Undergoing breast cancer surgery is both physically and emotionally challenging. Knowing what to expect can help you navigate each step with confidence and peace of mind.
Here’s what you can expect immediately following a lumpectomy and in the years to come, including key milestones and tips for maintaining breast health and overall well-being.
Immediately After Lumpectomy: The First Few Days
After lumpectomy surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room, where your surgery team will monitor you. You’ll return home on the day of your surgery.
Keep the following in mind during your first few days of recovery:
- It’s normal to experience tenderness, swelling, bruising, and numbness around the incision site.
- Your surgical site will be covered with a bandage. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Plan to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Short walks are encouraged to promote circulation.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to minimize discomfort and may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s detailed postoperative instructions to ensure you recover quickly and comfortably.
Sleep is an essential part of your recovery. Read our tips on how to sleep after a lumpectomy in our related blog post.
Signs of Infection After Lumpectomy
While uncommon, infections can occur after any surgery. Be aware of these signs and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Increased redness, swelling
- Pus or discharge from the incision
- Fever or chills
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve
The First Few Weeks: Recovering at Home
As the days pass, you’ll gradually regain strength and mobility. Pain will lessen, and swelling will diminish. Here’s a glimpse into this phase:
- Depending on your job’s demands and how you feel, you may be able to return to work within 1 to 3 weeks with your doctor’s approval.
- Light exercise, such as walking, is encouraged to promote healing and prevent stiffness. Gradually increase activity as tolerated.
Learn more about healing after a breast procedure in our related blog post.
Follow-Up Appointments & Treatments
Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your healing process and address any concerns you may have. Here’s what to expect:
- Your doctor will check the incision site for proper healing and remove any sutures if necessary.
- You and your surgeon will discuss the pathology report from your surgery and plan further treatment as needed.
Lumpectomy patients typically undergo radiation therapy, usually starting 4 to 12 weeks after surgery, to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Depending on the nature of your cancer, your surgeon may recommend anti-hormone therapy.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
Being aware of these potential complications can help you address them promptly:
Lymphedema: This condition involves chronic swelling, typically in the arm, caused by a buildup of lymph fluid after one or more lymph nodes are removed for biopsy. Early intervention is crucial for managing lymphedema and preventing it from worsening.
Nerve Pain. Damage to nerves during surgery can cause numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the armpit, arm, shoulder or chest wall area. This nerve pain usually improves over weeks or months.
Consult your doctor if you have concerns or notice unusual symptoms. At Bedford Breast Center, your health and well-being are our top priorities, and timely intervention can significantly aid your recovery.
Months to Years After Lumpectomy: Long-Term Health
By the 4-week postsurgical mark, most patients feel close to their presurgery state. However, complete recovery can take several months.
Emotional and Physical Adjustments
Acknowledging and addressing the emotional effects of cancer recovery is essential for long-lasting, resilient well-being. Engaging with support groups or counseling can provide emotional comfort and practical advice from others who’ve experienced breast cancer treatment and recovery.
If the cosmetic outcome after your lumpectomy isn’t what you’d hoped for, reconstruction may be an option. Our surgeons recommend waiting several months after your lumpectomy to allow your body to heal before scheduling additional surgery.
Ongoing Breast Health Monitoring After Treatment
Monitoring breast health is essential after a lumpectomy. Here’s what you can do:
- Perform monthly breast self-exams to detect any changes early.
- Continue with regular mammograms and physical exams as recommended by your doctor.
Partnering for Your Recovery
At Bedford Breast Center, we understand that every woman heals at her own pace. We’ll be here to address your questions and concerns every step of the way.
If you’re considering a lumpectomy or have questions about the procedure, contact us to request a consultation, or call our office at (310) 278-8590.
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