mucinous carciinoma

I had a lumpectomy in March 2010.  The sentinel node injection did sting for a few minutes like a bee sting as stated before.  I also had a wire needle localization right before surgery which did not hurt but was uncomfortable as they have to do a mammogram on the breast, use ultrasound to find the mass, then they numb the breast, and place a thin wire into the tumor that allows the surgeon to find the mass.

I was 67 yrs. old at the time of my lumpectomy and came home the same day with a drain that was removed in the surgeon's office the next day.

I did not have too much pain, and tied a small towel on my headboard so that whenever I was in bed I raised my hand and held onto the towel.  I also slept on my back with 3 pillows under my arm which helped the fluid drain as I had 6 lymph nodes removed.  I had no complications then or now (lymphodema) in my arm or from the 2 surgery sites.

I would tell your son the truth as he will hear bits and pieces and he will imagine the worst - if you don't tell him up front.  You can tell him you have cancer and that the surgery will remove the cancer from your body and you will be fine.  You will be tired from the surgery, but will recover and be able to do all the things you have always done.  If you don't use the word cancer he will imagine the worst - and be convinced that you are dying.  So tell him about your surgery and recuperation and that should assure him that you will be fine.

Good luck with your surgery.

Judy