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Sentinel lymph node and tumour removal

Little.Storm
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Hi,

I finished my chemotherapy on 7th August and I'm scheduled to have what's left of my tumour removed. After meeting with the surgeon, he told me they would also remove one sentinel lymph node. 

I'm nervous about the surgery but really want advice on afterwards. I know I'll be in hospital for 2 nights and then released. I've been told it's a 14 day recovery period which I guess is standard. Should I wear button down tops, pjs etc? I'm guessing I won't be able to raise my arm too high.

Looking forward to your advice. 

Thanks in advance 

Paula :)

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    Hi Paula

    i had an invasive DCIS and had surgery (including lymph nodes) in April followed by radiotherapy. You will be advised to do some gentle exercises initially, but I found a seam free front fastening bra invaluable, and opted for button up tops to make taking things off easier. If you’re a larger lady I would recommend getting yourself into a bra as soon after surgery as you can.

    hope this helps and good luck with your journey.

    Angel18

     

  • Offline in reply to angel18

    Hi,

    Thank you! That's really helpful. I'll add seam free front fastening bras to my list.

    I've got radiotherapy after the surgery, I've stocked up on moisturiser but any tips you would like to share would be welcome. I just haven't asked about it or researched it just yet as I'm taking every step at a time.

    Good luck to you on your journey and thank you again

    Paula :)

  • Offline in reply to Little.Storm

    Hi there I had a lumpectomy five weeks ago and last week had sentinel node biopsies taken as invasive cancer cells were found in the lumpectomy tissue taken. I have found a fantastic bra in Marks and Spencer that has a zip front, great for post surgery and if you’re not able to manage back fastening ones. 

    Wishing you well on your journey. I now have 3 weeks to wait until I get my results to see if the lymph nodes are clear then will be starting radiotherapy at some point in the future. Will definitely be looking on this site for advice about that

  • Offline in reply to Little.Storm

    Hello

    In terms of moisturiser I was advised to go for E45 shower gel and moisturiser and to check the content to ensure there’s no metal content (it messes with radiotherapy!). I thought that it would be unlikely that products would until I started looking!!

    There’s a good website ‘Nicola Jane.com’ for bras. I bought one from John Lewis then found it on this website too. Not attractive particularly but contains silver fior healing. And ‘pops’ together to do it up. Life’s complicated enough right?!

    I’ve recently finished my treatment, and now I’m in the next phase where I’m out on my own, and in all honesty it’s a bit scary. But, in the words of my best friend ‘we got this ‘!

    all the best

    angel18

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