Mastectomy and Lumpectomy Recovery: Everything You Should Know

[@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.

[@nancydegeorge1143]

After finishing my chemo recently followed by scans, my oncologist and I were surprised that my tumor hadn't shrunk very much 2mm only. He was thinking of giving me more chemo but since I suffered badly with fatigue he chose to request surgery. After seeing the surgeon who explained she could do a lumpectomy followed by radiation OR a mastectomy with no radiation (R breast). After much research and speaking to husband and family I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy. With triple negative breast cancer I was a bit concerned about its recurrence. Plus my breasts are big and they cause rashes and split skin under them in summer so I won't miss them. I'm nervous and know it won't be easy but I'm 100% sure I'm doing the right thing. Surgery in 2 days.... I may have more chemo after surgery. Maybe in tablets form.

[@yerbba]

It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into your decision. Post-surgery recovery can be challenging, but it’s a strong step toward healing. If further treatment like chemotherapy tablets are recommended, remember to ask about side effects and management strategies. You’ve got this, and we’re rooting for you as you move forward.

[@nancydegeorge1143]

@yerbba thank you for your encouragement and advice. It's been 6 days since my surgery. I'm very pleased with the results. The surgeon is amazing. I'm coping with the pain quite well. The main complaint is the drainage bags. They are big and clumbersome. My neck is painful from carrying them. I'm in Australia and going through a free hospital system. So I'm still very grateful. I see the surgeon today.

[@pattyogletree9940]

Yes the lymph node removal is very sore.

[@yerbba]

We hear you-lymph node removal can cause a lot of soreness, and it’s something we've seen many patients struggle with. It’s important to give your body time to heal and consider techniques like gentle stretching or working with a physical therapist who specializes in post-surgical care to help with mobility and reduce discomfort. Be kind to yourself and reach out to your care team if the soreness persists or feels unmanageable.

[@ShitalNG]

I am very grateful for your videos Dr. Griggs. It’s a blessing! Great help during my cancer journey. I got lt breast cancer S 1, grade 3. I had lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node x3 removed with no drain. It’s been 19 days OP, pain on my breast is very minimal but the pain on my inner lt arm is very bad. It’s very sore even with a slight touch & at times I got terrible shooting sharp pain. I have been doing my arm exercise but due to pain movement is restricted. I also felt like a lump where the lymph n was removed. Is this normal? I am terrified if I will end up with lymphoedema. Pls kindly advise. Thanking you in advance Dr. Griggs 🙏🙏

[@yerbba]

Thank you for your kind words. Post-surgery pain, especially in the area where lymph nodes were removed, is common and can sometimes include sharp pains or soreness. The lump you feel is very likely to be normal post-surgical changes, but it’s important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor to rule out any complications like lymphedema.

[@ShitalNG]

@@yerbba Thank you so much for your response Dr. Griggs! Appreciate your time & insightful analysis. Your videos have been greatly helpful throughout my difficult cancer journey. I can’t thank you enough 🙏 My pain on the arm has much improved but still bit sore on the area where the lymph nodes were removed & I can still feel the lump there but it is smaller than before. I will get it checked. Thank you doctor 🙏 God bless you.

[@maureenbingham2639]

My surgery went well. I ended up with an open would because my tape was SUPPOSED to get wet and I thought I was supposed to keep it dry. Also the lymph node removal was very painful. I needed stronger pain meds. After 6 weeks, I still have a lot of pain and I find this surgery the worst. I had Total Knee Replacement and that was a piece of cake compared this surgery. I feel that woman's issues are downplayed. This surgery is very painful. You cannot sleep comfortably on either side, they both hurt. I feel stronger medication is a must. For knee surgery they sent me home with a medicine bag and enough strong medicine for over 6 weeks. Please don't minimize the pain.

[@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.

[@samanthaesra4035]

Dear Doctor. Thank you for your informative video. I have breast cancer Stage 3. I've been told I have two different breast cancers. One in each breast. The tumor in my left breast is aggressive. I finally got my chemo port last Friday after a x6 week waiting time. I'm using state hospitals in my country. I been told after x8 months of chemo I must have a full double mastectomy and nodes removed under my arms. I'm not looking forward to any of this, but have no choice but to go forward. I been told if both breasts are not removed then the cancers will return worse. Would you like to comment on this ? Many thanks.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the question. In people in whom radiation therapy is available, lumpectomy is equally effective as mastectomy as long as the margins are negative. Thank you for watching.

[@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!

[@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.

[@tasha8710]

Great information. Than you

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.