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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EllaB | @raffi | May 4 5:35pm

Hi! I had a lumpectomy at the end of January 2026. An area of 3 cm showed an architectural distortion and biopsy atypical globular hyperplasia. The surgery wasn’t bad at all: some pain for a couple of days. The tight post surgery bra helped. I was at work the less than a week after. And I did shower the night after the surgery 😆. I was very lucky: the biopsy of the lump didn’t show any cancer. I wish you all the best and please know you are not alone in this.

jules2026 | @jules2026 | May 4 9:34pm

In reply to @raffi "Hi! I had a lumpectomy at the end of January 2026. An area of 3 cm..." + (show)

@raffi I'm so glad to hear that you are on the clear. Thank you for the support and sharing your story, it really helped lessen my anxiety and fear.

brooklyn22 | @brooklyn22 | May 5 11:56pm

I had my lumpectomy last July had small IDC N nodes tumor removed I went as an out patient we all had take out dinner when I got home - I didn’t really have pain you wear a sports bra until you see your surgeon for follow up I used small gel ice packs on off for few days & Tylenol - my appetite was good I had no pain you can shower in 24 hrs.
I followed up with targeted 5 day Radiation in October here we are in May- to me it was all of the invasive tests prior to surgery that were nerve wracking.
Good Good Luck on all😊

jules2026 | @jules2026 | May 6 7:53am

In reply to @brooklyn22 "I had my lumpectomy last July had small IDC N nodes tumor removed I went as..." + (show)

@brooklyn22 thank you for sharing your experience, this makes me hopeful

brooklyn22 | @brooklyn22 | May 6 11:12am

In reply to @jules2026 "@brooklyn22 thank you for sharing your experience, this makes me hopeful" + (show)

@jules2026 I wish you the best of luck you’ll see you will get through it😊

jlesiak | @jlesiak | May 6 1:05pm

Lotion!!! Unscented Aveeno lotion on the site of radiation every morning and evening but not right before. This is what my Rad Onc Dr told me to do and I didn’t get any burns. Continue for a week after.

stapler80 | @stapler80 | May 6 1:14pm

Just reading all these beautifully helpful comments from you precious women makes me cry from gratitude!
I'm a IDC, stage 1, with recommendation for lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, followed by possible radiation (the 5-day tx is what I think I would do). I'm awaiting second opinion. Meanwhile my breast MRI is Friday May 8th, at which point I will decide whether to proceed with surgery, or wait for 2nd opinion, or just monitor if tumor is decreasing!
My question for all you who have had lumpectomies: did you do any reconstructive surgery right after, or later? My breasts are so small, and I really don't think I want anything done, but just asking.
Thank you so much for all your insight!

roma76 | @roma76 | May 6 3:38pm

I’m 79 and had a lumpectomy a year ago followed by a second surgery to remove a large hematoma. I had very minimal discomfort after lumpectomy but the swelling from the hematoma was impressive and my skin was very stretched. Now, all that is left is a slight dip where the tumor was and a “tan” line not at the incision site but at the site of the bleeding source. I am small also with a small tumor. I just don’t have enough effect to make reconstruction necessary. Hoping the same for you! Watch for unusual swelling tho. And you might not sleep on your tummy for a few weeks.

jules2026 | @jules2026 | May 6 7:43pm

In reply to @roma76 "I’m 79 and had a lumpectomy a year ago followed by a second surgery to remove..." + (show)

@roma76 thank you for sharing, this really helps with my anxiety

jules2026 | @jules2026 | May 6 7:45pm

In reply to @stapler80 "Just reading all these beautifully helpful comments from you precious women makes me cry from gratitude!..." + (show)

@stapler80 I have a small breast too and I’m meeting the surgeon Monday the 11th and so I will learn more about if reconstruction is needed. Where are you getting your second opinion? If you don’t mind me asking, I had a second opinion too, and both recommended lumpectomy.