My Mum is having a lumpectomy soon - have you experienced breast surgery? Can she do anything to prepare?

[BabyValentine]

She is obviously very emotional (although the tumour is still small; Grade 2) and is not looking forward to the operation.

I was just wondering whether there is anything she could take to prepare herself for surgery, ...arnica, perhaps to help her recovery?

Have you had a lumpectomy - what helped you, if anything?

Have to dash out, so won't reply tonight (not being rude, ).

Thanks.

...tumbleweed.... [shamelessly bumps]

dh's aunt had one, arnica definitely, comfy PJs with front opening top (so you can remove top for exams in hospital without baring all). Will she have drains in afterwards for a bit? If so, a bumbag to hold them in, apparently, is good for being able to walk around easily without being bothered by them...

Good luck to your Mum, sounds v normal that she is emotional and anxious about it all - hope it goes smoothly.

Thnaks Elibean. Hope your DH's aunt is recovering well.

Hello, I had a biopsy done on a lump in my breast last October.
Assuming its a similar process I will describe mine for you.
I had it done while they used an ultrasound to pinpoint the lump (it was quite deep)
They gave me a local which hurt much less than I thought (quite squeamish about needles).
They then made a small incision that I couldn't feel.
They inserted a small scoop (like an icecream scoop but about the size of my little fingernail) into the hole.
Once they had located the lump they action the scoop and it sounded like a stapler. There was pressure as it went off but no pain.
They did this about 5 times to get a good sample.
Then I had to press a tissue to the cut for 2 minutes before they put a plaster on.
On the whole it was ok, I had it done with my 2 year old in the room with me as it was all a bit quick and unexpected (thought I was just having the ultrasound).
So for me the shock of it was the worst bit, very shaky afterwards but no real pain.
Hope your mum is ok,

I expect your mum will have been told quite a lot by the consultant, things like about the possible dip in the breast where the lump was, and about the bruising. Arnica is recommended.

I had a lumpectomy then a couple of months later a mastectomy.

I don't know anything about a lumpectomy as treatment, or what happens next. I had a few lymph nodes removed with the operation.

I am sure your mum is being well looked afer. My experience of breast clinics has been very positive so far!

HI BV I'm sending your mum loads of best wishes and hope she is ok. Th worst thing for me with my lumpectomy was waiting for the biospy results. Thankfully my consultant phoned me at home the next evening with "good" news.

The bruising was much worse than I had imagined and I wasn't really prepared for that. But I was so pleased to be rid of the "suspicious" lump that the bruising was just a minor inconvenince. I was also "groggy" when I came round from the General anaesthetic,but again minor inconvenience only. The scar left beind has now faded to a very fine, silvery, barely visible line and luckily no dimpling.

Wishing her all the best.

Bladebla...how are you now?

Buy some 'Emergency Remedy', which is a bit like 'Rescue Remedy'. A few drops on her tongue when she's feeling stressed and anxious, particularly before consultations etc, should help her to cope.

I bought some for my very sceptical mother when she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. She said it helped her no end. My father also took it as he went with her to all her appointments and was obviously stressed too.

Bear in mind, though, that she won't be able to take it whilst on any medication, in case they interact. If in doubt, check with her medical staff.

As BlaDeBla said, breast clinics are really fantastic and my mother can sing the praises of the staff at hers enough. She'll be fine.

I did ask about arnica, and apparently it works better if you start taking it BEFORE any operation. I didn't, so couldn't tell if it did anthing or not. I didn't like the morphine at all!

Yes the bruising was worse than I thought too, upagumtree. I guess they are doing a lot of rummaging around

I had the port taken out of my implant under a local anaesthetic which was pretty uncomfortable, but I think it was worse having a lump of square plastic under my skin!