Surgery Done!

Thanks for sharing your experience Lisas.

The swelling & tenderness from the biopsy has definitely knocked me around more than I expected - so good to know that if further surgery is required in that area, it won't be so daunting! 

Regards

Mel 

Hi. I've had both the sentinel biopsy and the axillary dissection 3 weeks later. I can honestly say the sentinel was worse post surgery pain-wise as you don't get the drain, which helps with the fluid. Also having done it once there is no fear, which helps a lot. Hopefully you don't need this info! But I would say the first is worst! Good luck next week. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for your well wishes & support Karen. 

Yes, its definitely a relief to have that nasty thing out.

I could feel my lump (I'm small breasted & lump was high)  & kept checking it right up until surgery, hoping it would magically disappear! 

Take care 

Mel xxx

Hi Maggier,

Thanks for the tip about the soft travel bean bag. 

Good to know it's not just me then. 

I've been doing the post op exercises & am starting to see some results - reduced swelling & pain in my arm & down my side.

But strong pain tablets (over the counter of course!) are still my best friend - for this week anyway! 

& yes, my husband will be coming with me for results appointment. He's really good at remaining focused & asking those questions I only think of afterwards. 

Take Care 

Mel xx

Hi Lyn - thanks for your support. 

Wow, you've got a lot coming up - all the best with your Chemo, surgery & the axillary clearance. Just remember to be patient & kind to yourself along the way.

Take care

Mel xxx

Hi Melhay,

Great to hear you've had the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.  It is a relief when it's done. I found the pain was far worse in the biopsy site in comparison to the breast. Hope you're resting up this week.  All the best for the pathology results. Keep in touch.

Karen xx

Hi Melhay,  Im 6 weeks post same surgery and am now on rads.   For me soreness became worse after about 5 days and slowly declined over the next week.  I was swollen too (fluid) and that took 4 weeks to go down.

I have larger boobs and found that using a soft travel bean bag type cushion to support myself when sleeping helped a lot.

The only discomfort i have now is the numbness around the incision site and part of the armpit though i know feeling will return in time. Ive had a c section 14yrs ago and hated the numbness there too!

All the best for next week.  Try to take someone with you as theres lots of information and if you're not au fait with the terminology (or rather read all the literature and forgot it like me!) Youll need that other set of ears to take it all on board.

Hi Mel, will keep fingers & toes crossed for you, too. I can't comment on the pain issue, I'm having chemo 1st, then surgery. However, I also know that I'll be having an axillary clearance, as FNA of an enlarged node was positive. Hope your recovery is uneventful, Lyn