Lumpectomy tomorrow. Please tell me about your experiences

Hello everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read.

My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Surgeon doesn't think my carcinoma has spread to nodes so pretty much as straight forward surgery.  I was wondering if anyone has had this and what recovery is like? I'm not anxious of surgery or being sore but the practicality of looking after my daughter (turning 1 on Saturday). Also what your experience of chemo is like? I may not need chemo as HER2 neg but surgeon thinks oncologist will suggest I have it as I turned 31 in June.

Thank you x

  • Hello simone91x

    I wanted to just post to wish you well ahead of your surgery tomorrow. It's really good to hear that you're not feeling too anxious about things. 

    We have some information on our website here which may be of help to you and I hope that some of the members on this forum who have had lumpectomies will reply to your post soon to share their experiences with you. 

    Keep on top of regular pain relief after your surgery. You may find that lifting your little one is uncomfortable after the operation. It may even be that the surgeon recommends you don't do any lifting for a while. Hopefully, you have lots of support at home to help whilst you recover. 

    Be kind to yourself over the coming days now and take the time to allow your body to fully heal. Do keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on when you feel up to it. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi [@simone91x]‍ 

    Firstly all the best for tomorrow and I hope your surgery goes well, I am sure it will. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, (no lymph node involvement, hormone +ve HER2 negative). I was up and about the same afternoon, I looked a little blue (from the dye ) but was ok which only lasted that day. The most painful site was where they had taken the lymph nodes from, my boob was ok. I was up and about and went for a walk the next day and started the exercises I was given. A bit sore for the first week but nothing the ibuprofen they gave me didn't sort out. 

    I was very lucky and didn't need chemo, my tumour was downgraded from grade 3 to grade 2 after surgery, and my tissue was sent to the US for Oncotype scoring which showed that chemo wasn't beneficial.

    All the very best for tomorrow, and good luck for the next stage in your journey xx

  • Hello there,

    I concur with 123Nelly. I too had grade 2 19mm tumour ER+ HER-. I was sent home same day although I felt a bit sick after the anaesthetic. It didn't last long, I was back home enjoying my takeaway at 6pm. Blue boob from the dye, practically no pain from surgery site, just some bruising but where the pesky lymph node was removed stung quite a bit, probably as there are a lot of nerve endings in your arm pit. You'll be absolutely fine, just do the exercises you're given as they really do help. Good luck!

    Let us know how you go on.

    Jane xx

     

  • Dear Simone, 

    Im 38 and am on the other side, in October I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcicoma Stage 1 grade 3, 20mm Node Negative Her2- oestrogen Fed. 
     

    i had a lumpectomy, went twice to get clear margins, they took two nodes out to check. FEC-T Chemo 6 in total 1 every three weeks, 8 sessions of Radiotherapy and I'm now on Anastrole tablets and prostap injections. 
    My Tumor was sent to America to get my Oncotype DX score but due to my age and grade I had to have Chemo.!

    The Lumpectomy is fine! It was my armpit that gave me the most Discomfort. Take the pain killers as they prescribe and make sure you get nice soft front fastening bra's, the anesethic was the worse for me but again it was ok. Yes you will able to look after your daughter if you go steady.

    Chemo is tough but do-able. You don't get all the Side Effects your told about and what you do get only lasts a week after Your chemo day. The first was hard because you don't know how you will feel, I wrote a diary of what I felt like so the next time I was prepared. I also used the cold cap, I lost 40 percent of my hair but I had really think long blonde hair that I absolutely loved. 
     

    here if you need too ask anything. I just want you to know that things do get better, it's been nearly a year and I'm starting to feel like he again.

    i wish you well for tomorrow, xxx
     

    love Sarah 

  • Hi Simone 

    I had a lumpectomy and SN in July the operation went great recovery was very quick I was out for coffee in 2 days no pain whatsoever xx good luck 

     

  • Hi everyone,

    Thank you for all your lovey replies and experiences - means the world. Thought I'd reply to my post so you can all see rather than reply individually. Like you all I'm home and had something to eat. Surgery was around 12 and was home back of 5, allowed to leave at 4. Feeling a little nauseous and a little achey, like you all said, near armpit but breast is fine. Surgeon prescribed co-codamol (30/500) which are helping. They took 4 biopsies from nodes and will hear from hospital next week. 


    Sending love back to you all xxx

  • Glad you're ok Simone91x. Resist the temptation to do anything for a couple of days at least, chill out with lots of brews, daytime TV and biccies. You'll be fine and we are all here for you

    Jane xx

  • Hi Simone 

    gkad all went well today , rest up take care big hugs xx