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viking1's avatar
viking1
Member
8 years ago

Outcome of post lumpectomy results: total axillary clearance of right arm, surgery next Monday.

My good news from my CT and bone scans is that they were all fine. My other good news is the lumpectomy and lymph node wounds are healing and I'm doing my physio exercises. However, when I came out of surgery the surgeon said the sentinel node and one other were clear...at the meeting he said they actually looked at 5 nodes and of them, 2 were cancerous. So he has scheduled a total axillary clearance for next Monday. I think they go in through the same incision...was too busy thinking 'bugger!' to be sure! He said I will have a drain and the silver chain nurse will come and empty it. I forgot to ask for how long. I meant to tape the session but couldn't work out how to do it on phone. I am wondering how you sleep with a drain in? I've never had one. Bit irked that my scar is going back to ground zero, as are my exercises, and now the rate of lymphodema increases. But then, I could have gotten it anyway from the original surgery. (I found a cheapie bra that is helping me sleep better, btw, and the lady in the store showed me a medicare form that is used for claiming up to $1000.00 a year for prothetic bras, etc. I don't think I fall into that category but I hope everyone who does knows about this!   I took down the gov phone number if anyone wants it!)  I hope everyone is getting there, 15 mins at a time! xx

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  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    The drains are a bit creepy and uncomfortable but they probably won't keep you awake at night. It is impossible to guess how long they will be in; some people stop leaking in a couple of days some, like myself, can ooze for the empire and go on for weeks. 
    It's nice you will have a nurse call in to change the bags--in some areas you have to do them yourself which, while not difficult, means you don't get that daily support, reassurance and advice.
    Good luck @viking1
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    8 years ago
    @viking1 Good to hear you are crossing each step off the list. The drains are more annoying than anything, I wouldn't stress too much. I've had them for lumpectomies and again at my Mastectomy/recon in Feb, the lumpectomies weren't pleasant coming out, but it's quick. The one from Feb was out in 2 days wasn't alot draining at all and really was no big deal at all. I think it's like anything you just get used to whatever is happening at the time, you'll find a way to sleep. Hugs xo Melinda
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    8 years ago
    Sorry to hear the goal posts got moved on you but wasn't it good your surgeon took 5 nodes and not just the sentinel nodes.Otherwise they would not have found the cancerous ones. I had a lumpectomy and full node clearance in 2003. My drain was in for a week and it was a necessary nuisance. I don't have arm issues apart from abit of discomfort and puffiness under my arm. I massage my arm most days.I had to have a mastectomy in 2010 so that probably didn't help my under arm issues.Best wishes for a speedy recovery.xx
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    I had a drain with a mastectomy and my surgeon wasn't keen on keeping it in too long, but I think it varies a bit - some like to see no fluid draining, others happy to let some fluid disperse. Taking it out was simple and quick. Keep up your exercises - as you say, the more lymph nodes that go, the higher the risk of lymphoedema, but it's not an absolute thing. Some get it, some don't. But I f you do (like me) remember that the sooner you recognize it and start treatment, the better. It can be managed. I don't love my pressure sleeve, but my slightly swollen arm is not noticeable, I don't have any pain or discomfort, skin is soft and normal.  
  • fairydust's avatar
    fairydust
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Viking happy things are moving along. I had drains with my lumpectomy and they were just there bubbling along . I slept okay. When it came time to have the drains removed I was worried. For me it was quick and relatively painless. We are all different but that was my experience. 
    I havent had your follow up surgery. It is incredible what we get used to. Hallo hospital its me again.
    The differance between what you would like to do versus what you can do changes at different stages of this disease.
    So not excersing as much as you would like dont worry as the song says just be happy.