Hello there

I think it is very natural to have some jitters before having breast surgery and to be worried about how it may affect you afterwards. I really hope some other people who have gone through similar to you jump on and share their experiences with you but just to say as this is a 'ask the nurse' thread you may want to post on another section as well.

Everyone's experience before during and after treatment is different and it is impossible to know how surgery will affect you but it is important to remember that although the risks need to be discussed not everyone will be affected by these and there are ways and means that side effects can be minimised and managed should they arise.

Surgery is one of the main treatments to remove breast cancer that may affect the affect the overall outcome. It is important if you are having doubts that you discuss these with your team so they can talk things through with you in more detail.

The treatment plan varies between patients according to the type, stage and grade of cancer but usually oestrogen (often called ER positive) and progesterone type cancers grow because of the oestrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Therefore these types of cancer are usually given hormone treatment after surgery to either stop or block the body producing these hormones to prevent the cancer cells from coming back. You can read more about these here but I am sure your team will talk about what hormone treatment they are thinking of for you.

I hope this is helpful but do get back if you need to. You are also very welcome to call our helpline on 0808 800 4040 Monday-Friday 9-5.

All the best

Naomi

Thank you Naomi. That was very helpful. You ve put my mind at ease.

Hi, 

I had a lumpectomy and sentinal nodes removed 3weeks ago.

My scar is healed well, (I  only have one 10cm scar due to cancer location.) and my arm movement is the same as it was before. I do regular daily arm exericses following the instructions given after my surgery. 
It's ok to be apprehensive about surgery. My cancer had been fully removed and I'm onto the next step of my treatment plan.

Best of Luck

Efffie xx

I feel more reassured. Thank you so much Effie. 

Hi, how did you get on ? How's your scar? Healing well I hope. 
Are you doing your arm exercises?? 
 
Efffie x

I had a double mammoplasty with sentinel node removal 2 weeks ago and I've done the exercises every day and my àrm movement is fine. Still a little sore, but it's early days.  Did you go ahead with surgery or not?

Hi. Yes. I had the surgery. My arm and shoulder are numb and painful; skin very sensitive; some of the steri strips still in situu. The problem is that I couldn't stretch my arm even before the surgery (due to chemo). Hopefully it will get better 

Hi Bonzica. 
hope your recovering ok and not in too much pain.

it's still really early days -your doing well you know even if you don't feel you are.

Take each day at a time.

x much love

Efffie x