Hello,

I had lumpectomy 3rd April with lower axillary clearance.  It’s a month later now and everything has healed very well.

Going to be honest here for about three days it was quite painful.  I had one drain which wasn’t a problem because I had a shoulder bag to keep it.  When you are discharged make sure ward gives you a spare bottle.  District Nurse will check it daily and, for me, when draining less than 30mls in 24 hours she takes it out.  Doesn’t hurt at all. Held in with one stitch - rest of stitches dissolvable.  Dressing may be taken off same time as drain removal.  You will be given arm exercises to do three times a day. So important you do them to get full range of movement back and also help prevent other complications such as fluid build up eg seroma.  Make sure to take your painkillers - it’s easier to get rid of a little pain rather than wait til it gets too much.  It can be quite painful at night if you lie on the side it is.  I hope ykour breadt clinic will give you a little knitted cushion which slips under that arm and really helps.

Just remember the exercises are so important.  If you are going to have radiotherapy you must be able to raise your arm up.  

There is a fabulous book ‘The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer - How to Feel Empowered and Take Control’ Prof Trisha Greenhalgh and Dr. Liz O’Riordan both doctors, one a Cancer  Breast Surgeon .  They wrote a book explaining their journey with breast cancer.

Hope all goes well for you and any questions - were all here for you.

xxxx