Lumpectomy scheduled...what can I expect?

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Daisymay22
Daisymay22 Member Posts: 9
edited July 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Quick intro: I am BRCA2+, had my yearly MRI in June and they found a mass that looked suspicious. Went in for a biopsy and they found two masses attached by an arm about 2.3cm total. They biopsied the bigger mass and it came back benign but that the cells are growing faster than normal and they recommend a lumpectomy. They said there is nothing showing up of concern that they are just wanting to clarify what type of tumor it is. I'm wondering what I can expect and what healing has been like for others.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2016

    I've had four lumpectomies so I'm an "expert"! hehehehehehe

    Most have been under general anaesthetic, but the last one in January was just with a local. It's day surgery and you will want to put an cool pack in a loose bra for going home. Ice shouldn't be left on your skin for more than 20 minutes or it starts to hurt the skin, so keep that in mind. You will be able to go back to work the next day.

    You may have to wait 10-14 days for the result as they check it very, very carefully, so don't get frustrated. Good luck, sweetie! And post back here so we know how you did.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited July 2016

    I have had two LX's. Both were very uneventful, really. Both with general anesthesia. One tumor was close to my chest wall. You will be given pain meds and ice pack. I don't think I used any pain meds more than a couple times, probably when I went to sleep. Just be careful not to lift anything heavy and take it easy for a few days. I got an open front sports type bra to wear for several days and it helped ease the pain and keep the swelling and bruising to a minimum. If your seat belt will be in the way, try getting a small pillow to put between the seat belt and yourself. Wishing you the best!:) If you have someone to "baby" you, let them!:)

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  • Daisymay22
    Daisymay22 Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2016

    thanks for the responses ladies! My surgery is this week. I'm just glad to know that recovery is usually smooth. That was my big worry

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2016

    When I booked in for my surgery I asked if I would be getting a pain pump like for my hysterectomy and they looked at me like I was crazy. Didn't even go home with pain pills.

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  • patti3796
    patti3796 Member Posts: 79
    edited July 2016

    I have had two lumpectomies.....a couple suggestions....get a good sports bra....this will provide compression and help keep swelling down...they had me even wear for sleeping. The next will sound strange, but I used a sanitary napkin in my bra to provide padding between scar and bra

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  • Daisymay22
    Daisymay22 Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2016

    had surgery on Thursday, it went well . A little sore but not too bad. Thank you for al your advice

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited July 2016

    My lumpectomy was yesterday as well, DaisyMay22. Sending healing thoughts your way.

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  • Daisymay22
    Daisymay22 Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2016

    VLH thank you, you as well. Hope you are doing well.

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  • Kawigirl1260
    Kawigirl1260 Member Posts: 60
    edited July 2016

    Daisymay and VLH, glad to hear all went well and hope that your recoveries go well. I had my lx and a re-excision back in January. Mine went very smoothly, only had lingering discomfort with the SNB. What surprised me was how much it took out of me. Surgery was on a Thursday. I went shopping on Friday, ran errands on Saturday, went to church on Sunday, felt pretty good on Monday, and hit a wall on Tuesday. Felt bad physically and mentally. I think I tried to overdo things since I had felt pretty good. So, take things slowly and rest before you over-extend.

    Peace!

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