Hi,

I have had both a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy and found both operations much easier than expected, so try not to panic. You will be so relieved when it is away that you won't mind a bit of discomfort for a few weeks, while you wait for the wund to heal. Have you discussed any further treatment options yet? You will be given a 'softie to wear until all has healed up and then you will get a silicone prosthesis. Have they told you what type of breast cancer or what stage it is at yet?

Can you distract yourself by going out to the pictures or to visit a friend tonight - It's best to stay away from the internet as it can give a lot of misinformation.

Please keep in touch and let us now how you get on. There is always someone here for you whenever you feel like talking.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thinking of you tomorrow and hope that all goes well.

Thanks for your advice. You're right, it has seemed to be pretty straightforward. I didn't get taken till 12.30 and was so thirsty it was terrible! When I woke up though, lots of water and tea and a sandwich and got to go home later that day.

That was on Wednesday, and have been out for a walk the past few days and eating normally, just feeling pretty tired. It's obviously tender in the area but definitely less so today so on the mend.  Did you have blue dye injected? Is it still blue?

Just waiting for pathology report on 11th of Sep now. 

Hi Jolamine,

Thanks for your advice. My operation went well, you're right it is a big relief knowing that hopefully they've got it all out. Just got to wait til the pathology report on the 11th September. The treatment plan is radiotherapy and hormone treatment if the margins are clear. Possibility of mastectomy and chemo depending on pathology report. 

The area feels tender but hopefully will heal up soon. I just feel more tired than usual, but I've been getting out every day for a walk. Did you have blue dye injected and how long did it take to go away?!

It's good to be able to talk to someone who's already been through what I'm going through.

Thanks

Leigh

Hi Leigh,

I'm glad to hear that you have had your lumpectmy and it's great that all seems to have gone well. The area can feel tender for a while, even after it has healed up on the surface.

Yes, I had the blue dye inserted when I had my lumpectomy, but not for my double mastectomy. I cannot remember how long it took to clear, but as far as I can recall it wasn't that long.

I hope that your results ae good on 11th September.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Glad it went well. Yes I had the dye put in. It's standard practise for sentinel node biopsy I think. I had my op on 2nd August and I am still blue. The nurse who did the pre op assessment with me said it can take up to two years to clear, although that is the longest she knew of. 

Tiredness comes with any op I think. Yes it's day surgery but it's still surgery. You will be tired, possibly a bit emotional as well. Got to be honest and say I was a nightmare before I got my results. 

Based on my experience, it sounds as tho you are doing everything right to give yourself the best chance to get over it as quickly as possible. 11 September isn't too long to wait, I had a four week wait, holiday season and staff shortages I think, but I've been very lucky: nothing invasive in the nodes and the surgeon got a clear margin. I've got three weeks of radiotherapy to come and then five years on medication to prevent it coming back. 

I hope your outcome is as good as mine, as my daughter put it, everything now is preventative. Never say never but fingers crossed this will stop it coming back!

That's an excellent result for you, you must have been so relieved. Good luck with your treatment and thanks for sharing your experience,

I'll let you know how I get on on the 11th, fingers crossed indeed.