What to expect after lumpectomy: dealing with nausea, dizziness, and pain?

Recovery after lumpectomy can bring unexpected challenges, and it's completely normal to experience nausea, dizziness, and discomfort in the days following surgery. Many patients find that discussing these symptoms with their medical team helps identify alternatives for pain management, especially when medications cause unwanted side effects like itching, and healthcare providers can often suggest different approaches or medications that might work better for individual situations.

You're absolutely right about talking to your medical team - they really can help find better pain management options that won't make you itchy, and don't hesitate to also ask them about when you might be able to sleep on your side again since that's such an important part of getting good rest during recovery.

Be patient. Your body and mind are healing from a traumatic situation. Nothing is normal at this time. Rest a lot. I drank ginger/ peach tea to calm stomach in sips, not gulps. Wear a soft sports bra or form fitting tank top for breast support 24/7. Watch a favorite movie, read, … to be a distraction. Use a wedge pillow or extra pillow and sleep on back, if possible, for a while. Check in with doctor or nurse advocate for advice. Don’t suffer in silence.

I had my surgery on Jan 9. It took about 2 weeks to get more comfortable lying down. I used a small travel pillow to support my breast when lying on my side. I still can't lay on my stomach, which is my preferred sleep position. Def wear a supportive sports bra 24/7.

Thank u

I prefer to wear sports bras anyway so no issue there