Hi everyoneI have surgery for lumpectomy in a few days time and would love any tips and advice on how to cope especially with sleep and comfort at night following surgery.

Hi I had a mastectomy not lumpectomy but my top tips are:1. take it easy both mentally and physically, you have had surgery and are having to wrap your head around the whole situation.2. if anyone offers help, accept it.3. Ask any questions on here , no question is too silly , we have all been there one way or another.best wishes for your journey.🌺

Hi @4Coco,I had a lumpectomy. The hospital breast nurse gave me a little donut type pillow which was great under the armpit. I also found one of those boomerang pillows helpful too because you can't sleep on that side for awhile. I didn't have much pain but was uncomfortable. Shirts were great to wear. Also anything like a boobtube or firm camisoles were good to have a break from the surgical bras that hook up at the front. The hospital gave me a couple of those. You may need a dressing over any scar but depends where they cut you. I slept ok the first night because of all the anaesthetic. After that it was a bit off and on because of the swelling and discomfort. After a couple of weeks it was easier and within the month I could sleep on that side.Take it easy for a few days and then gentle walks help. The breast care nurse gave me little exercises to do to help recovery. Get a couple books of that appeals. Have a couple of meals ready. If you like music that's nice to listen to in hospital bring that if it helps you sleep or even a podcast or guided meditation. Wishing you all the best.

@4Coco - all the best for your surgery ..... lots of little things will make your recovery a lot easier ..... Yep - TOTALLY accept any help that is offered!! Before & after (frozen meals, walking the dog, picking up the kids etc)Yep, be kind to yourself .... it takes a while to get over this train wreck since detection & diagnosis! Check out this post for lots of good tips .... https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/20232/hospital-bag-what-to-pack/p1The little support pillow is VERY important, for driving home too (hug it to prevent jarring of your surgery areas.). Even driving over the gutter into your driveway will give you a shock!Hospitals are well lit, noisy places .... take an 'airline' eye mask & earplugs!! You'll need them for night! Plus all the cords for your phone, iPad etc .... longish ones if you can ... the PowerPoints aren't always 'handy'!! Front opening pyjamas .... you may not be able to put your arms up over your head for a day or so ..... AND TAKE ANY PAIN MEDS THAT THEY OFFER!! Do NOT wait for the pain to kick in!!Take care xx

Hello @Caramello - Hope all goes well for you at your appointment tomorrow.

@4Coco Fingers crossed, you may need very little. I had a mastectomy and had virtually no pain. I didn’t need any painkillers and just avoided lying on the relevant side for a while - more to guard against pulling any stitches rather than discomfort. But I’m sure others will have some useful tips! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Tips for after surgery care | BCNA Online Network

26 Replies

4Coco
Member
4 years ago
Thanks @arpie - yes brain wandering needs to be kept on a lead I think LOL
arpie
Member
4 years ago
That's a bugger, @4Coco - all the best for your CT on Monday & follow up appts ..... try & keep as busy as you can over the weekend, to stop that mind/brain from going off into tangents ...... xx

As @Cath62 says - a few ladies have had to go back to get those clearer margins .... and are doing great .....

@Caramello - all the best for your results too xx. Once you have your 'plan', you should feel more settled xx Jump over to the Newly Diagnosed thread & put up your story so far .... then you can update it 'as you go' ...... my 'first post' ended up being 6 pages long and went for nearly 11 months, on & off!! LOL

take care, you two! xx
Caramello
Member
4 years ago
Thanks @4coco
4Coco
Member
4 years ago
Hello @Caramello - Hope all goes well for you at your appointment tomorrow.
Caramello
Member
4 years ago
@4Coco sorry to hear that...I have my 1 week follow up after lumpectomy tomorrow morning. Feeling nervous the longer I wait 😓
4Coco
Member
4 years ago
Hi @Cath62 I have a CT scan on Monday and then see Drs on Weds to discuss what comes next.
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Oh @4Coco I am so sorry to hear this news. It is a disappointment for you. Big hugs to you.

When are your next appointments? I am sure a new plan will be developed quickly so you can remove and treat whatever is there.
The treatment plan is the key and your team of people will work out what's right for you.

There are ladies on here who have had 2 surgeries and other treatment and are doing well. My friend @Locksley was one I know who had to deal with 2 surgeries.

It is alot to process. I hope you have support around you with your family and friends. Stay in touch x 💐
4Coco
Member
4 years ago
I didn't get the results I was hoping for - some cancer remains and I'll have to have some further scans - radiology to see what my options are for 2nd op.
4Coco
Member
4 years ago
Thanks @arpie - I have it in my head that it was a week but I will def check.
arpie
Member
4 years ago
Well done, @4Coco!! I hoped that you felt much better once it was 'done'!!

I kept my dressing on til I saw the Breast Care nurse the week or two after ..... when she removed it & checked that all was OK. As @Cath62 said - different surgeons use different dressings ...... and some stay on longer than others ... so definitely double check with the breast care nurse.

Just don't do any heavy lifting (washing, grand kids etc - even making the bed can be tricky for a little while.)

You'll see your surgeon in the next couple of weeks for your pathology report - don't forget to record that one, for your own records - and take a friend with you as a spare set of ears!

take care xx well done