Questions after surgery.

My incisions from my lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy had dissolving stitches underneath and steri strips on top. My surgeon put a big gauze dressing on top, which had to stay on (and dry) for 48 hrs. I could then remove the dressing, take a shower and wash my hair. Your surgeon won't know until your surgery how many lymph nodes he/she will remove or where they'll be. I had 2 removed, with an incision that's only 3/4" long. I had very little post op pain. I was told to take 2 extra strength Tylenol right before I left those house the morning of the surgery. Post op, I was to alternate 2 extra strength Tylenol or 3 Advil, taking them every 4 hours. I kept this up for 4 days post op, and then was fine taking 2 Advil every 6-8 hours for another day or two. I also iced my incisions for 20 minutes at a time 3 or 4 times per day. This really kept my pain under control. I was careful with how I moved that arm for the first few days, and would put a small pillow between my arm and body. It wasn't really my arm that hurt, it was how much I moved it and pulled on the incision. The lumpectomy incision was bigger, about 1 1/4”. I did wear a bra 24/7 for the first 2 weeks or so. It cut down on movement when I shifted around in bed. Good luck!

My second surgery Involved tissue removal and sentinel node biopsy, no drain. I took Tylenol for pain. I used an ice pack that was not too cold, covered in fabri (don't want to risk frostbite) to gently reduce inflammation.

The biggest issue was feeling a bit tired from the healing, so get lots of rest if that happens to you. I did not have much pain in my lymph node/under arm until about 5-7 days after surgery (maybe this was when I reduced my Tylenol). Even then, it was not too bad, it just ached like a bruise or overworked muscle. I could wash my hair, but I did have to bend my head toward my affected arm because I couldn't raise it as high. They told me to avoid lifting or vacuuming or cooking orwashing dishes the first week. Put anything heavy (like gallons of water, or big laundry jugs) into smaller containers. Use paper plates and cups if you don't have help with cleanup.

They only took a couple of nodes in my case. I had a tiny bit of cording that went away with gentle massaging once it was safe to do. If you are not doing physical labor you should be okay, but may need to take it much easier and rest during non working hours that first week back.

Driving can also be a little more tiresome or achey at first, both from holding your arms up and turning corners. You won't be able to drive with a drain in - it will hurt. But a lot of people don't get drains with a lumpectomy - it all depends on your specific situation

I had lumpectomy and 3 lymph nodes under my arm removed 4/18. I have had very little pain using just tylenol. I don't have a drain. My range of motion is very good but not 100%. I was able to shower and wash my hair after 48 hours. I could pull on and off shirts over my head the next day.

If you're doing laundry, someone needs to haul your laundry basket to and from the washer. If you're washing or putting away dishes, move them one at a time with the affected arm, not in stacks. Don't move today's Easter casserole dish from the oven by yourself. Someone else should do that. Pay attention to your movements and you will make the right choices.

It's tiring to heal but your week away from work should put you in pretty good shape.

Good luck.

had lumpectomy today with general anesthesia. They didn’t take a node. I am having a pungent taste & smell of gas.... is this normal? Any tips?

I felt good after the first day, lumpectomy and one node, two separate incisions. But I wore a snug, supportive sports bra 24/7 for 3 or 4 weeks, so I had no bruising and very minimal swelling. Depending on how much they remove, a rolled-up sock inside the bra helps with preventing swelling, too. And don't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. And don't be surprised if the node incision feels like you're smuggling sandpaper for quite a while.