I had a total mastectomy, so I can't really give any advice on a lumpectomy. However, I do have a suggestion. Try to always have someone go with you to your appointments; it's so overwhelming that it is hard to remember everything. My daughter goes with me, and she will even ask questions that I might have not thought about. Another valuable aid for me is to log into the Patient Portal and the doctor will have a summary of the visit to help you remember everything. Praying for peace and comfort for you as you go through this! 💕

Hi Suzette, No worries love. You've met with your surgeon and he/she told you what is expected right? So, you will have a drain inserted I'm sure. Hospital staff will teach you how to drain it and keep it clean. KEEP IT CLEAN that's very important. Keep incision sight clean. So, you should tape the tubing to your belly with like paper tape and change the tape often. You'll be in a little bit of pain but nothing you can't handle. I had my tube in over a month. I had a lot of drainage coming out of me. Just do exactly what the doctors and nurses tell you. You feel anything that is odd or different than what is said, YOU CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!!!! NO fooling around period. This is serious surgery. My name is Annette Brown and I've been where you are at now. My number (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) if you want to talk or have any questions ok? Blessings, God has you my friend.
Annette

It's tough remembering everything from oncology appointments, especially right after being diagnosed when there is so much going on and you are still reeling from your diagnosis. Sheila is correct, it is helpful if you have someone who can go with you to appointments. What I have always done is write a list of questions I have for each doctor and then I jot down notes when I ask my questions or am given important info at the appointment.

For surgery they will put you under general anesthesia. It sounds like you have cancer in 2 of the 4 quadrants of your breast. Your doctor mentioned the breast will be much smaller. You are entitled by federal law to reconstructive surgery if you want it, which would include making both sides of your chest the same general size and shape. Did your doctor address having a mastectomy since it's in 2 quadrants already and you are young? My original cancer was in 3 quadrants so I didn't have an option for a lumpectomy and went with the double mastectomy since my mom died of breast cancer.

It will probably be at least a week or two before you can drive again. I had a lumpectomy when my breast cancer came back for a 2nd time, but I had complications so my healing timeline wasn't typical plus I also already had the double mastectomy. The lumpectomys are less painful than the mastectomy though. The healing time would also be less since there's less tissue being removed over a smaller area. You won't be able to lift much more than 5 pounds for at least a few weeks while you are healing so you will need an extra set of hands to help with the 2 year old. You will end up with some numbness along your incision sites and where the tumors are removed due to nerves getting cut in surgery, but odds are you will still have some sensation the side of your breast that isn't having surgery. You will have some pain and discomfort from the surgery. Most likely your surgeon will give you a prescription for pain medicine. The pre-surgery testing you mention is all normal. Every doctor I've seen regarding cancer surgery and reconstruction has always given me written material describing the procedure, recovery, etc. If you didn't get something like this from your surgeon give their office a call and ask if they have something they can send you so you can be bettered prepared. Good luck to you ❤️

Suzette, please keep an eye out for any signs of infection- temps, redness, warm to the touch, etc. Keeping you in prayers that everything is better soon, and that Tuesday's surgery can go forward as planned! Sending extra prayers and hugs!

I’ve been thinking about you. My surgeon advised that at least 50% of breast surgeons no longer do so however you & surgeon will have your best plan for you. I’m so Sorry that your’re going through this Suzette yet again. Please know that you are young strong & will get through this. It’s hard to see this right now but in the end you will. Sending love & best wishes to Suzette ♥️ (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) if you need to