Mastectomy and Lumpectomy Recovery: Everything You Should Know

What should you expect after surgery for breast cancer? Are there any steps you should take during the healing process? How long is the recovery time for mastectomy and recovery? In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs explains everything you need to know about the recovery process for breast cancer surgery. #breastcancer #breastcancersurgery #mastectomyrecovery
Get your personalized Yerbba Report at app.yerbba.com/signup
Connect With Yerbba!
WEBSITE: www.yerbba.com
INSTAGRAM: yerbba
FACEBOOK: yerbba.breast.cancer
BLOG: blog.yerbba.com/
Disclaimer: Yerbba KZbin videos are for informational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical team, mental health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

[@lassie817]

I am just grateful i found your channel. I was lost when i got diagnosed with breast cancer 4 months ago. I had mastectomy and breast implant done. I have a wonderful medical team however, your video’s are as helpful. The information i gained helps me navigate breast cancer a lot better. I no longer feel alone in this seemingly unending battle. Thank you very much for making informative videos.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching. We are truly glad to hear that the videos have been helpful to you during this challenging time. You're not alone on this journey, and it's heartening to know that the information provided has helped you feel more informed and supported. If you ever have more questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below. Yerbba is rooting for you!

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thanks for another interesting video. I had a mastectomy in 2015 in New Zealand along the lines you discuss. I’ve recently had a mastectomy in France and have been surprisedby the different (but seemingly excellent) approach. The cut was sealed with glue and I had no dressing. I could shower the next day. I stayed in hospital 5 days until the drain was removed. I had a Redon drain. I was still discharging more into the drain than ideal so had weekly appointments with the surgeon for 3 weeks to aspirate the build up of fluid. That was the only complication. My recovery this time has been so much easier. In 2015 I spent less than 24 hours in hospital and then had a District Nurse come and change my dressing every day until the (Jackson Pratt) drain was removed 2 weeks later. Even so I got an infection in my wound and developed a seroma that burst the incision line - very messy!

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences with the Yerbba community. Your story underscores the importance of individualized care and the fact that every person's journey is unique. Your experience can provide valuable information and support to others. Yerbba wishes you continued health and well-being on your journey.

[@marcialane8235]

Thank you so much for all your videos, they have been so helpful and I have learned more from you than any of my team. Also I must say that you seem like the nicest person and are so calming to listen to and understand…God bless you.

[@yerbba]

We appreciate your positive feedback and God bless you too! Thank you for being part of the Yerbba community.

[@janealcoseba1453]

I am so grateful to find your channel doc.last day may surgery lumpactomy and auxiliary

[@yerbba]

We're so glad you found our channel helpful! Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.

[@tasha8710]

Great information. Than you

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@alexandramuradas4619]

Dr. I hope you are well. I had a lumpectomy a year ago. I am stil in strong pains in my breast, legs, feet and hands even though I am doing acupuncture. Please any others tips apart from paracetamol? Mo's of the time the pain is horrendous when I wake up. Thank you for all your recommendations. God bless you.

[@yerbba]

Sounds really rough. It would be helpful to know what is causing the pain. Make sure your medical team is aware of your symptoms. You are not complaining when you tell them what's going on.

[@Debilee16]

This is so helpful, I'm having a mastectomy the end of this month, have had a lumpectomy , but there were still cancer cells remaining, had her2 positive, he did say about having the nipple removed, though he didn't think the cancer risk was high if I leave the nipple , not sure what to do ? is it to much of a risk as there would be some tissue left ,worried it may come back , your advice would be appreciated

[@yerbba]

Some people can be offered nipple-sparing mastectomy depending on features of the tumor as well as anatomic characteristics (location, size). Getting as much information as you can about the risk of recurrence with and without removal of the nipple is likely to be helpful in making your decision. Without being part of your medical team, it is hard for us to give you more specific advice.

[@Debilee16]

@yerbba thanks so much for Reply, I think having any tissue remaining is a risk in future, have Decided to have it removed, thanks for your time

[@gustavogarza8585]

HELLO WHAT ABOUT RECOVERY FOR DIEP AND MASTECTOMY DONE ON THE SAME DAY, THANK YOU DR.

[@yerbba]

Immediate reconstruction is a common option. Check out our video on breast reconstruction : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3qac5p4gtemn9E

[@juaquiene7726]

Ladies looking to have a lumpectomy. I would insist on having drains to minimize the size of your soroma. I didn't have drains and was left with huge seromas. One in the breast one in the arm pit. Both developed terrible infections. The one in my breast was like 2 weeks post surgery. The one in my armpit was months later. I'm afraid they'll continue to develop infections. Ironically I was told they may have to open up the wound in my armpit and this time put in a drain. Go figure?

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the Yerbba community. It's wise to discuss drain options with your medical team to help minimize complications. Your insights can help others be more informed about their choices. Thanks for watching!

[@teriellis3578]

Can you tell me about recovery for oncoplastic reduction (lumpectomy/lift)?

[@yerbba]

Every person's experience is different. Oncoplastic surgery is not as major as reconstruction using one's own tissue. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on the recovery time. In general, we encourage people to give themselves another week or even two after surgery.

[@teriellis3578]

@@yerbba Thanks for your response. I decided on getting a bilateral mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure. Surgery was yesterday. I was discharged from the hospital this morning, and am beginning my recovery journey at home. No more mammograms for me! 🙂 Happy Holidays!

[@camkay100]

I had a lumpectomy this morning. I am 79 yrs. Old. My lesion is very small and my surgeon said there is no need to explore the sentinel node. She does not recommend chemo therapy or radiation post operatively. I took a Tylenol and an Advil several hours after I returned home. I did not receive any written post -op instructions. This morning someone said something about pillows, I am not sure what it was in reference to. Is there some trick to using pillows to find a comfortable position for sleeping? Also, you mentioned in your video about post-op recovery time. Given that my lesion was Stage1A, small and caught early, would your shorten your recovery time recommendation? I apologize for the length of this comment but it is midnight on the day of my surgery and I have no one to ask these questions. Thank you in advance for your time and attention. Mary Kay

[@yerbba]

Using pillows can be a great way to find a comfortable sleeping position after surgery. Try placing pillows under your arm and shoulder on the operated side to relieve tension. As for recovery, follow your surgeon's advice, but generally, a less invasive procedure on a small, early-stage tumor could mean a quicker recovery. It's always best to call your surgeon's office if you have any post-op questions or concerns. Thanks for reaching out, and we hope you're doing well after surgery.

[@latasha3472]

Can anyone answer my question. I had radiation for my breast cancer in February my breast got really, really dark afterwards. I use the cream they gave me faithfully how soon discoloration return back to normal

[@yerbba]

Great question. Everyone is different. The pronounced discoloration usually fades at the one-year mark, but for some people it's faster and others it's longer. You may find our video on skin discoloration here to be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGveIqulL2dbpI.

[@payalpandey875]

mam my mom have tnbc 3rd stage she got her 4th chemotherapy mam she is categories t4b tumor mam has redness in her breast not the whole breast mam when she gets chemo her redness became more darker what should we asked to dr pls help ? mam dr giving Doxobrucin 90mg and Cyclophopshamed 900mg in iv, pls advice me mam

[@yerbba]

The redness can take a long time to go away. It is likely that radiation therapy will be part of her treatment plan. PMR doctors can be incredibly helpful with things like swelling. It is probably worth a consultation if one is being offered to you. Sending you and your mother lots of positive energy.

[@nonyabiness4023]

I had a bilateral mastectomy in October and now where the drains were, I’m really swollen and sore. Fluid build up? It almost looks like a breast on my side. I’m calling the surgeon

[@yerbba]

Great idea to call the surgeon. They can drain that area, usually leading to prompt relief.

[@anamrshehwaar8932]

mam tell us saroma as well regarding to surgery

[@yerbba]

Seromas are the result of accumulation of clear fluid (serum) in the cavity left by surgery. Nature abhorred a vacuum and will fill in the space left after surgery with serum or whole blood. Usually this isn't a problem, but sometimes, the amount of serum can cause pain or discomfort. Some people have the fluid drained. This may be required more than once.

[@anamrshehwaar8932]

@@yerbba thanks alot this info is quite helpful

[@WEBR-pw4up]

I had mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. I noticed after surgery that my back has swollen like i have a boob on the side. Is it normal or will it go away? No fever..What should i do? Just worried.