Hi butterflywing

Firstly I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  I went through something similar in 2023.  I found a lump and was referred to the breast unit and it was a whirlwind from there once the biopsy results came back positive.  I was convinced it was a cyst (as I'd had one before in the same location) so didn't take anyone with me for the results appointment.  Needless to say it was a bit of a shock.  Mine was about 3cm in the end but it was triple negative (non-hormonal) with no real understanding of how it happened as it doesn't run in the family. 

Once the results came back, follow-up appointments were very rapid and a treatment plan was soon in place.  I had 6 rounds of chemo, 7 rounds of immunotherapy followed by a lumpectomy (which by the time the chemo had finished, they couldn't find any cancerous cells so took tissue to make a clear margin).  A couple of months after the surgery I had 9 rounds of radiotherapy.  I'm happy to say I've been clear now for just over a year and life is very much back to "normal".  

I know it's scary but once the diagnosis is confirmed, you will be offered so much support from your breast cancer nurses, oncologist and treatment team you won't feel alone.  Sadly there are lots of ladies on here that will have been through something similar, and they will all support you too.  

Good luck with your biopsy results.  It sounds like it's been caught early as it is a small lump, so don't think the worst yet.  Just listen to your consultant and the professionals but don't be afraid to ask questions. 

Am here if you need to talk.

Carol 

Hi Carol ,

Thanks for replying .. My head is all over the place ! One minute I'm relatively positive  then something hits me and I start to believe I'm going to be given the worst news possible and I won't be here to see my grandchildren grow up . I worry I'm going to loose my hair ( stupid I know considering the bigger picture ) but every thing seems so massive at the minute.  I'm up and down like a yoyo with a big black cloud of fear hanging over me . 

Hi V ,

I haven't planned anything , I just think life will carry on as.normal after a day or two . We look after the grandchildren 4 days aweek and I think apart from a couple of days away they will be here as normal .

It feels like life is too overwhelming at the moment. I'm worrying about everything from will I wake up after the.op to what the results of the pathology will be be and next steps .

It's feels like  a very long uncertain road that im travelling alone without the support of my husband x

If life feels overwhelming then I can't recommend enough that you ring the help line. I was told after a mastectomy that I wouldn't be able to walk the dog for a couple of weeks at least, just in case she pulls. So having grandchildren around might be too much for you to handle after your op, but do check it out with those who know your circumstances such as your Macmillan nurse. It's important that you look after you! Am sorry you don't have the support of your husband, is there anyone else in your family who is supportive? Please talk to someone in your team so you understand what you can and can't do after your op and what support you might need.

Sleep well, I don't know about you but I sleep a lot more than I used to! Wanted to watch a programme on the TV but fell asleep after tea and missed it! Oh well, maybe I can watch it on catch up! x

Hello Butterfly

1. Please don't be so scared of your lumpectomy  ,They are all so kind .You go in take off you topclothing put on a gown, your surgeon will come and have a chat then the anatheatist  .Going my case i walked to the operating room climbed on the bed a small mask was put over my nose and mouth I was told to think of something nice and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room with a lovely nurse looking after me .After about 20 mins I was wheeled back to where my clothes etc were and had a cup of tea and biscuits half an hour after that I was allowed home.
2. The next day very little pain but you do have to take it easy no hoovering heavy lifting etc.
3. Like you I am a little scared of what my treatment might be but whatever it is it will be getting rid of that Bas###d cancer. 
4. Chin up Best Wishes 

Hi Ruggles

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in 2025 and had the same fluid build up under the armpit where the nodes had been removed.  It does drain itself eventually, it just takes time.  Just keep doing the exercises provided as this will help with the drainage.  I find it builds up sometimes if I've done excessive lifting or movement (like gardening or major housework) but it does drain again.  Be patient, it will go. 

Hi Butterflywing

I wasn't allowed to lift anything heavier than a kettle for 2 weeks after my lumpectomy, so be careful with those grand children!  Same as Vivaldi, I was also advised not to walk the dog for 4 weeks.  I live alone so my sister came up for the first week after my surgery to stay with me and make sure I ate and kept the house tidy for me (and it was nice to have company of course).  A very good friend came to stay for the second week and after that I just asked for help with vacuuming and bed changing etc from friends and neighbours.  I was lucky my op was in the spring, so at least the weather was half decent. 

You will be tired for a good few days after the op, but other than that, you should feel pretty well.  I was surprised how well I felt, just the physical restrictions to lookout for. 

Good luck on the 5th.  Hopefully your pre-op meeting before then will help alleviate a lot of your fears.

Carol xx

1. Thankyou Carol ,I am just back from the hospital where they reassured  me all is well .I feel relieved ,and now must get ready to face what ever treatment is ahead.

Hi Ruggles, I had a lumpectomy and Axillary node clearance on the 16th Dec I developed fluid under my armpit which I had to go back and have drained it was a very simple quick pain-free procedure. I hope that helps.

Thankyou Winnie ,I have been to the hospital today all is fine there was a small amount of fluid ,I decided not to have it drained as the thought of another needle was a little worrying ,but they assured me I can go back anytime and they will drain it .

Hi V 

Thankyou for your reply .

I've had my pre op today and feeling slightly more confident about things so am going that continues though no doubt the closer to the op I get the more anxious ill become..

How are you doing today? x

Hi Ruggles 

Thankyou for your message.  I've had my preop today so feeling a little more confident though am sure as Monday approaches I'll get more anxious .

Am glad you got to see someone regarding yoir seroma , it's good to have that reassurance. 

Hope you are recovering well xx

Hi Ruggles 

Thankyou for your message.  I've had my preop today so feeling a little more confident though am sure as Monday approaches I'll get more anxious .

Am glad you got to see someone regarding yoir seroma , it's good to have that reassurance. 

Hope you are recovering well xx

Hello ,Just wishing you all the very best for tomorrow, once it is over you will wonder why you were so worried

 ruggles 

Thankyou so much for your message , it means such alot .

Am hoping this time tomorrow I'll be back at home rather than in the hospital .

Thankyou again,  your kind words are very much appreciated xx

Hi Butterflywing,

I got very nervous about my op the night before it, but by the following day, when it was all over, I wondered what had made me so anxious, as the surgery was very straightforward on both occasions.

I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and hope that it all goes well for you.

Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. As you know, we're always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

 Thankypu Jolamine ,

Am.struggling to.sleep at the minute , mind is in over drive will be glad when the op.is.over and I'm awake xx

1. Best of luck tomorrow B and hope you get some sleep tonight! Will keep you in my prayers...x

 Vivaldi 

Thankyou V , am. struggling to sleep at the minute . Thankyou for praying for me xx

I was the same the night before my first op, but all was really straightforward.

This time tomorrow you'll probably be spark out ad can play catch up.

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

Think I've managed to sleep for an hour  I have a feelings going to be a long day xx

Hi,

This is not unusual. In a few hours this will all be behind you and you’ll be able to relax.

Jolamine xx

Hi Butterflywing,

I have been thinking of you all day today. I hope that your operation went well and that you're not feeling too sore. Wait until you're feeling a bit better before letting us know how you are.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx