Dear all, After 6 months of being ' chemoed'…. I am due for breast conserving surgery, next Monday. I have to have Node scan and dye, then hook wires stuck into me, then surgery. I am wondering if anyone has any tips, tricks or advice that they would share with me, for the next stage of this 'journey' round 2! How long is recovery, how many weeks of work ? What bra do you wear? Exercise? Driving?Cheers in advance ladies.

Hi Spillsy. I had the sentinel node biopsy injection at 0730 at one hospital, then the hookwire placement a few hours later at another, the one where I was having the lumpectomy (or wide local excision as my surgeon called it).The injection into my nipple stung a lot, but some women have very little pain. As with all things BC, we're all different.For the hookwire procedure I was given a numbing injection. My tumour was not palpable as it was so deep. There was a lot of poking about trying to guide the wire into position which was quite uncomfortable. It was done using ultrasound and after I winced they gave another injection and it was fine.The hookwire was taped to my skin to hold it in place and I was instructed not to move too much or too suddenly so as not to move it. Then it was up to my bed to wait for surgery.My surgery was 2 hours 40 minutes long. My surgeon said it was a bit longer than usual because the tumour was so deep and he had to dig around in my chest wall a bit.The pain afterwards was bearable and well controlled with the drugs. Ice packs for a few days were a great help. I had some weird sensations in my shoulder blade region for a few weeks due to nerves being cut due to the faffing about in my armpit region. My lumpectomy incision was right over that side as well because of the position and depth of the tumour.I'd say give yourself two weeks off. Do the exercises they give you. If you don't get given a sheet of instructions for them, ask. You should be given the free Berlei bra. It's ugly as sin but it did the job fine for me. Depending on how you recover from general anaesthetics and how much pain you're in, you could start driving anywhere between three days to a week after the op, but check with your surgeon what the recommended time is.Importantly, and I'm sure you already know this, give your brain and emotions a chance to recover as well! BC is a big mind f**k. This is a different kettle of fish from chemo, but it's still a pot on the stove!Oh and if you have one of those sticks with a claw thingy on the end to pick things up with, have it on hand! I found bending over most painful for several weeks after... There was a lot of boob clutching going on!!Best of luck, K xox

Yes we have the heat pump going. Half way through rads yay, I'm rostered to treatment now so I should see you when you start (If you want me too). Message when when you feel up to a lunch date xxI've told a few of my patients and they are quite surprised that I'm working and "look so well"....

Gee @arpie wish someone told me about getting an eye mask and ear plugs at the time - getting a decent sleep in hospital was impossible - great idea @Spillsy

Always good to have the surgery done. Fingers crossed for good results/ response to chemo.Rest up in the meantime

Hope you are recovering well. I get results on Monday! Nervous, but hopeful for clear margins. Feeling pretty good 5 days out from surgery, apart from being a little sore. Weather was shocking here today, so enjoyed my day on the sofa.

Booked for lumpectomy and sentinel node next Monday, any advice, tips, welcomed

TassieGrandma
Member
7 years ago
Best of luck for Monday. Awful weekend ahead, staying inside with a few good books and movies. Time to spoil ourselves. Will be thinking of you.
Spillsy
Member
7 years ago
Hope you are recovering well.
I get results on Monday! Nervous, but hopeful for clear margins. Feeling pretty good 5 days out from surgery, apart from being a little sore.
Weather was shocking here today, so enjoyed my day on the sofa.
TassieGrandma
Member
7 years ago
Hi Spillsy, I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node done yesterday in Hobart, results on Friday 13th! Home same day, the waiting is the killer. Will be glad to know what's next.
Finch
Member
7 years ago
Well done and make sure you rest and take it easy. Xx
Spillsy
Member
7 years ago
Yes thanks all, Miss right( or miss Wrong) booby is looking like a yellow/ black squashed flat pancake/ fried egg like thingy!!! Very attractive.
lrb_03
Member
7 years ago
Always good to have the surgery done. Fingers crossed for good results/ response to chemo.
Rest up in the meantime
Blondy
Member
7 years ago
I meant, beat pillows and more pillows
Blondy
Member
7 years ago
Excellent news. Luckily I got a body pillow for Christmas which was great when lounging around after chemo. Can't bear pillows and more pillows
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Well done. Relief that it's over I imagine. How did you find the blue dye & hookwire business?
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Terrific @Spillsy - make sure you keep the pain meds up so it doesn't kick in - for at LEAST a week!! Then just try increasing the time between tablets rather than stopping ..... in case the pain is still there underneath!!

Your pillows will come in VERY handy!! I had a whole bunch of them being used, depending on what sleeping position I was in!!

Yep - rest up, I hope you don't have to prepare your own meals!!

All the best for your results - not long now! xx