My Surgery Day-1/26 Lumpectomy

Veeder14

Started the day at 5am at the hotel fitness center. My first appointment was at the outpt Mammogram for the MRI wire localization. I was told it would be quite quick and a few MRI images would be taken. Well, after the first images, the doctor was notified that the clip put in during the biopsy had migrated. So all new images had to be taken meaning I was in the MRI machine a long time which totally irritated my back and neck. Anyways, the radiologist put in the wire but didn't do a great job of numbing the area, I could feel it and kept asking for more numbing. I ended up just putting up with it.

Ambulance transportation took me over to the main hospital, they wouldn't let me walk, ugh. Next app't at Nuclear Medicine for the sentinel node mapping. It was quite different and a lot quicker than for my leg one. The radiologist was excellent at numbing me and I didn't feel a thing when the needle went in. An xray was taken and I was escorted walking (yeah) to the Pre-op surgery area.

There was time to speak with the surgeon and ask my remaining questions, discuss what medications and anesthesia I was going to get. Also figured out where the blood pressure cuff would go as I couldn't do either arm, and the leg/calf was tried and the pain about killed me. Finally, they used my forearm. They got me on the operating table and let me fix the pillows and supports that were comfortable for my back and neck. I was never able to do that before.

I was back in the post op area one hour and 15 minutes later. The nursing care was excellent this time. However, even with nausea medication I was really sick for the next 5 hours. I was afraid I would need to spend the night but finally I was able to get up and go back to the hotel. The surgery went well and the stray clip was also taken out. I'm not sure how many lymph nodes were taken out as we forgot to ask. I have dissolving stitches and can take a shower tomorrow.

Came back home this morning. My head is still foggy from the narcotics and anesthesia, along with my back pain both shoulders are really sore (over stretched while in the MRI machine). I can pretty much move my affected arm pretty good but of course not stretch it all the way. My stomach is hurting from the medications and hopefully will recover after continuing my stomach medication. I went for a short hike the park this afternoon. Overall, I feel pretty good. Glad this is over.

Georgia1

That sounds so familiar. Thank you for posting and I'm glad you're back home in your own bed. As I recall you should limit movement in that arm for a couple of days, then after you are cleared to remove the bandages and take a shower you can start gentle stretching exercises. So great you took a walk! That kind of daily exercise should make you feel better and also help you sleep. Best of luck for a smooth recovery.