't be doing anything too vigorous for a little while. You may be surprised at how quickly you recover.

Danielle, it is incredibly overwhelming and especially the way you found out, but what a blessing when you think about it. You are also right, nobody in your life will get it unless they have been through it or are going through  it. They will be supportive to a point, but Ive found this forum invaluable because we all GET IT! and all our collective experiences certainly will help absolutely! Only once you have the Lumpectomy and get pathology will you know exactly and precisely what you have and then you'll be told your treatment plan and at least then you will have some direction. Until then you are left floundering in confusion and disbelief and rightfully so! Ive been through this twice now in 6yrs 2011 and 2015 which was devastating 2nd time as I did everything to make sure it was gone. Its sneaky, and unexpected but have faith in your Team and above all else have faith in yourself that you will rise to the challenge and you SO WILL!!! and we'll all be here right behind you! Hugs Melinda xo

My physiotherapist told me in hospital there is nothing you can do in exercise to damage anything so just do my best with normal usage. Someone else said don't lift anything heavier than 5kg with it. I have all my underarm nodes removed and they were right, every time I start lifting anything more than 5kg I end up with pain and swelling in the arm. I've sorta gotten used to it and I put on a pressure sleeve is the arm doesn't seem to be righting itself. You just sort of learn to live with life's little challenges. My problem atm is I think chemo or tamoxifen has done something to my brain. I cannot now learn and remember a phone number to save myself yet older numbers I haven't forgotten.

My arms were weak after but I had a bilateral mastectomy and tissue expander inserted so the chest wall muscles were cut. A lumpectomy wouldn't be like that. I had pushing and pulling issues initially but it quickly improved with the exercise. You will most likely be a bit numb under your arm from sentinal node biopsy and sore but your arms certainly won't be useless. The exercises help strengthen quickly and ensure scarring doesn't restrict movement. If a full node clearance I'm sure the recovery would be slower but that most likely wouldn't be happening this surgery unless they believe you have positive nodes already and they would have told you this if they thought that. You will feel so much better obce the surgery is done and you know the rest of your treatment plan. X

Thank you so much for your heartfelt words they are so comforting
They are 95% sure it's early stages invasive cancer.  I'm going in on Tuesday for mammogram ultrasound and blood test... Then another consultation to discuss outcome of that then lumpectomy lymph node removal on 14th March 
somedays I wake up crying others feeling positive .. What a roller coaster this is 
so happy to have found this website...through a BC survivor... I am in touch with 5 women who have been through it, all with varying degrees of Cancer ... I cannot believe how many of us are affected by this ...I know I am NOT ALONE thanks to all of you on here xxxxx thank you for keeping my spirits up 
I would like to ask a question .. I have heard after surgery your arm is utterly useless and to follow the exercises ... How much time would i need to take off work ?! .. Silly question as it effects us all differently, but any answers would be appreciated

It's so scary at the beginning but so fantastic it's been found incidently whilst small. Great treatment options are awaiting you. Don't underestimate the benefits of a good cry. Yes it's  scary but you will find you are stronger than you ever believed you could be. Goodluck with your journey.

Wow what a lucky pick up with the scan. My sis in law had something similar, they picked up lesions on her kidney while having a scan looking for hernia pains. Bit of an operation, some radiation and she's been good ever since. Hopefully your treatment will be standard with no hiccups or nasty surprises. Make sure you take someone with you for all appointments. Two sets of ears are better than one and if you are feeling a little fragile the convo can continue with your support person. Write all your questions down. Dr's and your breast nurse will answer them. There's no mad crazy rush to get everything done, take your time to get used to things. We're all here for ya. <3

@Danielle49 I remember the times when it was each breathe I had to take to just make it to the next one, its ok to feel overwhelmed by your diagnosis and waiting is hell ..... I personally dont call it my Journey    it is my Roller coaster ride as I hate roller coasters.  
Do you have a breast Care Nurse yet?  here is a link to see where you local one is 
http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx ;

I have found my Breast Care nurse to be both supportive and informative they often know of support groups locally if you need it.  

we are here  to listen and to support you .... yes other people don't understand it but they are also trying to come to terms with your diagnosis. 

"be gentle with yourself" and  know you will get the information you need and your will be working for the best possible outcome for you. 

Hugs and energy 
Alice aka Soldier crab