How long did you need assistance

Waves2Stars

Wondering how long after lumpectomy (with or without reconstruction) did you need help from others? I would rather do as much for myself as possible, but I don’t know what’s realistic.

ElaineTherese

I worked the day after my lumpectomy, albeit only for a half day. It would have been even easier to go back to work if I didn't have a darn drain. (Most lumpectomies don't involve a drain, but I also had axillary lymph node dissection. Yuck!) I should note that I was fairly young when diagnosed (age 46) and was in good health otherwise.

MountainMia

I had lumpectomy with 3 sentinel nodes removed, no reconstruction. I didn't need much help, and didn't use any pain relievers other than tylenol once I got home same day.

You will be told not to lift with that arm for some amount of time (possibly weeks,) so if that will create problems for your independence, it's good to plan for it now. You'll probably be sent home in a tightly fitted surgical bra, and you'll probably need to keep it on 24/7 for a while. Showering might be a little trouble, so if you can have someone help wash your hair in the sink, that would be good.

It's funny, my surgery was in April 2019. I am surprised at how much my memories of it all have faded... Hopefully someone can give you more info, or check in with one of the surgical/month groups from a recent group and ask there, too.

AliceBastable

I had my sentinel nodes removed in a separate incision from the lumpectomy, and I didn't have drains. It's one of those things the surgeon assesses on the spot, I think. That surgical bra is REALLY snug. I went out to lunch with friends two days after my lumpectomy and it was hard to eat much - luckily I could remove it that afternoon. I wore a zip-front snug sports bra with firm cup inserts for about three weeks after surgery, and kept rolled-up child's socks against the incisions all that time. My surgeon was impressed with how minimal my swelling was, so apparently swelling is pretty normal is you don't take preventive measures. Some women get bruising and/or seromas, too. So it's really hard to predict how you'll feel. Head over to the Lumpectomy Lounge and you'll get lots of answers.

eta: I didn't really need much in the way of assistance. Just don't plan on handling cast iron cookware right away!

Claire_in_Seattle

I had a late lumpectomy surgery, 21 nodes removed, and a port placed. My friend drove me home, but I walked out of the hospital to the car. I was sick when I got home as drank too much water due to extreme thirst. Then all was over, I edited and sent the email that I had ready to go to my friends and colleagues, and went to bed.

I got up feeling just fine the next morning, elated to learn that I had full use of my arm. I went to the kitchen and said to my friend: I am making myself some tea, can I make you some coffee?

I was tired walking the next day, but did get in a three mile walk. I was power walking 4 days later, cycling 10 days later when my surgeon said it was OK.

Doing it over again, I would want someone to spend the first night with me just in case. But no need beyond that.

BTW - I did a sexy black camisole and bra w/o underwires so never had the "post surgical garments" problems. An area where there is a lot of room for improvement. Dentists' Kevlar vests are more attractive (though thankfully no longer needed either). - Claire

AMG2

Hi Waves2Stars,

I just had mine (lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node removal, port placement) on Tues. First shower was this morning, and I removed the bandages today, too. Had a little trouble washing my hair, but I think that's because I'd just removed the bandages, and was a little freaked out, and the water felt weird on my incisions.

I went back to work yesterday (Thurs), and am doing pretty well there. I work sitting down, mostly writing and analyzing data, so I'm not being asked to do anything physically demanding. If so, I probably would not have gone back to work as quickly.

I've been pretty tired, but the pain is much less than I anticipated. Honestly, the port hurts more than the ectomy. They sent me home with tramadol, ibuprofen and tylenol. I've taken a tramadol each night - the pain is worst then for whatever reason, but the tylenol has been quite adequate during the day - I've had 2 today, and am just starting to feel like another would be nice right about now.

Both arms work pretty well. Lifting stuff feels like it's going to tear incisions, so I think maintaining that limitation is a good idea. I've been super lucky - my coworkers have fixed me dinner for every night this week, and my kids have kept the house in basic order. My youngest made my room all nice, lit some incense, played nice music and sat with me the first night, too, which was just so sweet. All this is just to say, I've got really great support, so don't really know how much more taxing this would be if I didn't have people anticipating my needs and taking care of them.

I'm sure I could handle cooking and lighter housework, but heavier stuff might be a bit much at this point. As to how much longer I might need help - I don't really know. My instructions for lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs is to not do so for 3 weeks, which I'll probably adhere to. I know everyone's experiences are different, but I hope yours will be more like mine - better than expected.

I hope this is helpful info. My very best to you. When is your surgery?

AMG2

I wanted to add 2 things: I did not get any kind of bra or chest support after surgery. This may be a hospital thing where mine just doesn't offer that, and yours might, but just in case yours doesn't, bring an over sized shirt of some kind.

Second thing, I could drive the day after. My port is on the left, and the tumor was on the right, so both sides are sore. The port and seat belts are not friends. If you are getting a port, a soft thing between the port and the seat belt is good to have. I've been using a small pillow or a rolled up hoodie, which works pretty well.

ruthbru

I was up and about and felt pretty normal the next day. I had a drain so didn't go back to work until it was pulled a week later. The only thing I remember having trouble with was blow-drying my hair.

*it is a good idea to have someone around the first night after any surgery

*I made sure I had the house cleaned, was stocked up on groceries, had my errands run all ahead of time so that I wouldn't have to deal with any of that right away.