What to expect after lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, advice please

[Maisy7]

Hi, I was wondering if people could tell me how their experience was of their lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy and their down time after it/recovery time. My surgery is 3 weeks today and feeling angst so just wanted to know what to expect. Also, what would you recommend for me to buy in preparation for it? (What should I have by my bed when I get home?) I have bought a V shaped pillow and after surgery bra's.

Thanks in advance x

Hi @Maisy7 thanks for checking in - great to hear you're doing well. I do think the nurses get us all mixed up.

I'm doing ok. The codeine is making me a bit dizzy - I already suffered with vestibular migraines/menieres disease which has been under control but it's definitely been triggered the last couple of days. So I think my plan is to only have it at night and just have paracetamol during the day, though that's less effective. I may call the nurses tomorrow and see what they advise. I've started the exercises but can't manage the one where you put your arms behind your head yet (number 6 in my book). I did manage a short walk round the block though, about 20 mins.

Good tip about shampoo bars @wateraddict. I would normally be due to wash my hair tomorrow but bending over a bath feels like it would be high effort, even getting one of my teen dds to do it. I was thinking I may just book a hair wash at the local salon on Friday, it's only 5 mins from home!

How long did people wear the TED stockings for? They say on my letter until you reach normal mobility but not sure how much daily movement that means.

Hi, @Stowickthevast

I was thinking the same about booking hair wash at my local salon literally on the high street in the village. A very small village. 😂🤣 so only a couple of minutes from me.

Good idea to call the nurses re your meds. I’m fine on mine and they will run out Saturday am, so then just paracetamol for me.

I was told to wear the compression stockings for 2 weeks night and day.

So pleased you did the exercises and a walk!! Just take it steady and slow and it really makes a difference. You’ll improve every day so keep at it! X

My goal tmrw is a shower in the morning!
I was sent an unperfumed soap bar and cloth so looking forward to that! 😂🤣💕

Have a great evening x

Hi all,
Can't believe it's a whole week since I was operated on and now into day 8.
Scars starting to itch. So pleased only taking paracetamol and ibuprofen. Makes such a difference. Had a lovely Sunday at friends, did too much, but it was lovely to just feel a bit of normality.

So this is another week of taking it easy, exercises and mindful of healing.
Hope everyone else is doing great!
I just want to heal as much as possible before my next appointment to hear the results with the surgeon. Got to keep positive and fingers crossed he managed to get it all out with clean margins and no spread.

I'm not going to worry about that for now and just focus on a good week!
Sending a hug to all that need one. x

It was not as bad as I had anticipated. I had a 5 month old baby at the time and I was still able to pick her up etc. I went on to have my lymph nodes removed as two of the three they removed in the biopsy were positive, and that was more of a pain in the arse as you have a drain in for a period of time (and babies find them fascinating…just like PICC lines 🙄)

This was all 3 years ago now and bar a bit of numbness and a bit of a wonky nipple 😂 I’m all good. Best of luck to you ❤️

@Maisy7 glad you are feeling better and more importantly so positive.
Lovely you met up with friends and had a good time. I think it's much needed for the distraction.

@Rejoinedforthisbless you for having to have undergone this with babies. Glad you are ok now.
I am coming up to 2 weeks since lumpectomy tomorrow. No word on the report or follow up appt. Guess I won't have an appt until the report is ready.
I was feeling quite ok until a virus has floored us all at home this week and I feel worse than after surgery.
Sitting with a nice hot lemon ginger honey drink now.

Glad to hear you're doing well @Maisy7 @RainyDayCoffee. Great positivity!

I'm just over a week out and took my dressings off yesterday. I had a potential appointment with the breast care nurses booked in case of any bleeding or pus but didn't need to go.

I've been going for short walks every day. I'm still quite sore under my armpit and on my upper arm - not sure why the upper arm is sore, it feels a bit bruised. Has anyone else got this? Haven't had any codeine since Friday but feel quite a way off going for a brisk or long walk as still feel bruised and arm hurts.

@Rejoinedforthis am praying that the lymph nodes are clear as really don't want more surgery. Intense to go through with babies. I have teens who I'm making cook for me and do things like unpack the shopping. They're a bit unreliable in terms of timing but are trying.