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Lumpectomy time off work - still exhausted

Sheena84
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Hi All,

I had a lumpectomy / excision 2 weeks ago and awaiting diagnosis. Hopefully a benign tumour. I’ve been left with a 6cm scar and breast looking a bit different now which I’m trying to get used to. All healing very nicely though. 

However, I am so, so exhausted. I really thought I’d be ready to be back at work and firing on all cylinders but I’m just very tired and having some nerve pain from where everything is healing. 

With no radiotherapy or lymph node biopsy I thought I’d be recovered quickly, but am struggling. Is this normal? 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I’m sorry to read about your situation.

    Everyone is so different in how they recover from breast surgery.  Tiredness is quite common, and it can linger on for a few weeks in some people.

    Be gentle with yourself and try to find a balance of getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and a form of exercise like walking all helps on the road to recovery.

    It can take a while for the pain to settle down. Taking a mild painkiller such as paracetamol should help.

    It is never easy waiting to get results but hopefully you’ll receive them soon.

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over with one of the nurses. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

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