Introduction

[BrokenDoll]

Hi All,

I’m scheduled for a lumpectomy and breast reduction in two weeks. Does anyone have any advice/tips on recovery regarding food, wardrobe, assistance (I live alone). I welcome any words of wisdom.

[KindArtist]

I’m also in my mid-sixties and having a lumpectomy in a few weeks. I’d stock up now on bottled water and any other food, drink, staples that are heavy. You can but groceries after your surgery via the Instacart app and have them delivered to your door. I’m also going to buy a cold/hot gel pack just in case I need it for pain - need to run that by my surgeon first. A friend bought me a special pillow on Amazon that is shaped for breast surgery. Hope this helps.

[BrokenDoll in reply to KindArtist]

Thank you!

[Chrysali]

I had a lumpectomy a year ago at the age of 66 and I wish you well with your recovery journey.

The tip I would like to pass on is that you get a very short term supply of diazepam or bromezapam. This really helped me with sleeping in the early days when I had a drain attached to the operation site .

A front fastening bra is also very helpful

[BrokenDoll in reply to Chrysali]

Thank you!

[Kazza1111]

Hi I had a lumpectomy last year, first thing I would say is keep calm, and try to rest as much as you can. If you have radiotherapy make sure that you moisturise the area at least twice a day. Saying prayers for you x

[BrokenDoll in reply to Kazza1111]

Thank you!

[Vern3]

I have had 2 lumpectomies. The first in 2015, the second in 2021. Both tumors near the surface and small, so less invasive to remove. The first time I had 5 lymph nodes removed (small incision under arm) , the second time one. I never had any drains. Each time, it was a day procedure so I was back home in the evening. Any pain I had was mostly managed by Tylenol, although I was given a prescription for something stronger which I took for the first day. After that, I still took the stronger medication just before I went to sleep. I suggest you try this for the first few days after surgery as a good night's sleep is important to help you recover. I found I did not need any additional help from anyone. I had prepared a weeks worth of meals in advance (in the freezer). However, I was able to cook meals for myself.

If you have a drain (you might with breast reduction), there are front button shirts with pockets for the drain. Easiest way to find one is to search for "mastectomy shirts", Amazon has quite a few. My sister had a mastectomy and found these shirts to be especially helpful if you have a drain. The hospital sent me home with a wire-free, front closure bra which I had to wear 24/7 for the first week. I continued to wear one for awhile after surgery because it was comfortable (Amoena brand, but others are just as good).

I hope this is helpful. Special prayers for a speedy recovery.

[BrokenDoll in reply to Vern3]

Thank you Vern3! That was all very helpful!