Cancer Research UK main site

Day case op advice

Sandra123
Offline

Hi

I have my daycase op next week for lumpectomy and sentinel node extraction.

Wondering what if anything I need to take in with me. The booklet I received just says book to read and toiletries.

Anyone been in for similar that has words of wisdom of anything else would be appreciated

thanks

Sandra x

 

  • Offline
    Hi Sandra Had mine in early August so fairly recent. Wear a top that opens down the front, I was marked up for the surgery without having to get undressed. It's also easier to get back into when you get out of your theatre garb and back into your own clothes. Similarly, wear something easy to get in and out of on your bottom half. Your arm will probably be a bit uncomfortable to move immediately after the op. I alsp took some wipes for my face so I could freshen up when I got back to to ward and also left a hair brush im easy reach. For me, after the surgery, it was about becoming a person again and not just a patient. Bit of a control freak maybe? Also, start drinking water as soon as you feel able, you'll meed the loo, but getting up to go will make you move amd that also helps. Worked for me anyway.
  • Offline
    Hi Sandra. Had mine in feb. As on other post wear something that's really comfortable and easy to put on. I was told to make sure I had a well fitted sports bra that covers the whole breast. Were you given exercises to do after op? I started them before my op which really helped in recovery from op. I took a warm coat as well for when i left as my discharge was delayed due to my reaction to anaesthetic. It's not bad at all and the best thong is the b***tard is out! All the best for the op.xx
  • Offline

    Cheers [@rileyroo]‍  and [@Jbains]‍ 

    Great advice much appreciated- you would think this would be useful stuff for them to tell us..... alas not. 

    3 more questions if I may ladies - sorry hope I'm not taking a lend!

    1 .  how long after your op did you have your follow up appointment please?

    2. 2nd week after op how were you both feeling?

    3. Did anyone go in with you for op I have to be there for 7:30am even though op not till the afternoon. Long time for me never mind for someone to sit around too- or does it help?

    Once again thanks ladies - starting to freak a bit. 

    Sandra xx

  • Offline in reply to Sandra123
    My appointment was four weeks post op, there were problems with the labs round here and as it was August that added to the understaffing issue. By the end of the second week I felt like my usual self but still a bit tired. I was managing to do all the exercises and my scars were healing well. I had to be at hospital for 7-30 and didn't go to theatre until about 1-30, no one was allowed to stay with me. The morning went quite quickly tho, saw the consultant and his registrar, then the anaethetist. Then had the wire put in and last but not least, the dye for the sentinel nodes. Didn't start to get bored until about 12, was very thirsty though and the bed Cover was starting to look edible by the time I went for the op.
  • Offline in reply to rileyroo

    Thanks Rileyroo 

    I'll just get dropped off then. Just me nd a book then:-)

    Ill let u know how I get on. Thanks for the advice it's helped a lot

     

    Sandra x

  • Offline in reply to Sandra123
    I took a magazine and puzzle book. I found it easier, mainly because of the interuptions! See this person, go get this procedure done etc. Plus my concentration wasn't great. I has a book with me but Left it in my bag (I'd gone prepared for an overnight stay if things hadn't gone according to plan, obviously, they did!), why spoil a good tale for lack of attention?
  • Offline in reply to Sandra123
    Hi Sandra. My daughter & my hubby came with me but I had a lot of waiting around. We took the train as it was easier and a cab home. I was nil by mouth from 7:30am, dye put in at 9:30am, mammogram and wire inserted at 12:30pm and was due to go to my bed at 1:00pm but there was a delay so I sent my daughter & hubby home ad the nurse said she'd ring them. I saw the anaesthetist at 2, pre-admission checks at 2:30pm and finally wheeled in for surgery at 3:45pm. I was out but reacted badly to anaesthetic so didn't get discharged until 9:45pm. Not everyone reacts badly. I saw the consultant 2 weeks after op for pathology results. I could move my arm the next morning as i started my exercises well before my op. I was at the shopping centre 2 days after to pick up something and just was tired alot of the time. I will admit I was very nervous as to what the pathology report results were but it was ok. Just keep yourself busy and carry on as normal until your op date. It's all going to be fine as I'm certain the staff are excellent at what they do. Let us know how you get on and even if you feel a bit nervous before - feel free to chat as more than happy to respond.x
  • Offline

    Thanks again [@rileyroo]‍ and [@Jbains]‍ 

    reckon I'm as ready as I'll ever be ( well today anyway:-)

    meanwhile.....

    Just received letter today confirming my outpatient appointment with consultant this will be 10days post op. Says to allow 2-3 hrs for appointment to allow any investigations I require to be performed. So this convo has just took a turn(sorry) - were you's told to allow 2-3 hrs for your follow up appt? 

    Bless ya both my questions just go on don't they!

    take care ladies

    Sandra x

  • Offline in reply to Sandra123
    Mine was four weeks post op and as per usual with the hospital I go to contained absolutely no information whatsoever other than the date and time. Ten days is pretty soon after post op, I am guessing your consultant will check you over and make sure your incisions are healing, no seroma, no infections etc. It might be possible at that stage for your consultant to work outwhen you are likely to be sufficiently healed so that you can be referred for rt. That's a joy in itself.
  • Offline in reply to Sandra123
    Hi Sandra. My letter said the same but was 2 weeks post op due to certain days are certain clinics. I know anything that seems a certain length of time sounds ominous but it's usually not. They're sending a generic letter for all appts. You will soon be giving your thoughts on your experience very soon. I honestly do feel like I was in a bubble for 5 months and it's now been almost 9 months since I was diagnosed and it has gone very quickly. Let us know how it goes. Take it easy.

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.