Hi JLD,

I had a right side mastectomy on Tuesday, so you and I are at similar stages. I’m really pleased your sentinel node was clear- I wasn’t given any information about mine, so will find out at my next appointment. 

I have dissolvable stitches covered with a thin clear dressing. I had a drain but it was removed today, which has left me feeling more comfortable. I’m not sleeping well, but I’m sure that will improve in time.

I hope you are feeling ok today. I’m feeling pretty good, but very tired now as I went out for a walk.

Take care xx

Hi there 

how are you doing I am two weeks post mastectomy tomorrow and up and down to be honest. I have a seroma along the glued line that is sore and a bit uncomfortable it starts off ok in the morning but gets bigger by the evening. I hope you are feeling good now. My follow up appointment I’d Friday and just waiting for the HERS2 results to then give me a plan of action.

All I know  at the moment is that I will be taking meds for 5/10 years but not a treatment plan.sleeping is again up and down I don’t normally sleep on my back so it’s not naturally comfortable.

Are you taking pain relief I’m on paracetamol and ibuprofen.

not sure if the seroma will need draining as I had no drains .

take care xx  JLD 

Hi there 

how are you doing I am two weeks post mastectomy tomorrow and up and down to be honest. I have a seroma along the glued line that is sore and a bit uncomfortable it starts off ok in the morning but gets bigger by the evening. I hope you are feeling good now. My follow up appointment I’d Friday and just waiting for the HERS2 results to then give me a plan of action.

All I know  at the moment is that I will be taking meds for 5/10 years but not a treatment plan.sleeping is again up and down I don’t normally sleep on my back so it’s not naturally comfortable.

Are you taking pain relief I’m on paracetamol and ibuprofen.

not sure if the seroma will need draining as I had no drains .

take care xx  JLD 

Jld 

glad your operstion went well , it’s always a worry waiting on results after operation hopefully everything will be ok and you can move on with no further treatment and go straight on to the tablets good luck let us no how you get on love Lara xx 

Hi JLD,

I’m not bad thank you, although just as I thought my sleep we getting better, I hardly slept at all last night! I just couldn’t get comfortable. I’m also more sore by the end of the day. I have a lump under my arm which I assume is a seroma, and it’s a bit uncomfortable by the evening. Mostly I’ve been taking paracetamol or ibuprofen when I need it, with  a codeine at bedtime on the days I’ve been particularly sore. 

I just heard today that I have my follow up appointment on Monday morning. Like you, all I know is that I’ll have to take hormone blockers- I don’t yet know whether I’m having chemo or not, so I’m a little anxious about it. 

I’ve started back at work (online only) a bit this week and am finding it tiring, but I’m self employed and can’t really afford not to. 

It sounds as though we are having similar experiences at the moment!

take care xx

Hi GoonerGirl,

I'm sorry to hear that sleep is still an issue, although it sounds as if you've managed a few good nights too. You'll be glad to have your appointment on Monday, to find out what lies ahead in the way of treatment - here's hoping that it doesn't include chemo. Your seroma sounds as if it is uncomfortable. It should settle down with time. If it is really troublesome, they could aspirate it on Monday.

You are doing really well to be back to work already. I understand the problems of being self-employed, as I faced that problem too. Just be careful not to overdo it, as your body still needs the additional rest.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Yes- I thought I’d got the sleep situation sorted out, then had a really bad night last night. I don’t think I did anything differently, so I’m not sure why. I have noticed what I assume are some dissolvable stitches sticking out through my skin, and they are a bit sore, so that doesn’t help. I know I just need to give it time- I’m a bit impatient, and during the day I feel largely back to normal, but nights are tricky. It wasn’t a problem when I wasn’t working at all, but now that I am, I need to get some restful sleep. 

‘I’ll be glad when Monday comes and I know what lies ahead. 

Thank you, as always, for thinking of us all.

xx

Hi GoonerGirl,

That's the cancer journey  - unfortunately, just as you think you have a problem sussed, it comes back to bite us again. Is this possibly just because of the discomfort you feel? Here's hoping that, with dissolvable stitches, they dissolve soon, or that they can cut off the loose stitches, when you are back at the clinic on Monday.

I hope that your work doesn't involve any heavy lifting, as this is something that you should avoid to prevent Lymphoedema.

I'm sure that you'll be counting the days until Monday.

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Yes- the lack of sleep is due to discomfort, so hopefully it will soon improve. Last night was just as bad, so im really tired and hoping I will get more sleep tonight, also, I have to get up earlier for work tomorrow, so I need to feel refreshed for the day ahead,

I’m a teacher and my work doesn’t involve any heavy lifting, so that’s a good thing, I don’t want any more issues to deal with.

xx

Hi GoonerGirl,

I'm glad to hear that you won't have any heavy lifting to do t work. I sincerely hope that you manage a better night's sleep tonight. Does your early start in the morning mean that you are going into work again and not just working online? It won't be long until you get your results on Monday and I'm sure that your desperate to find out exactly what you're up against.

I hope that all goes ok tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Goonergirl 

sleep deprivation is just horrid and healing is aided by sleep. We all have little rituals that help mine is a small night light that seems to help me relax it takes a bit of searching for what helps but also a drink at bed time helps . Routine a bit like a baby’s . Sorry if I’m preaching to the converted . And never looking at the clock as this trains our brain to wake at a certain time . Please  take care of yourself be kind to yourself. Monday will be here soon and I have everything crossed for you that you get the results and a plan that you will move forward with . Stay strong and we can both do this xxx

Hi Jolamine,

Yes- the early start meant I am going into work rather than working online this morning. My work is a mixture of the two anyway- some face-to-fact teaching and some online, so I’m back home later this afternoon for an online lesson. Next week the madness of a ‘normal’ week starts again for me. Thankfully everyone has been very understanding of my absences due to both surgery and appointments. 
I have. Iced feelings about Monday- I am starting to feel a little anxious about the results- but I’d rather know what I’m dealing with xx

Hi JLD,

Yes- sleep deprivation is horrible, and it’s something I’ve always struggled with. I’ve been trying different things to help- last night I had a bath during the evening and then relaxed in my pyjamas. The thing I’m struggling with most is discomfort from my scar/wound. I just can’t get in a position that’s both comfortable and allows me to sleep. Until a few nights ago I was sleeping in my bra as I thought that was more comfortable. Then I found I was better without. Now I’m thinking I’ll try back in the bra tonight to see if that helps! I suppose it’s just different stages of the healing process. 
How are you getting on? xxx