Hello everyone, I am new to this.
I am scheduled for two lumpectomies on the left breast with needle localization. One lumpectomy is for an irregular enhancing mass measuring up to 2.1 cm at 2:00 o’clock, 8 cm from the nipple and the other lumpectomy left breast lower outer quadrant. I had my consultation yesterday for surgical planning and I feel like everything that the doctor told me I forgot. I feel like my brain went blanked. What should I expect after the surgery? Not sure if she told me it is general anesthesia? I need clearance from my PCP, Chest XRAY, and EKG. When can I drive again post surgery? I am 37 years old with 4 kids ranging from 16 years of age to 2 year old. Will the recovery be painful? I do remember that the surgeon said I wont have any sensation on the breast and that it will be a lot small than the right. Treatment will be decided once we get answers from pathology. Thank you in advance
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Hi @suzy2618, The lumpectomies will be done under general anesthesia so you will need someone to drive you home. They will probably prescribe narcotic pain killers for a couple of days. I only needed them for the first day, then took acetaminophen. I was doing OK pain wise after three days. As long as you aren’t taking narcotics and it isn’t painful driving is fine.
With a 2 year old the tough part of your recovery is going to be the restriction on lifting, generally no more than 5 to 10 pounds for a month. Prepping freezer meals in advance, ordering grocery delivery/pickup and having the older kids pitch in more for a while is helpful. If you have relatives or friends who can spend a bit of time doing laundry or cleaning up the bathroom/ kitchen occasionally (leave the rest of the house for a month) don’t hesitate to ask. All children are different but if you can teach the 2 year old to get in/out of the car seat without you lifting them (using a step stool if necessary) you’ll be able to drive the others where they need to go. Don’t be afraid to ask for help even from acquaintances. Hearing that you’ve had recent surgery (no need to say for what unless you want to) means most people will be happy to help.
I hope your recovery goes well.
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