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 

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 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 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

Hello there yes I’m very much like you. Different bras and on off . I find I’m having stabbing pain a lot and fluid build up as the day goes on . I had my scar glued so no drain. As soon as I do anything g much it swells more. My best sleeping position is making an arm chair back with pillows in bed and having the heart pillow under my arm.  I’m very apprehensive re tomorrow but like you need to know and have a plan moving forward . My cancer is hormone responsive and the last test result tomorrow is the HERS 2 I try not to read stuff as it’s so confusing and I’m prone to catastrophising.  Don’t over do it I have and it sets you back . Xx

I did have a drain but it was taken out after 3 days, which was a relief to be honest. I feel most comfortable in bed when I’m in the position you described, but I just can’t sleep like that. I’m sure things will improve- I’m just being impatient!

I was told my cancer is hormone responsive but HER negative after my first biopsies. However, they said I may need chemo depending on the size of the cancer and the lymph node (which looked clear on ultrasound). It will be a big relief if I don’t need it, but I’m feeling a little more prepared for if I do now, having done some reading etc. 

I really hope all goes well for you tomorrow xx

Thank you.I to am hoping for no chemo just radiotherapy and tablets 

Hi JLD,

how did you get on today? I’ve been thinking of you xx

Hi there

i had a call yesterday to say that my results were not back and they had to postpone for a week . Gutted.

I did however see a wonderful nurse who has aspirated some fluid build up for me which has helped a lot .

so hoping next Thursday they have the results for the MDT meeting so they can tell me next steps. 
please let me know how you get on. 

Hi JLD,

I am so sorry to hear that your appointment has been postponed for another week. However, I am glad to hear that you got your fluid aspirated and that this has helped.

I sincerely hope that you don't have any further cancellations and that you do get your results next week.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi JLD,

I’m so sorry that your results were delayed. Good news in terms of having some fluid aspirated though, so I hope you are feeling more comfortable. 

xx