Sentinel node

Hi Adrienne,

I have had a wide area excision and sentinal node removed... Do not worry too much - not all that painfull (I took a single panadol post surgery and that was it pain wise...) - yws it aches and stuff but really not that bad and breast care nurse will help explain to wear a supposrtive bra even in bed, to make sure tou keep movinf your arm so not to het a locked shoulder and before you know it you will be back in action.

You will need a small pillow to keep under your arm to stop the arm pressing on the nodes and have whomever is picking you up from the hospial bring a small.pillow as well to place on your chest to protect you from the seatbelt.

Plan not to drive at all the 1st week so that you do not place too much pressure on the stitchesbut as far as looking afteryourself at gome is concerned you will have no trouble.

I went back to work day 5 post surgery as needed distraction while waiting for results (I do not reccomend it BTW as boob still gets uncomfortable and being at work not that easy to adjust the bra or rest your arm properly). All in all - waitong is the pits and the hardest part. You will see that surgery wise, lumpectomy, what we fear and think up in advance is far worse than rhe 'real thing'. All the best

Hugs

Jel.

Hi Adrienne, I too like Lisha am about 2 weeks post operative after having 5 nodes removed. I didnt drive until last Friday, which was 12 days after surgery. Listen to what your body tells you, if you are up to it them do it, I was doing light house chores about 4 days after. But would stop if I got tired or if anything felt uncomfortable. The surgery isnt that much to worry about, I found all staff to be wonderful and so helpful, so rest assured that you will be in great hands.

And as Lisha said, there is always support from those of us here that have been there (even if only just one step ahead of you) for advice or support. I have found the support and advice from the amazing ladies here to be invaluable.

Sending you hugs and best wishes 

Paula xo

Hi Adrienne,  I'm in recovery after my wide area excision and 3 lymph nodes removed.  Surgery was on July 21, I came home the next day. It's nearly been two weeks post surgery and I'm feeling pretty good.  They did suggest not to drive for at least a week after surgery (also depends on your insurance policy).  I drove a week later and I think it was a little too soon.  Just wait until you are comfortable with your arm movement as turning the steering wheel can cause some ache. I went back a week later to have the wound redressed and had my post op appointment with the surgeon 10 days later to get my results.

Rest as much as you can and be gentle with yourself after.  Good luck with surgery tomorrow.  If you have any other worries or questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Lisha xx

How lucky you are to have clear results.

Im about to have my wide area excision and sentinal node biopsy tomorrow so am quite nervous. It sounds as though I will be waiting for my results for a while which is something that I hadnt expected. Im also a bit nervous as to how much movement I will have in my arm and when I can drive again.

So many questions. But this waiting game just sucks!

Adrienne :)

Hey Debza, 

yes I received the kit. It is such a great help with all the info. I havent rang the support network. I will be seeing my Breast care nurse tomorrow and have great support from hubby, best friend as well as a "breast friend" I met in hospital who had her surgery the same day as me.

Will keep you all updated. Xo

Paulay.Hi!.I know how you feel,it's a mirror image of what happened to me.The waiting is the worse and it controls your thoughts always.I wish I could say how to get through the waiting,except keep busy mind and body.I had the wide local excision,(removal of lump and tissue and one or two lymph nodes.)and was told prob radio after it.They got all the cells but as a precaution I have to endure x4 rounds of chemo Starting this Wed,then radio possible hormones,after that.The 12 th seems a long time but believe it goes quick.Have you called the support network and do you have a kit yet?debza

Will be thinking of you Leila and wish you the best with whatever is next for you.  I just had a call from a doctor wanting to get further information before they have the team meeting on Thursday to discuss the best course of action for treatment for me. Hugs xo

Hey Lisha, yes similar sounding journey. My margins were clear and all five nodes clear. And yes life seems to be "in limbo" without an idea of what is next. All the best for your journey, hugs xo

Thanks Jel, the waiting is a b*^ch but your right, I just have to be patient and the news has been good so far, if bc can be good. Hugs xo

Me too! although mine was grade 3, clear nodes and margins, very happy, but really just want to get a timeline in place so I can try and plan (as best I can) for next stage. I am seeing Medical Oncologist tomorrow, so hoping to get clearer info then. Thinking of you xxx