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 xxSurgery tomorrow - what to expect.
My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow and I don’t know what to expect. I’m a tad neuro-spicy and I get really, really anxious if I don’t know what’s happening. I’m having a lumpectomy and I’d really appreciate it if someone can give me a step by step idea of what to expect.
Inquiry
Had left hand side mastectomy with sentinel lymph biopsy 3 weeks ago and results showed 4mm on the node and dcis 19mm and invasive ca 22mm found hence surgeon suggested axillary clearance which i have done a last week and still recovering. I dont get enough sleep as i kept waking up in the middle of the night. I have not book my post review as still processing all the information.
Another surgery 😞
Hi all, I’m facing my 3rd surgery in less than 6 months. Margins were out by less than 2mm either side. To say I’m pissed is an understatement! But can’t risk leaving it. I was wondering if anyone has had local anaesthetic and/or sedation instead of general? I don’t recover well from GA. Much love to you all on your journeys x AnnaAnyone moved breast care teams?
I'm currently being treated at a public hospital in Melbourne and will receive my lumpectomy results tomorrow. If the margins are clear, I plan to request a DCISionRT test, as I'm hoping to avoid radiation therapy. For anyone who has transitioned from the public system to private care, did you have any difficulty obtaining your histopathology results and scans? My hospital has been very clear that they won't release any results before tomorrow's appointment, despite having an online portal. I'd like to have copies of all my scans and reports ready after the appointment so I can potentially arrange a consultation with a private breast care team.
Lipofilling - tips for preparation and recovery please.
Hi everyone. Back in 2024, I was diagnosed with DCIS and subsequently had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I'm now booked for my first round of lipofilling/fat-grafting at the end of July. The thighs are most likely going to be the donor site. I would like to hear from anyone who has experienced this type of surgery and what helped them to recover comfortably. Any tips on what to have in place for recovery? Are there similarities in the recovery process for this, as they are for a lumpectomy? I bruise really easily and dramatically, so it should be interesting to see how my thighs react. I'm also still experiencing daily pain from the lumpectomy and radiation (although I'm under the care of a Pain Clinic). Thank you. Cozycat.
Diagnosed with Grade 1 DCIS and with pre-existing Cardio disease wish to do mastectomy
Looking for info and experience of people with both pre-existing Cardio disease and now diagnosed with Grade 1 DCIS, has gone ahead to successfully did a Mastectomy surgery? I am a public hospital patient, cardio team assessment of my high risk to adverse event due to general anesthetic and hence the breast cancer team decided to cancel my scheduled mastectomy surgery appointment. I feel like I have a death sentence. Looking for supportive experience and reference of surgeon and hospital and willing to travel to where the breast cancer team has strong anesthetic and cardio support, as I just found out my Medibank fund cover cancer treatment.
Breast reduction and the risk of recurrence
Hi everyone, I wasn't sure which category and forum to post in; hopefully this one makes sense. I had a lumpectomy in December 2017 (left breast) which was followed by chemo (hello menopause!) and radiation therapy. I've also been on aromatase inhibitor tablets since 2018. My right breast was always a little bigger than my left but the radiation stopped the latter from behaving normally in the menopausal years and my right breast is now significantly bigger and spreads wider. I've been thinking about breast reduction surgery for the right one and am wondering, if anything needed to be done to the left breast, if surgery might increase the risk of recurrence. I've tried Googling this but the results are all about surgery to treat the breast cancer, not post-treatment surgery. I'm thinking of making an appointment with my surgeon to see what he has to say, but thought I'd post here first in case anyone had some information.Cryoablation & Breast Cancer. FREEZING the tumour via MRI! The treatment of the future?
https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=2233946977028488 Cryoablation for breast cancer is a minimally invasive procedure where extreme cold is used to destroy cancerous cells. A thin, needle-like probe, guided by imaging like ultrasound, is inserted into the tumor to create a freezing ice ball. This treatment is used for patients who are not good surgical candidates due to age or other health issues, or those who prefer not to have surgery, and is most effective for small, early-stage tumors. How Cryoablation Works Imaging and Probe Insertion: A doctor uses imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to locate the tumor. Freezing the Tumor: A cryoprobe is inserted into the tumor. Ice Ball Formation: A gas, often liquid nitrogen or argon, is pumped through the probe, creating a ball of ice that freezes and destroys the cancerous cells. Thawing: The tissue is allowed to thaw naturally, and the dead cancer cells are then cleared by the body's white blood cells. Who Is a Candidate? ... (Hmmm Why not ALL patients?) Poor Surgical Candidates: Patients with significant comorbidities (like heart/lung issues) or advanced age who are not eligible for surgery are good candidates. Patients Opting Against Surgery: It is a viable option for those who simply choose to avoid traditional surgery. Small, Early-Stage Tumors: The procedure is most effective for small, unifocal tumors that are visible via ultrasound. Potential Benefits Minimally Invasive: It avoids large surgical incisions and often can be performed on an outpatient basis. Preserves Breast Appearance: Cryoablation can preserve the breast's shape and result in better cosmetic outcomes with only a tiny scar. Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Potential Immune Response: The process of freezing and thawing can increase the presence of tumor-specific proteins, potentially helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Things to Consider Scar Tissue: A small amount of scar tissue will remain at the tumor site, which may form a painless lump that shrinks over time. Not Always a First Choice: While effective, it's important to remember that it's not a universal breast cancer treatment and is best suited for specific patients and tumor types
