Ok, from the top. I had surgery a year ago. I was out the same day. Was eating within two hours of being back on the ward. I’m not good with general anaesthetic so I was given anti emetic to counteract the problem. Off work two and a half weeks then back full time til half way thro radiotherapy. This is just me, we all respond differently and what some one finds easy will be difficult for others. 

Thanks Rileyroo,

that is really helpful. it gives me some idea of what to expect.

G

Hi,

i had bilateral lumpectomy, I had an overnight stay. I woke up 6 hours after surgery but then I had slept little the night before.

i was eating a couple of hours after I woke.

i didn’t need any pain killers as they put a block into the breasts (anaesthetic) 

i was tired in the afternoon for the first four days and took an afternoon nap.

was driving day 5 and back to normal

I had bought sports bras pre-op but found them impossible to get on and bought comfort bras from Asda and I love them. I have a bra on 24/7 and they have helped with my recovery inc helping my wounds to heal beautifully. 

I have to have further surgery so going to have to go through it all again but know what to expect and not worried.

Hi Gadgetgal,

Everyone responds differently to breast surgery. A lot will depend on the type and stage of your cancer and how your general health is. I have had a lumpectomy in 2010 and a double mastectomy in 2011. In answer to your questions about the lumpectomy:-.

Recovery took 6 months as I was still very tender in breast and arm and found it painful in the car going over speed humps.

I had no after effects from anaesthetic and was fine as soon as I was brought back to the ward.

I was ready for food as soon as I returned to the ward, as you have no breakfast prior to surgery.

I had to take painkillers for first day after surgery.

I didn't stay in bed, but I did sit and watch TV a lot initially.

I felt totally exhausted before the op and continued to be extremely tired for 7 years. I am only now beginning to be a little more awake.

I returned to work after 2 weeks as I am self employed.

I hope that all goes well for you on 14th. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Many thanks,

such helpful advice, especially the bras. I was wondering what to get as I have only under wired bras as I am an E cup. I am really worrying the closer it gets but I guess that is normal. I have a wonderful consultant who phoned me yesterday to say that in his opinion the cancer was only 1cm and to describe exactly what he planned. I’ll see him on Friday too but it was nice of him to phone to reassure. There had been a delay in transferring my ‘films’ across so I was stressing about it.

It is really good to hear the experiences of others who have been through the procedure. I need to be there at 1pm after first having a radioactive injection to identify the sentinel nodes for a SN biopsy. Will I glow in the dark? ️ Work are being really good and encouraging me to stay off until I am good and recovered so I won’t rush back.

We are away for the weekend so I shall try not to think about it. Thanks for the supportive comments. It really helps.

I’ve felt more nervous as my op gets closer. So has my husband so I think it’s normal. Asda is definitely good for bras and I also got some post surgery pyjamas from Asda as well. Good luck [@Gadgetgal]‍ 

I got cotton sports bras from Tesco. They were good as well. 

Hi Gadgetgal,

You will need a soft non-wired bra after surgery.

Asda used to sell post-surgery bras, but now only sell them on-line. Marks and Spencer sell post-surgery bras in their main stores and on-line.. You may not need to resort to these bras. It will depend on how much tissue your surgeon will be removing - it doesn't sound as if you will have much removed when your lump is so small, so just a soft unwired bra is likely to be the order of the day.

Your surgeon sounds as if he is a very considerate gentleman, not everyone gets a reassuring phone call from their consultant. I forgot to mention when I was giving you the results of my surgery, that I have not had radiotherapy or chemotherapy. If you do need radiotherapy this will usually start after your breast has healed sufficiently after your lumpectomy. This will add to your recovery time, although, not having experience of this, I cannot say by how much. You are naturally getting more nervous as the time for your op approaches. Go away for the weekend and enjoy yourslves.

There really is nothing to worry about, but I shall be thinking of you on 14th.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I've bought the Asda bras you mentioned and they seem really soft and lovely. Many thanks for the advice. I'm feeling a bit more prepared. I'm also heading to M&S to buy some PJs - may as well use this as a shopping opportunity :)

That’s great, I bought the denim blue, pink and dusky pink set. I rarely used a bra pre-op but doesn’t feel right without one now and wear these 24/7. Really glad you’re getting prepared, now all that’s left is the surgery, which will be a breeze. Once you’ve had that and the dressings need changed ask for polymem silicon dressings, they’re great for quick healing, pain relief, inflammation. 

Good luck and let us know how it goes

take care x

ps - I also bought hidden support tops from primark £2.50. They come in a range of colours and add that bit of extra support on top of your bra. Plus they look great.