I am about to have operation to take away lymph nodes in my arm pit that are cancerous,but don't really know how I should be feeling, should I be worried or is it my coping mechanism that has kicked in and telling me that it's normal and don't worry
I'm sorry to hear that you're currently waiting for surgery to have lymph nodes removed from your armpit. It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling anxious and worried about things.
Do you have a date for the surgery? Hopefully you won't be waiting too long for the results afterwards and the team will be able to give you some reassurance about things. Do make sure that you do the post-surgery exercises as advised by your care team as this will help with your recovery.
If you think it may help to talk things through with one of our nurses ahead of your appointment you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can.
I hope that things go smoothly karenmd. Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
It's perfectly natural to not know how to feel when you have been given a diagnosis of cancer. You will still be in shock & trying to take it all in which is harder when you have to wait for further tests and results. Once you have the node clearance they will be able to confirm your stage & start a treatment plan - at that point you will feel more in control because you know that treatment is starting. I was diagnosed Stage 1 in 1996 & , out of the blue in 2009, it returned in my groin & pelvic nodes, pushing me to Stage 3. My brain went on automatic pilot & it didn't truly hit me until I was recovering from my node clearance. Everyone reacts differently, there is no right or wrong way to react.
Good luck & I hope your treatment is started quickly post op & all goes well,
I had the surgery On Friday 5th I am still in hospital because my BP has dropped really low,and then trying to manoeuvre the drip and carrying the drain I stepped on it and it dislodged,so the Dr manipulated it back in on her rounds this morning such a gentle and caring soul but omg the pain,was awful but now I have pain in my neck and back so that must be to do with the lymph node removal?
Oh, that sounds sore. Yes, the node removal will be causing the pain. They have to cut deep under the armpit to remove the nodes & they cut through nerves so it takes a while for the pain to settle down I'm afraid. I hope your BP is back to normal.
The drain can be a real pain - mine was in my groin and I once tried to get out of my hospital bed, caught the tube which then came out of the bag - I sprayed lymphatic fluid all over my bed, floor and chair. I just broke into tears because I was so frustrated & embarrassed. The nurses were great cleaning me up & calming me down. I look back & laugh about it now (it was 14 years ago)!
