Questions as I prepare for a lumpectomy: Tips please

Posted by jules2026 @jules2026, Apr 27 8:28am

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 | May 6 7:45pm

In reply to @brooklyn22 "@jules2026 I wish you the best of luck you’ll see you will get through it😊" + (show)

@brooklyn22 thank you, I appreciate the encouragement

stapler80 | @stapler80 | May 7 6:22am

In reply to @jules2026 "@stapler80 I have a small breast too and I’m meeting the surgeon Monday the 11th and..." + (show)

@jules2026
Good morning! I live in Texas, so awaiting 2nd opinion from UT Southwestern. I'm currently with Texas Oncology. I have my breast MRI on May 8th. Depending on results, I may go ahead with surgery as my 2nd opinion isn't until Jun 4th.

qingjin16 | @qingjin16 | May 7 8:52am

Had lumpectomy on 04/17/26 and I m currently recovering. Ice packs helps and I got a compression band fr Amazon to use 24/7. D compression wrap after surgery fr the hospital gets beat up after awhile. Showered 2 days after and just started driving 05/01. I can feel my left breast still has a slightly hard lump. Met my dr on 04/29 (post op check in)n she said I can choose to drain it if it continues to hurt and bother me. Next check in 05/12, followed by mtgs with Oncologist 05/13 and radiology on 05/18. Bcos the lump removed is 0.6mm and my lymph nodes came back negative, I may or may not need radiation. Dr did confirm that I do not need any additional surgery for now. Currently, I’m using the band 24/7 and cabbage leaves in the evening to hopefully reduce the hard spot. Maybe it’s psychological but I do feel my breast is softer after placing cabbage. Just like when I had mastitis while breastfeeding my son many yrs ago. N the Chinese myth that when u breastfeed, it eliminates breast cancer is busted! Sigh..😮‍💨
In terms of activities, cannot do yoga now cos the cut around my arm pit is still tender. Tried to try a dress overhead yesterday and it really hurts! Tapes under arm pit and breast has yet to fall off! Left breast do look slightly dented and uneven for now. Aside from that, recovery has been ok.

brendalfh | @brendalfh | May 7 5:50pm

I am 58 and had a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago for dcis and invasive ductal carcinoma, with a sentinel node resection to confirm no regional spread. I had a previous episode almost 10 years ago on the other breast, with the same surgery and general treatment plan (my new cancer is not a recurrence - it is its own, new cancer). For both recoveries, the lymph node sites were more uncomfy than the breast sites, and any pain/discomfort has been very manageable with acetaminophen for the first couple weeks after both surgeries.

I was able to shower the next day, no problems with that. My steri strips stayed on for almost 3 weeks, and healing has been excellent.

Because I had both dcis and idc, I am receiving radiation this week, just 3 treatments. I will also be on AI therapy for 5 years. With my first breast cancer, I recieved 10 days of brachytherapy radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen, which went well, almost no side effects.

Best wishes for successful surgery and quick healing! Be sure to reach out for support here and with your irl helpers as your journey continues. You are not alone.

jules2026 | @jules2026 | May 10 7:12am

In reply to @brendalfh "I am 58 and had a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago for dcis and invasive ductal carcinoma,..." + (show)

@brendalfh thank you for sharing. your experience. Glad to hear that your journey is going smoothly. It helps reduce my anxiety about the surgery. I would have to do radiation but I don't know what it looks like yet.

jules2026 | @jules2026 | May 10 7:14am

In reply to @qingjin16 "Had lumpectomy on 04/17/26 and I m currently recovering. Ice packs helps and I got a..." + (show)

@qingjin16 thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. You mentioned drain, why do you need to drain? Did you do your procedure at Mayo clinic? thanks again

qingjin16 | @qingjin16 | May 10 10:30am

In reply to @jules2026 "@qingjin16 thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. You mentioned drain, why do you..." + (show)

@jules2026 drain it should the hard lump still hurts. Dr said they can insert a needle and drain out the liquid to relieve the pain and lump. For now, the lump seems to be dissolving and my next Dr appointment is this Tuesday.