Post surgery appointment

What happens in your appointment after you've had your breast surgery. I had my chemo first. I know it doesn't necessarily mean I won't need anymore but chemo, surgery what happens next?
Other ladies that have had axillary clearance when will I stop getting this sticky armpit feeling? I'm fed up already and it's not even 2 weeks post op yet :( 
 

 

Lizzy

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    Hi Lizzy,

     

    A sample of the tissue removed during surgery will have been sent to Pathology. Here they will determine whether or not your surgeon has achieved a clear margin around your tumour. It normally takes 1-2 weeks to get these results back, although will probably take a little longer with the Christmas holiday. There is usually another discussion between the MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meeting when your results come back.

     

    Any further treatment required will be discussed depending upon the results. You will then have another meeting with your surgeon to discuss your results and any further treatment that may be needed.

     

    Two weeks seems too early to expect all the stickiness to have disappeared. I'm afraid that you'll just have to be a little more patient. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.


    Kind regards,


    Jolamine xx

     

  • Hi Lizzy. I had my post-surgery (mastectomy and reconstruction) appointment a few days ago. My consultant confirmed the size and grade of the tumour and how much DCIS there was. He also confirmed that I don't need chemo and that I would be on tamoxifen for the next 5 years. I had the chance to ask lots of questions about tamoxifen which I really valued as I'm nervous about taking it. But for me taking it will reduce the likelihood of recurrence by 48% so that's a good number to keep in mind if I find it tough!
    The one surprise was that I won't see my consultant again for 6 months. It's good news because I'm now such low-risk but it feels a bit nerve-wracking to have seen him 10 times in the last 5 months and now not see him till June. So my advice is to note down all your questions beforehand and record/take a note of the answers. We covered so much info as it was the last appointment for a while. My husband was supposed to be taking notes but he couldn't keep up so there are a few things we can't remember.

    I had a lymph node biopsy - the sticky feeling lasted 3 weeks so hopefully you're through it soon.

    Hope your appointment goes well and you get all the time and info you need.