CommunitiesJust Diagnosed With Breast CancerWhat will recovery be like after lumpectomy and breast reduction surgery?

What will recovery be like after lumpectomy and breast reduction surgery?

AA

Community Member

2 months ago

I am having a lumpectomy and bilateral breast reduction on Oct 28. My sister will stay with me the first 2 days post surgery. Can anyone help me understand what recovery on my own will look like. I’m most concerned about getting out of bed without pushing off anything. I have an adjustable bed but I am having difficulty practicing without using my arms. I’m going to be strengthening my core between now and surgery which should help but still 🤷‍♀️

1
19 comments
Comment
accepted answer

Accepted Answer

Having surgery on both breasts does require some adjustment in how you move and position yourself, and it's smart that you're thinking ahead about these practical concerns. Many people find that rolling to their side first and then using their legs to swing up can help with getting out of bed without putting pressure on the chest area - your adjustable bed will definitely be helpful for finding the right angle. The combination of procedures means recovery may take a bit longer than each surgery alone, but focusing on core strengthening now is a great preparation strategy that can make movement easier when you're healing.

3+ patients found this helpful

PP

Community Member

2 months ago

We got a bed rail similar to a hospital bed but only 12” long on Amazon. It works on my adjustable bed and really helps.

AA

Community Member

2 months ago

https://a.co/d/a0iNQuh. I ordered this step stool with tall handle. I just don’t want to put pressure on my chest and blow the stitches out I can get a bed rail at my dads too if this doesn’t work. Thank you!!!

PP

Community Member

2 months ago

Also be sure you have easy clothes to put on. Button or zipper fronts are nice for tops and easy pull-on pants. A supportive sports bra helps too. Amazon has a lot under mastectomy bras.

AA

Community Member

2 months ago

Yes Amazon has a lot of things to help I got two Velcro closure shirts and have a few other button front shirts. I’m Not sure what size I will need yet but I know the hospital will give me a properly sized bra after surgery and then when I know my size I can order more. Thank you for the tips.

TB

Community Member

2 months ago

Just fyi, i didnt realize that alot of clothes now have polyester and other micro plastics blended in and they are hormone disruptors- try to stay with cotton or even better linen. Linen is anti microbial and helps you rest better.

0
MR

Community Member

2 months ago

I had a double mastectomy in June. I was so worried about everything about brushing my teeth about getting out of bed about wiping my butt. It was just mind consuming what you think that you’re gonna have trouble with, but let me be the one to tell you, it is not as hard as you think I breezed through it. I really did have faith in God. He will get you through it. Trust me on that.

2
AA

Community Member

2 months ago

Marlene I DO trust God in this process. I ended up getting an electric lift chair that was practically brand new and only 2 miles away from me for $25. Yes $25. Only God 🙌🙌. They are usually hundreds of dollars even used and also $300-400 to rent for a few weeks. This really eases my anxiety as I’ll sleep in the recliner the first week or as needed. Thank you for the encouragement

MR

Community Member

2 months ago

Please Angela, if you need to reach out, I won’t hesitate to answer you back!!! yes you will be sleeping in your recliner as I did for the first 2 to 3 weeks!! I was also worried about that because I hate sleeping on my back, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was gonna be. I really worried myself for nothing Angela for months before I had my surgery. I should’ve had more faith in God then.

AA

Community Member

2 months ago

Marlene do you think a breast reduction will be the same basic recovery as bilateral mastectomy?

PP

Community Member

2 months ago

A TV tray or small table beside my recliner is extremely useful. My water bottle, tissues, meds etc are all within an arms reach.

PP

Community Member

2 months ago

Ask your office nurse about recovery expectations, keeping in mind no two of us respond equally. The nurses are often more helpful that the doctor for some questions.

5
MR

Community Member

2 months ago

Angela, no honey, they are quite different

AA

Community Member

2 months ago

Which is more difficult recovery ?

MH

Community Member

2 months ago

Make sure you have a pillow to use, you can put it on you just below your incision and use it to help stand up or sit up when your moving. Fix food ahead of time.

SH

Community Member

2 months ago

I had a lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy with a reconstruction and a breast reduction on the opposite side. I didn’t have any problems with anything. Front closing bras and button up tops and pull on pants. Adjustable bed to sit me up in the morning, easy peasy.

2
CA

Community Member

25 days ago

Having surgery on both breasts does require some adjustment in how you move and position yourself, and it's smart that you're thinking ahead about these practical concerns. Many people find that rolling to their side first and then using their legs to swing up can help with getting out of bed without putting pressure on the chest area - your adjustable bed will definitely be helpful for finding the right angle. The combination of procedures means recovery may take a bit longer than each surgery alone, but focusing on core strengthening now is a great preparation strategy that can make movement easier when you're healing.

ST

Community Member

11 days ago

This is my 2nd bout with Cancer first one was 17 years ago it was so smooth! This one is very different HER2 stage2 Breast Cancer I've had surgery but I'm having another mammogram the uncertainty has me anxious the surgery was 2 weeks ago.4 lymph nodes were taken from under my right arm one was mestasis. Cells were removed from my right Breast one was mestasis I'll be 68 in a couple of weeks, my faith is strong and the Lord will bring me through this journey. Be encouraged everyone! My surgeon won't do a reduction because my A1C was 8.0 discouraging because my breasts will remain lopsided it's alright I'm still beautiful!

AA

Community Member

10 days ago

I’m home from surgery (had surgery 10/28 and came home same day). I am amazed at how good I feel!! Pain is managed and I can move around with ease. So much easier than anticipated. The biggest irritation is having to get up every 3 hours in the night to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be encouraged ladies. It’s easier than you think. I’m astonished at how good I feel.

2
ST

Community Member

9 days ago

Glad you're feeling better and doing great. I knew you would be alright 👍

1
Outcomes4Me

© 2025 Outcomes4Me Inc. All rights reserved.