Hi there Lottie. I totally understand. I was diagnosed in mid December and was also expected to just need surgery and radiotherapy. I had my op in January, waited 6 weeks for results and low and behold, I needed axillary clearance and a cavity shave. I was terrified of lymphodema. I had another 6 week wait and then was told that there is still more. My 3rd op is next week. I'm 46, with a full time job, 3 kids and this was not in my life plan! I can only say that most don't get lymphodema. Exercise and keep weight as normal as possible. This will lower your risk. Do the exercises after the operation religiously. I only had a 17mm IDC, but now there are lymph nodes involved, I believe that chemo is probable. I'm still working full time and do far, no signs of lymphodema, although my wrist is a little puffier. Dr wasn't concerned and said that it could still be from op. 

I felt exactly like you. It took a while to get my head around it and to accept it. But this is my life now...I have to deal with it, whatever it brings my way. My advice is to talk to your surgeon if you need to. Make sure you are fully aware of why the ALND is necessary and if there is any other options like radiation to axilla. It is rubbish but you're not alone. Feel free to ask me any questions. When is your op? Good luck. X

Hi BlueSatsuma, 

thanks for the reply. I’m so sorry to hear you’re having another operation, sounds like you have really been through it. It’s so nice to hear you speak so positive though and to know I’m not alone in the experience. My op is also next week. I really hope I can get less anxious about it all. I’m still a bit sore from the last time so I think I’m just expecting to feel so much more worst this tim e. I also have some cording which again I’m presuming will make things worst when I have them all removed. But I know I’m probably just scared & overthinking it .Thanks for your advice and positivity , I do actually feel a little calmer now. Wishing you all the luck for your operation and recovery xx

I'm glad I have helped a bit. When I had my alnd and cavity shave they reopened same scars as from lumpectomy and slnd. I found the lumpectomy scar healed fast but the one under arm was harder to heal.  I had some cording too but it has cleared up now. All that said, recovery was ok and you will be fine. Do those exercises! I found them really hard 2nd time around but perservere. Good luck to you for next week. Hopefully the last op for us both. Xxx 

Yes  hopefully the last for us both!! Reading  about how you’ve coped really is helpful and reassuring. I’m still scared about it all but a little less now . Thanks for sharing your experience, it really is nice to know you’re not alone. 

Aww hun, I hope you’re feeling better now. It’s such a rollercoaster. I feel like I take one step forward and 10 back! I also had a meltdown today ( maybe it’s the weather lol) . I have just started to feel okay about the ALND when the BN rang to say I now need MRIs done and it may mean delaying the surgery (mine is Thursday).  The thought of more waiting is scary, waiting makes me just think of it spreading . I’m trying hard to stay positive but it’s been hard. 

Hi Lottie. Have you had your op, I was wondering how you got on xxx

Hi BlueSatsuma, 

yes I had the op and i’m back home recovering now . I hope yours went well. Waiting game again now, I’m praying for clear margins this time but just concentrating on  healing first but I start thinking about it xxx

Glad you're OK. Hate the waiting too. It's over 4 more weeks until my results. Hope you get yours sooner and that you're all clear. X

Oh no that’s long again. They said 2-3 weeks but last time mine was more between 4-5. Yes positive vibes for us both! Let me know how you get on hun, I’ll be thinking of you. Wishing you a speedy recovery xx