Cancer Research UK main site

How long does it take to recover from lumpectomy surgery?

Gadgetgal
Offline

I've only known I had breast cancer since 22nd August, so I couldn't bring myself to post to 'living with cancer'. I don't feel I'm quite there yet.

Surgery for lump is scheduled on 14th September. The world seems to have turned upside down, I'm having blood tests, filling in mountains of forms, weighed, measured. I've had to navigate the HR area of the work website to find out how to self certify for the first 7 days of sickness and then get a sick note from the Dr. I've never been sick before!

I've been asked to notify the absence team if I need to be off for half a day for medical stuff, less than that don't bother. So I listed all the appointments I know about - then the first one runs right over and lasts longer. It now also looks like I need to come in the day before the op to have some radioactive substance injected into the cancer site so that they can trace the sentinel node the next day during the operation. I think I may well take that day off sick as well as I cannot see myself being any use in the workplace. They might also need to put in a wire on the day to point to the lump (it's a teeny beggar). Will I turn into the radioactive bionic woman?

My questions are:

- How long does it take to recover? I'd be grateful for any experiences.

- How long to recover from the anaesthetic & what are the after effects and how long do they last?

- How long before you feel ready to eat?

- Does it ache enough to need pain killers?

- How long did you stay in bed after the op, if at all?

- Do you tire easily after the op?

- How long did you take off work after the op?

I genuinely have no idea if I will be dragging myself around the house like an invalid or skipping down to the bottom of the garden after only a couple of days.

Thanks for any help

G.

  • Offline in reply to tess10

    I started this thread when I was I the early stages and so confused and anxious. Many thanks to Jolamine and others for their reassuring responses. I have had my lumpectomy, recovered, had radiotherapy and then a year post diagnosis had mammogram and ultrasound scan. So far all clear. when I first joined this forum I was panicky and overwhelmed with the diagnosis. I'm now feeling better but I accept that any day I might feel something and get it checked and find out the cancer has returned. I try not to think about it, but I know it's a possibility, Ive made big changes, I took early retirement and am now focusing on my hobbies....last week I was on a course with a chap recovering from throat cancer.  Bythe third day he had to spend the day lying down as he was too exhausted after the brutal treatment he had had. We met inthe bar later and we didn't need to talk much, We both understood the uncertainty that I don't think someone wh has never had cancer can fully appreciate. You just don't know if your treatment is 100% successful....but you hope it is and meanwhile you just get on as best you can, Hugs to everyone going through this.....some of us will be fortunate, but there is no point worrying. Just live your life as though you will be the fortunate one.

  • Offline in reply to Gadgetgal

     

    Hi Gadgetgal,

    I'm glad to hear that you found some of my responses reassuring in your early days. You have come a long way since then. I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better about things. One thing that we all have to live with is the possibility of cancer recurrence. Hopefully, you will continue to be one of the fortunate ones and remain cancer clear.

    You are quite right there is no point in worrying, but live each day as if it is your last and make the most of it. I am glad to hear that you are making the most of your retirement and sincerely hope that this continues.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Gadgetgal

    Hi. I am at the same stage as you were when you asked all your questions. I know people replied with varying responses to how long you need off work, but I wondered how long you ended up taking off?  Did you go back to work between the op and radiotherapy starting?  I go in next Monday and have asked for the 2week FIT note from hospital.... 

    thanks

    Ruth

  • Offline in reply to vruthw

    The lunpectomy for me was really easy I was out shopping day after not carrying bags obviously but didn't feel like I had a operstion .

    you will be fine I wish you the best x 

    good luck Lara x 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.