How to prep for lumpectomy?

smmer89

My mom was diagnosed as having two IDC grade two tumors in her left breast. She is having a lumpectomy and a sentinel lymph node biopsy next week. How can I help her prep for the surgery? We just got her some front closing sports bras for support. What other items should we purchase for pre- and post-surgery care? I read that showering with Hibiclens the night before surgery is also recommended - anyone tried that?

Also for anyone who has had these procedures or has cared for someone who has gone through this, what did you find most helpful? Most surprising? What happened post surgery in your case? Any advice and insights are greatly appreciated! Will also take all the good vibes you can send our way!

AliceBastable

The hospital will tell her what soap they want her to use; it varies from place to place. Besides the front-close sports bras, my favorite thing was soft, not-too-thick cotton socks. I would fold one to stick between the bra and the sentinal node incision, which feels like sandpaper for quite a while. Then I rolled another sock to press against the lumpectomy incision. I wore the sports bra and socks for at least three weeks 24/7, and had no bruising and just one tiny spot of swelling. My surgeon was quite impressed!

Moderators

Hi smmr89, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so very sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find this Community an incredible source of information, advice, and support -- we're all here for you and your mom!

In addition to the helpful advice above, you may be interested in checking out this thread:Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....

We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on how your mom is doing.

--The Mods

alto

I found those frozen peas ice packs from the drugstore helpful in easing the pain. Be sure to check with the doctor/nurse before buying them, to make sure they're okay to use in your mom's case. If you use an ice pack, just have it on for 15 mins at a time and be careful not to let the skin get too cold (you may need to wrap the ice pack in fabric if it's too cold).

Is she having general anesthesia or twilight?

The one surprise I had was how tired the surgery made me and how loopy/hazy some of the meds made me. I had to have my husband keep track of my meds and write down everything I'd taken, because I could not remember what I'd taken and what I was supposed to take - I was too tired and 'out of it,'

Also surprising was how physicallylimited I was - no lifting anything heavy, no doing dishes, or cooking for a few days at least, probably a week. Line up the Netflix, etc.

Ingerp

I actually gave away my front-close bras. I found old exercise bras most comfortable. If you're going to have radiation, you don't want to wear anything new/nice--they'll probably get stained by the marking. My surgery center gave these great little pads you stick in the freezer and then slip in your bra over the incision--they were great! Not sure it matters what soap you use--they'll clean the area. It's a simple surgery with a quick recovery. A lot of people don't even need the prescription pain meds.