Sentinel Node Localisation
Is there anything I should know to prepare myself for what they will do on Tuesday for my Mastectomy surgery the next day. Or is it better not to know. So far all I know is I have to go to a Nuclear...
Forum Discussion
Hi I underwent a mastectomy / stage 1 reconstruction with tissue expander in my left breast 5 weeks ago and had the sentinel node localisation at 11am for surgery in the afternoon list starting at 3.I actually got into surgery closer to 5.
The sentinel node localisation procedure did not hurt at all but I had a lot of pain from the mastectomy / stage 1 reconstruction itself and initial nausea from the intravenous pain meds.
it took me until the second day post op to get that under control and then I improved a lot.
I was discharged home with drains removed ( I had a right breast reduction at same time) 6 days after the op.
My lymph nodes were clear.
Everyone is different and it’s hard to tell what your reaction will be but from what I understand whether your op is in the public or private system the standard of care is excellent here in Australia.
My own top 6 tips are:
1.Take some good books to read , including for the period when you are waiting for the surgery.
2.Some button down the front pyjamas are good to help you feel more “normal “ after the first couple of days in the very unflattering hospital gown.
3.Be patient with recovery, it will get better each day.
4.Take the proffered pain meds , don’t try to be brave, it’s a big op and you need to keep the pain under control.
5.If you have a breast care nurse take the opportunity to ask them for advice,
mine gave me lots of good advice including where to go for excellent post surgery physiotherapy with a therapist who specialised in post mastectomy patients.
6. Utilise this website and the forum there is a lot of wonderful information here including some specialist groups.
The sentinel node localisation procedure did not hurt at all but I had a lot of pain from the mastectomy / stage 1 reconstruction itself and initial nausea from the intravenous pain meds.
it took me until the second day post op to get that under control and then I improved a lot.
I was discharged home with drains removed ( I had a right breast reduction at same time) 6 days after the op.
My lymph nodes were clear.
Everyone is different and it’s hard to tell what your reaction will be but from what I understand whether your op is in the public or private system the standard of care is excellent here in Australia.
My own top 6 tips are:
1.Take some good books to read , including for the period when you are waiting for the surgery.
2.Some button down the front pyjamas are good to help you feel more “normal “ after the first couple of days in the very unflattering hospital gown.
3.Be patient with recovery, it will get better each day.
4.Take the proffered pain meds , don’t try to be brave, it’s a big op and you need to keep the pain under control.
5.If you have a breast care nurse take the opportunity to ask them for advice,
mine gave me lots of good advice including where to go for excellent post surgery physiotherapy with a therapist who specialised in post mastectomy patients.
6. Utilise this website and the forum there is a lot of wonderful information here including some specialist groups.