What kind of practical support is needed after lumpectomy?

Hi Nadi

You can do it on your own but it's really nice to have someone there to hold your hand while you're waiting to go into surgery.   I had my wonderful husband, one of my daughters took the day off uni, and my son flew up from Adelaide - very lucky.  I could do everything for myself - felt a bit fragile coming home from hospital.  Is there someone who can hold your hand or perhaps you can tell your hubby you need him at this time.  We will all be thinking of you on the 12 - good luck and big hugs.  RosG

Hi Nadi, 

you should have an adult with you for the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. The hospital will not let you go home on your own. You will be sore so, depending on where your incision is, may need help with dressing. You shouldn't lift anything so perhaps have some precooked meals that you can easily heat up so you don't have to lift pots and pans etc. perhaps see if a girlfriend or someone could stay for the day or so. Good luck. Take care. Karen xox

Hi Nadi, you should be entitled to home help for free, for up to 4 weeks post operatively. Ask the nursing staff at the hospital about it- it's called post acute care. You might need help with sweeping, vacuuming, mopping floors and cleaning showers and toilets, just for a little while. Hope that your surgery goes well for you, Trace ??????

Hi Nadi, I had a 2.5cm tumour and two lymph nodes removed by lumpectomy and a mammoplasty ( a lift ) done on the 23rd Sept. It was done just after lunch and I was able to go home the next morning as I didn't have any drains and it was my choice. There was minimal pain but I did have family at home especially at night. This was followed up by another op to remove more tissue on 7th Oct. just in day surgery and then last thurs 29th Oct. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. I think the hospital asked whether I was going to have someone at home so you may need to have someone there just in case. We are all different and there is no way of knowing if you may need a hand when you get home. You should be given gentle exercises to do by your breast care nurse but you will need to be careful regarding lifting reaching etc. I was told no driving for 24 hours, I was only taking Panadol for pain relief. 

Best Wishes for your op. Regards Vicki

Hi Nadi,

I also had a lumpectomy and sentinal node removal, I had family at home but my hubby was working at the time and I felt I rested most of the time but you will need someone to pop in every now and then to see if you are okay or if you need anything what you need around you is support, I had my surgery privatly so they let me stay in hospital for 2 days which helped as long as you have support around you that's what you need most of all. Sending you a cuddle and a smile, I hope I was of some help to you, stay connected on here if you can because we are here for you being on this site helped a lot for me and still does we are strong you can do this, sending positive vibes.

Anitaxx

My lump was 1.8mm too. I found the biopsy more painful than the lumpectomy. I didn't have a drain or anything. On my discharge form I had to give the name of the person looking after me. So you will need someone to look in on you at least.

I was told to take 10 days off work. I think that was due to the general anaesthetic and the pain killers. Driving is out due to the drugs. The wound itself was pretty painless. Cooking and showers should be fine to do. Albeit more carefully than usual. Probably just reheat the first few days.

It is good to have someone there or at least regularly checking on you (just in case). For example I got a canker sore, so needed stuff from the chemist.

I always feel a bit woebegone day 3 or 4 after general anaesthetic so it's nice to have someone around for that. Nothing that someone bringing you a cup of tea doesn't fix.

i think the real issue is whether the hospital will let you go home with no one there.

Hello Nadi  You may need a back up just in case at least for a day.  All women can react differently.  And some hospitals require someone at least to pick you up and stay with you 24hrs.  My op was a lumpectomy and aux node removal so had the drain, and pain was very minor.  Left hospital 36hrs after op. I got a taxi.  But for the port (?) the hospital wouldnt let me taxi home, and wanted assurance that someone would be with me for 24hrs.  (Day surgery different?)  Otherwise, didn't need help,  wasn't meant to drive with drain (did no problems).    Thinking of all you "newbies".  Shit of a time, but all doable.  Pam