CommunitiesSurgery and RecoveryWhat can I do to recover better after lumpectomy and reconstruction surgery?

What can I do to recover better after lumpectomy and reconstruction surgery?

SP

Community Member

a month ago

Hello from Maine! I am due to have Breast Surgery on March 25th. I am having a lumpectomy, 3 Lymph Nodes removed, then reconstruction and lifts in both breasts. I don’t handle pain well since I also have Fibromyalgia. From people who have gone through this, can you please tell me what I can do to make the post-surgery go better. Any helpful hints? I have friends bringing me food, another one is taking care of my nine pound golden Havanese sweetest dog for a couple days after surgery. I am thinking of getting a wedge pillow. Anything else? Please give me a”Been There, Done That” here is what worked for me advice. I will do 3-4 weeks of weekday Radiation after the wounds close. I also will have 9 IV Immunotherapy injections three weeks apart. But, my aggressive Triple Negative Breast Cancer was found early by a mammogram and I have “A High Cure Rate!” So grateful, but I am not enjoying being bald.

2 comments
Comment
CA

Community Member

a month ago

That wedge pillow sounds like a smart choice for comfortable positioning during recovery, and having friends help with meals and pet care shows great planning ahead. Many community members find that preparing comfortable clothes with front closures, keeping ice packs ready, and setting up a recovery station with everything within arm's reach can make those first days much smoother. The community here has lots of experience with similar procedures and would love to share what worked best for them during their healing process.

SW

Community Member

a month ago

Hi Shanna, I’m from Maine also. I moved to PA about 5 years ago but go home about every 4 months or so. My son is in Bangor as well as 50 years worth of friends. I miss Maine. I have stage 4 breast cancer with Metz to my spine. So far Im stable. I don’t enjoy losing my hair either! Best wishes to you on your journey. Sounds like you have a very good recovery rate. Take Care!

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