3 weeks after lumpectomy- swollen still?

Hi Tweezer, a lot of what you are describing is unfortunately "normal" after lumpectomy. I had lumpectomy and oncoplastic repair - 5cm tissue removed, remaining breast "deconstructed", twisted around to cover the defect, then put back together again. When you think of all that it's no wonder it takes weeks to recover. My swelling & bruising took 7 weeks to get back to "normal" (just in time for chemo). It doesn't help that the lymph nodes were designed to drain tissue fluid away and now they are gone. Breast swelling returned with chemo and rads, but took weeks to come down each time. The shooting pains are "normal", a lot of us get them, they do ease with time. I found wearing the post-op bra gave me firm support and really helped. Continued to wear it for 6 months after surgery. Sensation around the nipple returned around 12months, not the same feeling as before, but still there. Keep up the massaging with bio oil, it helps relieve the swelling and helps to fade the scar. My 20cm scar can hardly be seen 18mths after surgery. If you have any signs of redness, heat or discharge see your doc straight away. Hope you get some relief and good luck with your operation on Thursday, hope all goes well xx