What do you do during recovery

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Janewhite
Janewhite Member Posts: 70

I have DCIS in one breast, and I will be having lumpectomy + bilateral reduction in two weeks.

What am I going to do while recovering? What will I be able to do? How much are my arms restricted? Should I expect to use my laptop comfortably? What about knitting or sewing?

I've had surgery before, but that was my legs or my belly, never my chest. Not sure how this will go.

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  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited July 2021

    Hi Janewhite,

    Good question! Last month I had exactly what you are having, a lumpectomy and bilateral reduction... in addition to having 11 lymph nodes removed. Yes, I think you will be 100% comfortable with your laptop, and most likely with knitting and sewing shortly thereafter, as long as you are very careful not to reach up and stretch out your arms when knitting and sewing. Because of the bilateral reduction, my PS forbade me from lifting my arms up beyond my shoulders, so they will likely tell you that as well, so the internal stitches are not stretched and can heal properly. They will also tell you not pick up anything heavier than 5 pounds. When you need to pick up your laptop, I'd do that with the other arm.

    Two days after surgery, we went to a fun street fair and I had to walk about a mile. I sat while my sister enjoyed the fair, and it was so good to be out and about. Movement and walking is important, just not to overdo it.

    As instructed, I did not drive myself anywhere, though I was only taking Tylenol and honestly could have after the first five days. I bought a cheery lumpectomy pillow (shaped like a heart with a hole in the middle) and put it between me and the seatbelt, but I didn't need it very much other than when sleeping on my side which didn't work out so well for the first month so I became a temporary back sleeper.

    Hopefully you are in the August 2021 Surgeries group thread if that has started already. I hope that your surgery will go great!

    Blessings,

    Esther

  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited July 2021

    I was walking with my dog, went tobogganing, and studied for a final exam which I wrote before starting chemo. A lumpectomy usually has a fast recovery.

    I was prescribed specific stretching and range of motion exercises. Make sure you get that. Either the surgeon gives them or they refer you to a specialized physio.

    Hope you sail through it!


    eta: sorry I didn't notice the bilat redctn. That will be a bit more involved & you might have drains & more motion restrictions but still moving is going to be important, taking walks etc ! best wishes

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