(1)Were you in pain for days weeks after? I had a lumpectomy on 4/7/26 and pain was completely manageable with Tylenol. I had two incisions; one around the areola and one up toward the armpit where they removed 2 sentinel lymph nodes. Now, 3 weeks post surgery, I am aware of only very mild soreness in the lymph nodes area. The breast area was bruised but not as sensitive as the armpit. I resumed GENTLE stretching (overhead hurts a bit, so maybe wait a week or more on that) on day 3. My Doctor assured me "don't worry , the stitches will not 'rip'" which gave me the affirmation I needed to resume normal activity. In fact, much of the soreness I experienced was from not moving normally, but I am normally very active, so check with your surgeon.

(2) Can you wash your hair and shower normal after? If not, how many days before you can do so? I was allowed to wash my hair and shower after 48 hours, which felt so good. I just went very slow and did not let the water run on the incisions as directed.

(3) anyone here has DCIS and not have radiation after? I did not have DCIS. My partial breast radiation begins next week.

I hope this is reassuring to you. It was not nearly as scary or painful as I thought it may be. 🙂