I had a lumpectomy in October 2024. I had very little pain and alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol as needed. I was not prescribed any painkillers and did not need them. The most discomfort was from the removal of the lymph nodes (I had 2 removed). It felt like a rug burn on the inside of my arm between my elbow and armpit. I also had some discomfort in my armpit from the lymph node removal. The surgeon told me that the nerves can get aggravated when the lymph nodes are removed, and that was what I was feeling. By the time I started radiation 5 weeks after that discomfort was gone. I was fortunate that my tumor was on the right side of my right breast so the surgeon was able to get the tumor and the lymph nodes using the same incision.

I had a drain after surgery (not everyone does), and I did not shower until the drain was removed a week post-surgery. My husband washed my hair for me in the kitchen sink until I could shower.

I had IDC so I did need to have radiation. However, due to my Oncotype score I did not have chemo.

I wish you all the best for your surgery and recovery.