Hi Rainbow girl, and thanks for posting.

I think you have your procedure today, so may already be at your appointment, but I'm afraid you would need to talk to your surgeon about the decision to give you a general anaesthetic. We are not part of your care so we aren't in the decision process, but its important you understand why so do ask them when you go today.

As for how long to recover from the surgery that is quite individual. Anyone who responds on here will be talking about their own experience which may differ from yours. Again talk to the team about this when you see them. There will be a degree of discomfort, particularly once it starts healing, but that would be expected of any area healing. Hopefully they will go through this with you when you leave the hospital and provide you with any painkillers needed.

Once healing takes place then it would usually be fine to start the chemo, do talk with your breast care nurse about this.

I'm sorry Rainbow, it probably wasn't the specific answer you wanted, but do take care and hope it all goes well for you today. If you feel you have anything further you want to talk through you may find it helpful to speak with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sarah.