Day 2 Post-Op

I am day 2 post wide local lumpectomy, 2 lesions removed. I can say that I had an overall great experience so I am counting myself very lucky.  I thought I would outline my day as it might help others know what might happen.

I had to be at the hospital admissions desk for 0630, which wasn't too bad really - at least the rush hour traffic wasn't too bad.

0745 I had hookwires inserted to both lesions, confirmed on mammogram.  Thankfully this mammogram was no where near as squishy as the screening mams are.  Just before this procedure I scoffed down a muesli bar as a second breakfast, as my fasting time was from 0800.

0915 Then I had the lymph scan done with radioactive dye to determine the location of the sentinel nodes to be removed.  This process took a while for the dye to travel from the breast to the lymph node but sure enough it eventually did. This was completed around 1130.  This is also when I had to stop drinking water.

From there I was escorted up to the day of surgery area, where I waited briefly to be called through for some pre op checks, changed into some gorgeous paper knickers, TED stockings and gown and booties.  Thankfully there were also some lovely fluffy robes to complete the look.  Once this was all done, my bags were labelled (like checked in luggage) and they were placed in a holding area to accompany me up to my room post op.

I was sat in a recliner chair and allowed to have my phone and glasses to entertain myself while waiting.  I think I waited here about an hour.  Then transferred to a bed, and that is when it all got a bit real,  being wheeled down the corridor (the ceiling lights do really look like they do in the TV shows as the patient is being wheeled down a corridor)

I was wheeled into the OR and given a lovely paper hat.  My surgeon did a final consent check and got me to confirm the procedure I was having and drew on my left shoulder while I was awake.  I had so many marks and tapes on my left breast that It really was obvious which side we were tackling.  

I remember the anaesthetic mask being placed over my nose and mouth and breathing a couple of times and that's it!  Next thing I am waking up, feeling a little sleepy.  About 2.5 hours had passed.  No pain, just a weird relaxed feeling.  I had some water and a lemonade icy pole which was just what I needed.  

After waking up a bit more I was wheeled up to the room.  I remember being spaced out with some strong pain meds. I was able to put on the post surgery bra early and that was a good feeling, so much support in that bra.  

It was a relief to know this part was completed.  Thanks to the resources and experiences of others in this network I felt like I was well prepared for hospital.  

The morning after I saw the breast care physio and the breast care nurse, both whom gave me some great advice and answered my questions about the immediate post op period.  

Being at home has been good, although hard to settle in to not being busy (I am used to working full time) .  The wedge pillow was a must buy.  I got mine from Target for $45.  As are loose t shirts that fit my surgery arm in and then I can loop easily over my head, or button up shirts.  I am also taking regular oral analgesics.  

If you are reading this and your surgery is approaching, I wish you love and an uneventful recovery.  I am very thankful for this network of support xx