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Had two lumpectomies without clear margins and now I need a mastectomy. I’m wondering what the pain levels will be after two surgeries?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dryden, NY

IDC and DCIS tumor removed from left breast. After two lumpectomies, DCIS is still too close to the margins. Since a third lumpectomy will not guarantee clear margins, will require my surgeon to remove some skin, and further impact the shape of my breast, I’m meeting next week with my surgeon and a plastic surgeon to discuss a mastectomy.

July 25
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A MyBCTeam Member

I had the single mastectomy- they cut through so many nerves, which means fewer pain messages make it to the brain- so not as painful as I had imagined it would be. I had an Rx for pain meds, but just used Tylenol. The more uncomfortable spot was the incision area for the removal of the lymph nodes. Using a small U-shaped pillow to go under the arm, reduces the amount of pressure/friction from the arm against the surgery site. A similarly shaped neck pillow or small folded towel can accomplish the same thing. Keeping you in prayers! Hugs!

July 28
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member thank you for your reassuring message.

July 27
A MyBCTeam Member

I first had a lumpectomy in right breast in 2016, stage 1. Cancer came back in opposite breast stage 3 in 2024. My decision to have a double mastectomy was easy at age 60. The pain was not as bad as you would think. You have about 2 weeks down time with pain meds to control any pain. It will be hard to lift your arm so have all you need at arm level. You are going to be fine with what ever decision you make. Hugs

July 26
MyBCTeam

What a journey you've been on — two lumpectomies is a lot, and moving toward a mastectomy decision takes real courage. It makes complete sense to want to know what to expect with pain after everything you've already been through.

After a mastectomy, some pain, tenderness, and numbness is normal and expected. The good news Show Full Answer

What a journey you've been on — two lumpectomies is a lot, and moving toward a mastectomy decision takes real courage. It makes complete sense to want to know what to expect with pain after everything you've already been through.

After a mastectomy, some pain, tenderness, and numbness is normal and expected. The good news is that research actually shows people who have a mastectomy tend to report *less* long-term pain compared to those who had lumpectomies. That said, everyone's experience is different. Here's a general idea of what to expect with a mastectomy:

- Recovery time is typically around four weeks
- If breast reconstruction is done at the same time, healing can take eight weeks or longer
- Scarring, pain, and numbness are the most common ongoing issues
- Lymphedema (swelling) is a risk, especially if lymph nodes are removed — the more nodes removed, the higher the risk

Since you've already had two surgeries on that breast, your tissue has gone through a lot. Your surgical team will be the best guide on what your specific recovery might look like given your history. Meeting with both your surgeon and a plastic surgeon together is a really smart move. It gives you the full picture — both the removal and reconstruction side — so you can ask about pain management, recovery timelines, and what reconstruction options might work best for you.

Don't hesitate to bring a list of questions to that appointment. You deserve clear, thorough answers going in.

July 25
A MyBCTeam Member

You've been through so much. You are incredible my prayers and thoughts. Wishing you well. Much love and endless!

July 25

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