Thank you Jolamine it does help to hear that as I have no problems from the lumpectomies,it’s the lymph nodes causing pain and discomfort.

. Tess10

Hi Tess,

I hope that your lymph nodes settle down for you. I only had a level 1 clearance (6 lymph nodes). That was 10 years ago and I am still tender in that area.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I am 7 days post-op but have had few problems, My GP thought I had an infection and was started on Antibiotics, It turns out I had a build-up of Serous fluid, which had to be drained off, 180mls, I only wish this was my only illness, I am due to go for an Angioplasty, Friday 02nd I am so sick of Hospitals and Doctors, but they saved me, My lymph nodes had to go, but since the drainage of that fluid I feel much better, It will take me about 4_6 weeks, but I have to do this because I like to be busy.

I am so grateful for the Breast Care Nurses and Doctors, They were wonderful.How can you repay the Thanks they deserve?

Hi Jax,

I am glad to hear that you have got your surgery behind you, but sorry to hear about your seroma. I needed to have my breasts drained after both my lumpectomy and my double mastectomy. It certainly felt like an infection at the time, but I had great relief each time it was drained.  I had to have this done a few times after my double mastectomy, but it settled eventually.

I am so sorry to hear that you are  now waiting for an angioplasty, but am sure that you will feel.much better once you get this behind you.

My hubby had a few angioplasties about 15 years ago. He eventually had a quadruple by-pass 12 years ago and has lived a full life despite all this. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with heart failure last year. This has restricted him somewhat but he is still here and doing fairly well all things considered.

I shall be thinking of you and hope that all goes well for you this week.

Kind regards, 

Jolamine xx

Well, I am nearly two weeks postoperative, and less than 48 hours following Angioplasty, I am being referred to oncology for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, The time is dragging by, I also had a seroma, which I had to have drained, I am not certain I know enough. about Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, the thought is very daunting, I have to get used to what my husband called Carved you up, that was quite upsetting, I know my Surgeon told me they had to do a long wide incision, because they took 32 lymph nodes and some from my chest wall, I am grateful to my Surgeon she gave me my life back, I am humbled.

Hi Jax,

I am glad to hear that you have had your angioplasty and, are now ready to move on to chemo and radiotherapy.If you don't know enough about these treatments, make sure to ask your oncologist all about them. I find it helpful to draw up a list of questions before each visit. That way I don't forget to ask important questions.

If you go on to the main cancer research site I'm sure that you will find advice about both treatments. I am sure that you will feel better about these therapies once you know more about them. You will eventually get used to the new 'carved up you'. You may not like it, but you're still here and, that's the important fact.  My body looks like something from the TV show Embarrassing Bodies, because I've had so many operations, but these are my 'battle scars' and I feel blessed to still be here.

I hope that your oncology appointment comes through soon and, that your oncologist can explain all that you need to know about chemo and radiotherapy. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi  Jax

I have just finished 15 radiotherapy sessions, (i didn’t need chemo) apart from tiredness it was ok, I kept putting Aveeno cream on every time I went to the loo and took a pot to apply immediately after treatment ( bras get very messy), so I’m very red and sore but no blisters.  What I didn’t realise was the treatment keeps working for about two weeks so still getting redder.

Good luck 

Thank You, Jolamine,

I am really glad My Surgeon has given me my life back, I took away a piece of her with me, She is my ray of Sunshine.

Things are uncertain at the moment, but, I am certain things will get better, especially with friends who I can chat to.

Hi Jax,

I am glad that you have confidence in your surgeon. Having a good relationship with your consultant makes all the difference with how you deal with all of this.

There are so many uncertainties at present that you cannot deal with at the moment. Once you know more, you will be better able to cope.

Have you got your post-op pathology results yet? Once you get these you will know a lot more.

We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Tess,

It sounds as if you've been through the mill. I am glad to hear that you have reached the end of your radiotherapy treatment and don't need chemo. For all that any emollient is messy, it is well worth applying it regularly.

I am sorry to hear that the area treated is still getting redder and is sore. This should soon start to settle down.

Thinking of you. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx