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Questions as I prepare for a lumpectomy: Tips please

Posted by jules2026 @jules2026, 3 days ago

Hello
I’m diagnosed with DCIS and have a lumpectomy scheduled for 5/11

I’m hoping you can share with me the experience after a lumpectomy
(1)Were you in pain for days weeks after?
(2) Can you wash your hair and shower normal after? If not, how many days before you can do so?
(3) anyone here has DCIS and not have radiation after?

Thank you

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jules2026 | @jules2026 | 17 hours ago
In reply to @letsdothis "(1)Were you in pain for days weeks after? I had a lumpectomy on 4/7/26 and pain..." + (show)
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(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. 🙂

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@letsdothis Thank you for sharing, it gives me hope and lessen my fear and anxiety. If you don't mind me asking, did you have to go back and have the stitches removed? Thanks again

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babs28 | @babs28 | 13 hours ago
In reply to @jules2026 "@babs28 I hope everything goes smoothly with your radiation. Were you in pain after the surgery,..." + (show)
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@babs28 I hope everything goes smoothly with your radiation. Were you in pain after the surgery, and did they have to remove stitches? Thank you for sharing your experience. I am nervous and scared.

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@jules2026 I had minimal pain that could be managed with Tylenol. The surgeon injected my breast with local anesthetic which did the trick. Honestly i was having so much pain before the surgery that having the tumor removed abolished the pain. The surgeon used disolvable stitches and skin glue. I was able to shower the next day. I did have a good amount of fatigue after surgery but that lasted maybe a week. I didn't have lymph node resection. I would imagine that can change the experience a little bit. Honestly, I was a bit nervous about surgery but more than that I wanted the cancer out so at the same time it was a relief to have surgery. My best wishes to you!

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marybasaldella | @tinamaria1 | 7 hours ago

Hello I had lumpectomy few weeks ago.

(1)Were you in pain for days weeks after? - Felt little to no real pain, just tenderness...took the 600 ibuphrofen about 24 hours.
(2) Can you wash your hair and shower normal after? If not, how many days before you can do so? - Was told after 24 hours could shower wash hair as usual.
(3) anyone here has DCIS and not have radiation after? Mine was Grade 3 DCIS Pagets so I am meeting with radiation oncologist Initial Consultation, for treatment starting hopefully shortly thereafter. I hope I feel connected with this radialogist, and if I feel comfortable with the way she answers my questions, etc. I will not seek 2nd opinion.

The Mayo Clinic support group is very helpful in insights, questions to ask providers, etc. Wishing you the best dear.

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panarosmith | @panarosmith | 3 hours ago

Had my lumpectomy in October 2025. I was surprised how little pain I experienced. I did use Tylenol for 3-4 days and those little ice packs were my best friends. Get plenty of those from your doc. I think you need to wait a few days before showering but after that you should be fine. Your doc will go over all of that.
I did do 5 rounds of radiation with zero side effects.
I'n now on Letrozole as my cancer was estrogen receptive. Besides some mild hot flashes - I'm feeling normal.

You got this! Sending you a big hug!

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letsdothis | @letsdothis | 1 hour ago
In reply to @jules2026 "@letsdothis Thank you for sharing, it gives me hope and lessen my fear and anxiety. If..." + (show)
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@letsdothis Thank you for sharing, it gives me hope and lessen my fear and anxiety. If you don't mind me asking, did you have to go back and have the stitches removed? Thanks again

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@jules2026

Im so glad to provide hope! My stitches are dissolving, so no I did not have to go back for removal of stitches

👍🏽

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