Second surgery

Hi, Im wondering if anyone can offer any advice/support please. I got diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of February. We talked about surgery & radiotherapy as everything seemed straightforward. Just over 5 weeks ago I had a lumpectomy & 2 lymph nodes removed. Everything was going well until recently when at my follow up appointment I found out I now need further surgery to remove all the lymph nodes & take more tissue from the breast as well as chemotherapy. I’m devastated and wondering if I can actually do it all again. Although I’m only in my early 40s and fit & healthy, it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with.I’m really worried about developing lymphoedema after having all the nodes removed and obviously anxious about the future. Has anyone gone through anything similar that could offer any advice?Thank-you 

  • I'll be thinking of you too. Let me know how you get on. X

  • I will do. Did you get more pain around day  5/6? I’ve been absolutely fine up to yesterday. It feels like I’ve hit the gym to hard. Struggled doing my exercises this morning. I’ve rang the BN just waiting for her to ring back . How’s your recovery going? Well I hope xx

  • I think the pain was more like resistance for me but it definitely increased when I started the week 2 exercises. I couldn't get very high on the one where you walk your hand up the wall. But all seems OK now. It's 9 days since the 3rd operation now and the new scar is healing well and causing no pain. But my ALND area is still weak for anything involving lifting arms up. It is all improving though. We're in Cornwall and I've walked miles, done lots of activity, and I'd say I virtually forgot that I'd had anything done. See what nurse says but it all sounds pretty standard to me. Xxx

  • Aww BlueSatsuma it sounds like you’re doing amazing, that’s so lovely to hear. Oh yes the Cornish air will be doing you the world of good. I must admit I’ve definitely had more energy this time around but maybe that’s because I’ve known what to expect. BN rang back, all is normal . She said just to carry on using the arm regularly and increase the excercises to 4 times daily if  possible . It’s feels much better today. I’m also taking regular paracetamol since yesterday which I haven’t been taking anything.  Oh those pesky wall excercises! I must admit I’m dreading starting them tomorrow but like you said I think time is the key. I remember last time each day got easier even with the cording. I’ll keep you updated on how things are going . Take care xxx

  • Hi BlueSatsuma, 

    Just checking how you are doing? Once my drain came out things got better & the cording actually disappeared! Managing the excercises fine so far. I had my follow up appointment this week. No more surgery needed!! I’m so pleased. They did found one more effected lymph node at level 3 so does definitely mean chemotherapy for me then radiotherapy. Sod’s Law that if it was lower I wouldn’t need it but it is what it is. I’m just happy to be moving forward. I hope you get your appointment soon and your margins are clear. Xx

  • Hi there. Good to hear you are feeling well and no more surgery! Sorry you need chemo, but at least you know the cancer all be killed off. How many nodes in totalsand? Wouldn't you have needed chemo if there had not have been the level 3 node?  X

  • Hi, from both surgeries 3 nodes in total. They made it sound like the only reason for chemo was because it had gone so high up (level 3). I haven’t got my oncology appointment yet but I’m going to ask them to explain anything. Xx

  • Hopefully the appointment will come soon. There's so much waiting. I think that is the worst part x

  • It definitely is, sometimes it seems never ending. Any news on your follow up appointment? I hope you hear something soon if you haven’t already xx

  • 24th June. I will either have clear margins like you and be passed to oncology, or will need masectomy. X