Wait until
about 3 months after surgery
to do any resistance/strength exercises. If you have any shortness of breath, pain, or tightness in your chest, stop exercising immediately.
What are the restrictions after a lumpectomy?
Healing time after surgery can range anywhere from a few days to a week. After a lumpectomy without a lymph node biopsy, you’re likely to feel well enough to
return to work after two or three days
. You can usually resume normal physical activities, like going to the gym, after one week.
When can I workout after lumpectomy?
Wait until
about 3 months after surgery
to do any resistance/strength exercises. If you have any shortness of breath, pain, or tightness in your chest, stop exercising immediately.
Can I lift weights after lumpectomy?
You should avoid repetitive motions with the arm on the surgical side, such as vacuuming, for two weeks after surgery.
Avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks
.
How long does it take to recover from lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy?
You should feel close to normal in a few days. The incision the doctor made usually heals in
about 2 weeks
. The scar usually fades with time. Some people have a buildup of fluid in the area where the lymph nodes were removed.
Can I lift my arms after lumpectomy?
In many cases, your surgeon may want you to start doing gentle stretching exercises, such as shoulder rolls or arm circles
2 or 3 days
after surgery. Until you have your surgeon’s OK, don’t do any strenuous exercise such as high-impact aerobics, jogging, swimming, or lifting weights.
How should I sleep after lumpectomy?
–
Sleep with your head elevated and pillows behind your back for support as needed
. – You will have swelling and bruising, this is normal. Do not use ice packs on your breasts because the skin will be numb and the ice packs may actually cause an injury.
How big is a lumpectomy scar?
Breast tumor is removed along with a healthy margin of tissue surrounding the tumor. This will leave
a small to medium sized scar
on your breast, directly over the area where your tumor was.
How long after lumpectomy does radiation start?
Radiation therapy usually begins
three to eight weeks
after surgery unless chemotherapy is planned.
What should I wear home from hospital after lumpectomy?
Pack comfortable underwear
, no-skid fuzzy socks (if you don’t want the hospital-provided ones), or slippers/moccasins with non-skid soles. No need for bras: you’ll wake up wearing a surgical bra that will stay in place for a while.
Can I skip radiation after lumpectomy?
If you’re having lumpectomy and will be taking hormonal therapy after surgery,
it may be possible for you to skip radiation therapy
. As you are making your treatment plan, you and your doctor will consider a number of factors, including: your age. the size of the cancer.
How long does a lumpectomy scar take to heal?
It is usually removed within
one to two weeks
. The scar at the site of the surgical cut (incision) may feel hard. It may take many months to become soft.
Will I have a drain after lumpectomy?
3
You will not usually need a drainage tube
if you are undergoing a surgical biopsy, lumpectomy, or a sentinel node biopsy. The location of your drains will depend on the surgery you have, but often includes a drain at your mastectomy site and one in your armpit if you have lymph nodes removed.
Can you sleep on your side after lumpectomy?
Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
You may want to sleep on the side that has not been operated on
. You may want to use a pillow to support the affected breast while lying on your side.
How long will your breast hurt after a lumpectomy?
Tenderness should go away
in about 2 or 3 days
, and the bruising within 2 weeks. Firmness and swelling may last for 3 to 6 months. You may feel a soft lump in your breast that gradually turns hard. This is the incision healing.
When can you sleep on your side after lumpectomy?
You can begin to sleep on your side again
two weeks after breast reconstruction surgery
. However, stomach sleeping is still not permitted at the two-week mark. You must wait four weeks before you can sleep on your stomach.
