Surgery Stories

[Linda]

Hi Ginny:
I had the same sequence of treatment, so you go into surgery already being tired from chemo, and then you head into rads. I can tell you though, surgery and rads are really easy compared to chemo and you will just feel better and better. Lump/SNB is not a difficult surgery (I had a re exision also, which is very common, and also not a big deal.) It's not nothing, but on the scale of surgeries this is very mild. Also, cosmetic results are usually very good.
The main advice I have is to begin stretching right afterwards -- follow the exercises they give you and then work slowly and gradually (you will probably be too tired to do much else) into a regular exercise routine. Don't expect not to have any change of sensation (numbness, etc) in the surgery site, but it should be very small.
Good luck. Congrats on getting this far! Just follow your surgeon's instructions on prepping for surgery and try to relax (listen to music, do imaging, have a massage, etc.)
The hardest part is over. Good luck.
Linda
PS. My surgery was over 5 years ago! I'm doing great.