Post Lumpectomy Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Islas39

Hello,

I’m so happy I’ve found a place to ask questions and help others go through this experience. I had a lumpectomy with breast reconstruction and I’m in week three. My left breast where the tumor was taken out is still swollen, bruised, numb, and disfigured. I’m doing some stretches to help but the incision under my armpit is restraining me from fully stretching my arm. Does anyone have advice on how to help myself heal faster? I want to be able to drive myself and feel independent. Thank you.

MountainMia

Sorry you're still having problems at this point. It sounds frustrating. The best thing I can suggest right now is for you to call your breast surgeon's office and check with them. Be sure to tell them you have limits on your range of motion and that you are still bruised and numb. Describe for them what you mean by "disfigured." Ask for a physical therapy referral. They will be in a better position than we are to provide help. Good luck.

Islas39

Thank you for your response. I’m struggling to know what is a normal phase in the process vs. reaching out to my doctor. It’s all so different for each person. I have reached out to her. Have a lovely rest of your day.

Aklynna

Hello!

I am 5 weeks post surgery tmw for a lumpectomy + sentinel node surgery. At about week 4, the bruising and swelling in my breast finally started to resolve, and now it almost completely gone.

The incision under my arm was soooo swollen until about week 4 as well. I have been in PT since a week after surgery as I developed AWS/cording down my arm. That has resolved but I do still have a lot of tightness in my upper arm/under arm area. Definitely ask for a PT referral, and see if there is a ReVital program in your area. It is a cancer rehab PT program and has been wonderful for me. For this things I think you are probably progressing “normally”.
As far as the disfigurement concern, I hope your dr has some answers for you.

Good luck!

Islas39

Your comment is super helpful and it sounds a lot like my procedure. It sounds like physical therapy has been the big miss for me. Were you taking anti inflammatory meds? Or icing? Topical creams? Any recommendations to help it along would be greatly appreciated.

You’ve made me feel better. Thank you so much.

Aklynna

Glad I could help!

I was taking ibuprofen when I needed it for pain. PT recommended ice as needed to help with swelling - 20 min per hour, but NO heat. I also had some nerve issues which left part of my arm feeling like a terrible sunburn. They had an OTC topical treatment there called Stopain that def helped dull the pain. I think it’s primarily lidocaine based. Constant stretching is the biggest thing they pushed. I’ll see if I can find a way to link the stretches they gave me to do at home and get back to you!

Aklynna

These are the 2 main ones I do daily.

Forr the 1st, press down behind the incision to keep it in place while your arm is bent out to the side, then move it up above your head. Hold for 5 sec when you can feel the stretch. Repeat 10 times, 3 times per day.
For the 2nd, place your arms in the door way and push your upper body thru the doorway. Hold and repeat as above.

Islas39

You are an angel. I will try these and I've reached out to a cancer rehab therapist to get started. Thank you sooooo much.

Aklynna

Aww, you are so welcome!! I mostly feel confused and overwhelmed by all of this. So it’s nice to know that I can offer at least a little bit of help/advice :