Hi Nichola

I had a total duct removal (hadfield's procedure) on 17th Dec . I was just a day case and  surgery was ok. I purchased some cotton underwired bras (£10 for 2 from matalan!) and they have been a godsend. I am a 40DD and my breast was slightly swollen and nipple area was swollen and sore. Bras offer necessary support. Pain has been ok, just had paracetamol  for the first couple of days. Slept wearing the bras each night. Showered every day as had waterproof dressing on. Nipple very very purple (almost black) to start but colour has faded  but no where near my pale pink usual tone.. Took dressing off on day 5 as advised by hosp. My areola was very swollen and purple in parts which I assume is bruising. Had a wound check with nurse at GP on day 7/8 (hosp didn't tell me to do this but booked in for peace of mind with it being Christmas eve) Nipple today looks abit scabby and definitely needs to air so trying to not have bra on tonight but painful without as boob feels heavy and nipple still sore. I took photos each day so I could look back reminding myself that swelling and bruising is fading. Hosp gave me a 2 week note and I wont be going in before. I dont have a manual job but I think I cant resume full normal activity for 6 weeks for example swimming. But I expect I will be back in the office when my note runs out. Consultant said if manual job get another note off Dr ) Stitches are internal and dissolve and there are sterastrips on the outside.  The cut is slightly smaller than 180degrees around my areola. I read it takes 3 months to fully heal in the inside. I am 48 and had unilateral clear nipple discharge that was spontaneous.  GP referred me. Was seen within 2 weeks by breast clinic.  Due to family history and no obvious reasons for the discharge I was booked into have this surgery as a non urgent case. Surgery took place 5 weeks later. Results are due in 2 to 3 weeks from surgery date. 

Couple of other things....I was told to take Over night bag in. Didn't stay but after theatre and recovery nurse helped me into my PJs and i donned my dressing gown and went home like this rather than get dressed as felt rough and tired from anaesthetic.  I bought some PJ that had a  shirt type top so didn't need to stretch my arm. 

I took it very steady for a couple of days. Wont drive yet but dont need to either! I have been doing normal things around the house but no heavy lifting or hoovering (yet) 

I feel OK. Far less pain than I anticipated.  But I do have a reasonable pain threshold.  

Hopefully this helps prepare you.

Good luck on Friday.  Let me /us know how you get on. 

Annie Xxx

Update..... 3rd Jan. I ended up at out of hours GP on 29th Dec as I started bleeding from in my nipple.  Dr prescribed antibiotics as thought I had infection.  Much improved picture now. Nipple still a little scabby but far better.. I still feel sore and like my breast has a brick in it.  The surgery scar has healed really well.  Haven't had a letter yet but i did ring consultants secretary on new years eve day to see if results were available.  She confirmed they were and notes say duct ectasia so no further action! Brilliant news! I don't think she would have told me if it hadn't been such a positive result.  I feel very numb as its been a  emotional time but know how lucky I am. For all those who don't get the same outcome my heart goes out to you. 

For those on the start of this type of journey I hope my post helps and gives you an insight into such a procedure but also hope too. Xxx 

Annie, thank you so much for replying. All the information you have shared is so helpful. 
It's so good to hear from someone who has recently been through it to know exactly what to expect. 
I'm going into town tomorrow so I'll definitely purchase some comfy bras to sleep in and wear during recovery.

Ill also definitely have a discussion with the surgeon, on Friday, regarding returning to work as I don't want to cause any harm plus I want to be able to do my job to the best of my ability. By the sounds of it (and how you are still not doing certain tasks) I don't think I can go back to work a week after. 

I'll keep you informed with how things go. 
 

Thank you again for being so helpful! 
Nic xx
 

Glad to be of help Nic and for future readers x 

Hi Annie

So sorry only just replying to your extended post and so long after my procedure.

Surgery went well, they removed two lumps and several ducts. Results have come back with duct papillomas and duct ecstasia with no further treatment needed! Such a relief. She couldn't say it would never come back and reason for it but so relieved. She said she didn't remove all ducts as I am wanting to get pregnant soon but still advised not to breastfeed.

Pain after surgery wasn't too bad but noticeable. What I am noticing now (3 weeks after procedure) I am still quite sore. Is this normal? I know everyone is different. 
The breast is no longer swollen and the bruising has gone down which is obviously a fab sign. However my nipple is 'over sensitive' and the area near the scar is also very sore. If my nipple touches or rubs against my bra or clothing it creates a shooting, painful sensation. I'm also finding that I still am unable to 'walk at my normal pace' (I know that sounds silly but still feel I'm out of action for longer than I expected. Even leaning over at times causes some time of pain and I don't have big breasts. 
I'm not back at work yet as I have a manual job, I have one more week left on my note however I still feel that even after another week I will still have discomfort. 
I really don't know what I should be expecting or what is normal and don't want to be going to doctors for something silly and wasting time. Plus I don't want to be going back to work and then hurting myself causing more discomfort. Just don't know what I should be expecting.  Very confused.

Thank you again for the support and the opportunity to have a forum like this so people can chat and compare.  Nothing like having people to chat to who are going through the same emotions.

Love and prayers  to all in these forums!

Nic xx

Just reading through these as I've got the same surgery on 3rd Feb and looking for the same answers!

Thats a great idea, wearing PJs that like can pass for clothes! Love it...anything that makes life easier im all for.

Glad to hear both surgeries and results went well...this forum has been really useful, but i have been struck and really surprised by how young some people are that have been affected with breast cancer...theres far more than I realised.

Wondering how youve found going back to work? I've an office job, quite long hours and intense - so i only want to go back when im really ready - ive a bad habit of feeling fine and soldiering on when im really not. Throw 3 young kids into the mix too - So I want to be realistic with them and myself on how long i might be off.

Thanks for sharing your stories x

Hi Nichola, 

I wanted to reach out to you as your post was a few years ago now.

I am in a similar situation, I just wanted to ask how your surgery went? Is there a noticeable mark on the breast?

I had a nipple discharge sample taken which has come back showing bad cells, I have had an MRI which revealed a growth directly behind the nipple. I am going in for a total duct resection on the 18th and really anxious. Did it take long for the results? I guess any kind of reply would help! I'm 26 with 2 children and can't help but think of the "what if's" which are more negative than positive!
thanks for reading,

kate x   
 

Hi Kate and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

As you're aware, NicholaJ's post was made a few years ago. I've just had a look at their profile and it seems they haven't been on the forum since then so I'm not sure if you're going to receive a reply from them or anyone else on this thread as it was last active 3 years ago.

I really hope that won't be the case but if you don't hear back you're welcome to reach out to others on more recent discussions about this topic or you can start your own discussion. 

You're also welcome to give our cancer nurses a call if you have any questions about your total duct resection. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and will do all they can to help and hopefully make you feel less anxious whilst you wait.

We're thinking of you Kate and all wishing you all the best for the 18th.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Kate,

I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming operation. I had a Total Duct Excision last Thursday. Back in March I had a bloody discharge from my left nipple. I was referred to the Breast Clinic under a two week wait pathway. My mammogram and ultrasound were clear. They took a sample of the discharge and spoke about the surgery. I got a call from the doctor to say the sample was suggestive of a papillary lesion and booked me in for surgery.

Surgery went well. I have quite a lot of bruising and initially it was very swollen. It isn't particularly painful but it is achey and has moments of being very painful but that subsides very quickly. I took paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly for the first couple of days. I only occasionally need it now. I have been wearing my normal underwired bra and it's been fine.

I have been really surprised by how exhausted I have been feeling. Because it's not really painful I think I can do stuff but then feel knackered. Really rest up and look after yourself. 

I hope it all goes well on the 18th. I've got an appointment on the 19th May for my results.

Best of luck

Sophy xx

Thanks so much for your reply Sophy I feel much more reassured. 
I'm glad your surgery went well and hope your results appointment goes really well too. 

My ultrasound was fine too and was told at the end of it by the ultrasound nurse that I didn't need to see anybody else because ultrasound looked fine and that I'd be discharged. Phew what a relief!!!

Only until..
2 weeks later I had a random unexpected phone call from the surgeon whom proceeded to tell me the discharge is showing some epithelial cells, said I'd been discussed under a MDT team and to have an MRI whilst I wait for the pre op appointment!  Discharge isn't that bothersome but i just assumed that it was breast milk that hadn't completely dried up in one breast (I last breast fed 4 years ago) it's also non bloody but is from multiple ducts. 
Said MRI revealed a tiny 4mm lump behind the nipple. I am so worried this may be DCIS as we already know there are abnormal cells plus now a small growth

I am 26 years old with 2 children 4&6, so I'm trying to be as positive as I can, but I can't help but sit and stir. 
My results appointment is booked in for 2 weeks after the surgery. I will be thinking of you on your results day on the 19th. 
Let me know how you get on, Thankyou again for taking the time to respond. 
 

Kate xx