Introducing myself

Hi I am Robin and am 65.I  recently underwent a lumpectomy with a sentinel node removed(10 days ago).

I had a mastectomy with three sentinel nodes removed in 2008.That was DCIS and it hadn't spread so  I had five years of Tamoxifen and ten years of annual mammograms.

 

I can recall nerve pain which was sharp and sudden for several years after my mastectomy but this time I have an extremely raw feeling under my arm and wonder if this is something others have experienced as I definitely did not have this when I had 3 sentinel nodes removed last time.I know it is very early days and I am doing my exercises so maybe I am expecting too much too soon.

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you.Robin2021

  • Hi Robin, I'm not a nurse but a fellow lumpectomy and sentinal nodes sentinal nodes in Sept.

    I have just one 4inch scar in which they managed to get both lump and lymph out. 
    move had a seroma and a heamatoma which is easing now but i havnt really and much pain and have only taken a few paracetamol.  Pain wise everyone if different-I had occasional sharp pain when my wound rubbed on my bra.  
    Have you been taking regular pain relief? I was told too. They give you any to take home after your surgery ? 
    My surgery was day case and I was given the day case unit phone number if I had any problems up to 2weeks afte just to call them. However if your unsure contact your breast care nurse -they could do a wound review with you and put your mind at rest if nothing else/I've been back twice with mine-dissolvable stitches poking through skin and a heamatoma/seroma review. 
    It's still early days really -you've been prodded and poked on the operating table ans your body takes a good while to heal on the inside too. 
    please phone your breast care nurse for peace of mind 

    Efffie x

     

  • Hi Robin and thanks for the post

    It's still very early days following your operation and the majority of people will still be experiencing some pain and /or shooting stabbing like pain. The same side effects from surgery won't always appear despite it being the same operation, so try and not compare too much with your past experience though I appreciate it's difficult not to.

    Hopefully you are taking regular painkillers to get on top of the pain, as only taking them when it's painful won't have as good an effect.

    Be gentle with the exercises and do ring your breast care nurse for further advice if things don't start settling down. There is more information about recovering from surgery here on the following link  

    All the best and do give us a ring if you'd like to talk things through with one of us here on the helpline - the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Wanda

  • Dear Wanda,

    Many thanks for your prompt and helpful reply.I shall do as you suggest and not compare with my previous surgery.

    I do appreciate the fact that you are available for this reassurance.

    Best wishes,

    Robin

     

     

     

  • Thanks Effie,

    I have been in touch with my nurse.

    Take care.