What happens after you wake up from lumpectomy?

I would agree about bring shirt that buttons up the front, although I had no trouble pulling on a teashirt after my lumpectomy, but who knows for sure. I'd also bring a nice pillow and blanket to cuddle up in on the way home, water, juice and something to eat if you want it. I had a very easy time of it myself, but each of us reacts differently to surgery.

Hi Oceangirl,

I can tell you what happened to me. My husband helped me get dressed and yes, a button up shirt (pajama shirt) was what I chose to wear into the hospital. Recommend a small pillow to put under your arm between you and your seatbelt!!! My hospital gave us a stuffed polar bear at my pre op testing called Grace and explained that she was to be used for that purpose, especially for those of us who had lymph node biopsy in addition to lumpectomy!!! So helpful!!!

Yes, I believe I used an ice pack or soft gel pack following surgery for swelling. I believe the surgeon had me reach up to the ceiling a few times each day following surgery so the arm pit did not get stiff but follow your surgeons post op care instructions. I did not have drains. I had nausea and a migraine headache so threw up on the way home but had a barf bag from the hospital.

I felt well in a few days and was bored in about four days....wanted to get back to doing things....when is your surgery? I will keep you in my thoughts! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

contact me anytime

Kathy

Hey Savigigi

Long time no see! Sounds like you are doing ok, me too

Hi, Spookie. Great to see you. I am glad you are doing well and hope you had a good holiday.

Have you heard about Angie?

Before my lumpectomy, I was given detailed pre-op instructions, including: washing the night before and the morning of surgery with a cleanser like Betadine or Hibiclens; on the day of surgery I could use shampoo but not conditioner, styling products, makeup, lotions, etc.; no contact lenses; no food but I think I could have clear liquids on the day of surgery; no blood-thinning medications like aspirin or Advil for a week before the surgery (Tylenol was okay).

After the lumpectomy, I was given graham crackers and apple juice. Someone went to fill my painkiller and stool softener prescriptions for me. There were people there to help me get dressed if necessary, but I managed fine by myself. Like others have already mentioned, a front-opening shirt is important. I did not use ice, because my tumor was right under the areola, and I wasn't supposed to put any pressure on it. (My surgeon even wrote it on the bandage, I guess in case I was too out of it to remember.)

Like someone else suggested, I would call to find out the specific instructions in your case. Best of luck with everything.

I had similar experience to Snorkeler (BTW nice to see you). Bra provided by hospital though it fit pitifully. Was warned I might have a drain which I did not. Incisions closed with super glue. No bandaging. I will suggest if you do have bandages inspect them when you get home. That way if there is any new drainage it will be easy to spot. I had no drainage/bleeding at all. I did not ice but it was Feb and I remember putting a cold hand on there when at home. I think I already had front closing bras from WallyWorld I bought ahead of time. I felt much better smooshed in than jiggly. The one thing I found and still find is I don't like a bra that come up too high under armpit. Still irritates SNB site. Same rule as Snorkeler, no aspirin, Advil, Aleve. If you take routine meds you need doctor instructions about taking them. DH helped me dress I guess. Don't remember but do remember taking myself to the toilet. I only recently asked him if I had anything to drink. Shows you how great the amnesic drugs are. He said I had apple juice. Coulda fooled me. I had to shower with Hibiclens evening, early am b4 going to hospital - beware it stains good washcloths. I knew to wear no makeup, given no hair care instructions. I just shampooed my reg stuff. DH filled pain med on way home, left me (10 min) to get it. Make sure you have something for constipation. I'm an RN and it snuck up on me. Senokot is good, over the counter. You almost sound like you live alone. Move stuff down where you can reach it easily. Phone charger handy. Easy heat 'em up meals. Drink liquids. Will flush anesthesia and help constipation. Ate only a little bit that evening but appetite picked up next couple of days. DH stayed home a couple of days but then we have a goat herd and no way could I do anything with them. I could not pull covers up over me for a couple of days. I remember very little of the ride home - 45 minutes for me. I still wear the button up mens' flannel shirts I bought for surgery

I personally would be peeved at doc's office for giving you so little instruction. Bug them, it's their job and what your insurance is paying them to do. The term fails me but teaching before something happens is always better than trying to fix it after it happens.

Oceangirl, I agree with Sjacobs that all hospitals do things differently, although hers and mine were very similar, including the company of my husband everywhere except the OR itself, and the surgical bra that they put on me in the OR after surgery. I had to remain in recovery until they saw that my snack stayed down (no problem, I was HUNGRY, having had no food for 14 hours). My husband helped me put the button-down blouse I had worn to the hospital, and I even could run a comb lightly through my hair.

They gave me an ice pack for the 15-minute ride home, and I immediately replaced it with a gel-filled pack we had used for my swimmer son's shoulders. A bag of frozen peas (or corn) works really well too, molding nicely to your contours--just remember to label the refrozen package as an ice-pack to prevent a return trip to the hospital for food poisoning down the line! I think my discharge orders said to use ice for 24 hours.

Be sure to take yourself off any blood thinners (Advil, Aleve, aspirin, NSAIDs, etc) a week before surgery. This is critical before surgery and they should tell you this in sufficient time, but just in case they didn't... Best, TG

Oceangirl great advice from everyone. My lumpectomy went very smoothly. Just be kind to yourself and rest. Be sure to ice the first 24 hours to prevent swelling. I felt fine the following day. It was a bit uncomfortable trying to find a good sleeping position. Come join the lumpectomy lounge!!! These ladies were a great help before and after my surgery.

Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

It is done differently here in the UK with a GA and an overnight stay but my lumpectomy was a piece of cake! No pain there - the axial incision under the arm was painful, but not too bad, although I had later problems. No suggestion of icing or drains - in fact not much information at all except no lifting, reaching up (or other silly activities!) I live alone, got a friend to collect me from hospital but from there on I did just as I fancied. Front fastening bra/shlrt/jersey a help; I had no trouble dressing or showering (put small towel under arm to make sure nothing gets wet in a quick showe). Get well organised in the home if you have time - e.g turn mattress/clean sheets, do all housework, and get in a store of ready meals, then lie back and spoil yourself for a day or two! I hope you will feel as well as I did - I drove to see a friend (very local) four days after the op. The very best of luck and let us know how you got on.

Oceangirl - congrats! You did it . Rest, recover, heal, and watch the arm...wishing you clear margins&nodes

(((Hugs)))

Cindy

Oceangirl - Congrats! Happy Dancing for you