Hi hope you are recovering from your sentinel node biopsy.  I am having this on Tuesday and wanted to ask about how your recovering and recovery times. I am beginning to think I am going to be out of action for longer than expected. :)

Hi Sticky,

The sentinel lymph node biopsy was absolutely fine and nowhere near as bad as I had anticipated. I was in and out the same day. They wouldn't let me go home until I was able to wee, eat and drink. They also insisted that somebody picked me up. I didn't feel any pain as I had no doubt been given something during surgery.

Make sure that you do the exercises even if you feel a bit stiff or uncomfortable. I found reaching above my head to be the hardest. You can do them gently and no need to rush. A slow and easy stretch to start with to loosen up helped.

They gave me a box of Codeine to take home but I didn't need them. I took some the day after surgery just in case but I was fine without. The resulting constipated was worse than the wound.

I was uncomfortable rather than in pain and had to move slowly for a few days taking care not to stretch or overreach. By the end of the first week I felt able to do most things as usual. Just be careful not to lift anything too heavy.

My biggest setback was an allergic reaction to the adhesive on the dressing which made my skin red and itchy with tiny spots. My wound (approximately 2 inches) has healed really well and I don't have any problems. It is below my armpit.

All the best for your surgery. Feel free to ask me any questions. 

I had my surgery on a Monday and drove on the Friday, but felt like I would have been safe on the Wednesday. They said not to drive until I could do an emergency stop safely.

Thanks - that is good to hear. My next step after the lymph node biopsy is a mastectomy and reconstruction and I want to be as fit as possible for that. 

I have been told to buy some special bras soft unwired that do up at the front.  Is this really necessary?  I know I will need them for the big surgery. :)

I stayed at home and didn't wear a bra for a few days because I didn't want the side bit rubbing on the wound. However,  it really didn't cause an issue and no need for any special purchases.

I'm undergoing chemotherapy at the moment and depending on how much the tumour shrinks will determine if I need a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I might pick your brains at some point if that is ok.

Of course . Thank you for replying 

I’m waiting for a date for my mastectomy,I am assuming my sentinel node will be fine at the same time as this.Not sure how many lymph’s I have left after the last time.

Im going for the prothesis and may go for reconstruction at a later date see how I get on.

I will be following your progress if that’s ok?

Hope all goes well with you both

Take care x

Thank you and you too. Look after yourself.