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Questions as I prepare for a lumpectomy: Tips please

Posted by jules2026 @jules2026, 4 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 @tinamaria1 "Hello I had lumpectomy few weeks ago. (1)Were you in pain for days weeks after? -..." + (show)
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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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@tinamaria1 Glad to hear that the pain is not terrible, thank you for sharing your experience. It helped my fear and anxiety. When is your radiation appointment? Sending good vibes and hope all goes smoothly.

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jules2026 | @jules2026 | 17 hours ago
In reply to @missycat "Obviously, everyone is different. I had my lumpectomy February 3rd and biopsy on 3 lymph nodes...." + (show)
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Obviously, everyone is different. I had my lumpectomy February 3rd and biopsy on 3 lymph nodes. I was in alot of pain and im on hydrocodone for chronic back pain. I couldn't shower for 5 days, just sponge bath. Then developed a seroma. Doctor most likely will have you wear a ace wrap, which gave me some security, however, hard to sleep. Not what you wanted to hear, but I wish someone would've told me what to expect. No radiation. My cells require 4 chemotherapy infusions. 1st was April 13th. A whole new set of difficulties. All from a stage 1, 1cm , triple negative lump!!! Prayers to you. I hope you have help at home.

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@missycat Thank you for sharing your experience, it's good to know going in what would happen, to help prepare. How are you doing with the chemotherapy infusions? Hope you're doing well. Sending prayers and good vibes.

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missycat | @missycat | 16 hours ago
In reply to @jules2026 "@missycat Thank you for sharing your experience, it's good to know going in what would happen,..." + (show)
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@missycat Thank you for sharing your experience, it's good to know going in what would happen, to help prepare. How are you doing with the chemotherapy infusions? Hope you're doing well. Sending prayers and good vibes.

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@jules2026
Unfortunately, not well, but does anyone really. Lots of side effects. I'm already anxious about my 2nd infusion on Monday. But, with my triple negative and 51% chance of recurrence, I don't have a choice. Well, I do, but my driving force is to fight this cancer monster and hopefully have a good 20- 25 years ahead . I have my 1st grandchild I need to be there for! Good luck and keep up posted.

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babs28 | @babs28 | 6 hours ago

Oh, I came out of surgery in a compressive bra that I wore almost 24/7 for several days. I bought post op bras that I wore thereafter almost 24/7 for about a week. The compression helps keep swelling down and can help with pain too.

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marybasaldella | @tinamaria1 | 5 hours ago
In reply to @jules2026 "@tinamaria1 Glad to hear that the pain is not terrible, thank you for sharing your experience...." + (show)
Profile picture for jules2026 @jules2026

@tinamaria1 Glad to hear that the pain is not terrible, thank you for sharing your experience. It helped my fear and anxiety. When is your radiation appointment? Sending good vibes and hope all goes smoothly.

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@jules2026 hello dear, really there was no real pain to date..just a bit of tenderness if I tried to jog...so I just did power walking and light lifting, as advised by my nurse.. My initial consultation with my radiation oncologist John Hopkins, is May 5th...I have a bunch of questions, been preparing...but if they live up to their reputation (like Sloan Kettering did for me)? then most if not all of my questions will likely be answered upon meeting, and listening to them tell me what they know and procedures, etc.. i have experienced a breast surgeon from a regular local hospital, who wanted to do my surgery asap, offering me no consultation, just a call, no knowledge, no prep for surgery etc...AND that is when I went with Sloan Kettering, which like Mayo Clinic operates at a whole different higher level of customer service...So...I am hoping I like and also can connect emotionally too with the staff I meet next week. Please feel free to ask me whatever questions...wishing you peace

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