Sentinel Node Localisation

Is there anything I should know to prepare myself for what they will do on Tuesday for my Mastectomy surgery the next day. Or is it better not to know. So far all I know is I have to go to a Nuclear Medicine Dept
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The sentinel node localisation procedure did not hurt at all but I had a lot of pain from the mastectomy / stage 1 reconstruction itself and initial nausea from the intravenous pain meds.
it took me until the second day post op to get that under control and then I improved a lot.
I was discharged home with drains removed ( I had a right breast reduction at same time) 6 days after the op.
My lymph nodes were clear.
Everyone is different and it’s hard to tell what your reaction will be but from what I understand whether your op is in the public or private system the standard of care is excellent here in Australia.
My own top 6 tips are:
1.Take some good books to read , including for the period when you are waiting for the surgery.
2.Some button down the front pyjamas are good to help you feel more “normal “ after the first couple of days in the very unflattering hospital gown.
3.Be patient with recovery, it will get better each day.
4.Take the proffered pain meds , don’t try to be brave, it’s a big op and you need to keep the pain under control.
5.If you have a breast care nurse take the opportunity to ask them for advice,
mine gave me lots of good advice including where to go for excellent post surgery physiotherapy with a therapist who specialised in post mastectomy patients.
6. Utilise this website and the forum there is a lot of wonderful information here including some specialist groups.
thanks for all your advice and suggestions, hope everything is going well for you
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/breast-reconstruction/#expanders
I remember wanting to get everything started, but my medical team and breast care nurse really impressed upon me the fact that I needed to take my time and research what I wanted. They said this is relatively short time - of course stressful and upsetting etc - but they said afterwards, for the years ahead, I needed to be happy with my decisions about reconstruction. My PS - who is amazing - said, ‘You haven’t had a lot of choices so far (regarding BC) but now you get to choose and tell us what you want.’
I agree for everything that everyone here has said about the surgery. Please make sure you use the pain relief offered as this will help your recovery. I had 6 days in hospital and went home without drains. The physio will visit you and give you exercises to do and these are essential to start getting your range of movement back - they are very gentle for the start, but so important to do.
Let me know if I can offer any more advice/support.
Caz x