Hi,
How long does an average recovery process take after a lumpectomy. How soon can a person start doing daily activities independently? What are the absolute areas that the person will require support during the recovery process. Is there a way or some organisations that can help with trained carers who can help the person during the recovery process.
I guess it depends on how well/fit people were pre op. I was 36 and discharged quickly. I didn’t need any help, just did everything one handed. It had minimal impact on me. My Mum had the same at 80, but she had a drain in. She needed a bit of support dressing and had to take things gently until her drain was out. She pottered slower but was independent pretty quickly. Best wishes.
Thank you so much dear! This is useful information
Hi sms.
It varies on each individual.
I wasn’t too bad, had to keep reminding myself to use other arm.
Hubby used to tell me off for reaching & lifting stuff.
You will know your limits.
Wishing you well. x
I went home within 2 hours and was carrying out normal activities well within a week. Ive had 3 lumpectomies/cavity shaves and it was pretty ok. However i was 46. Make sure you do the exercises given and rest as needed. You should also try and take a walk a day to help prevent blood clots and wear your surgical stockings until normal movement resumes. I found using a warm pack or a heated blanket very soothing. Good luck and try not to worry. Xxx
Thank you dear!
Thank you! This information really helps one prepare better. Best wishes !
I’m 46 and my recovery was also quite straightforward. Tired for a couple of days and didn’t need help as such but it was nice having people around so I didn’t have to do too much. Back to driving after a week, gentle jogging after two weeks and full normal activities including running and lifting light weights after about a month. As others have said, be sure to do the exercises! Try not to worry too much, the thought of surgery is often much worse than the reality. Best of luck with everything. x
Hi there. I had mine at 43 last year. As others have said, you will probably surprise yourself and be able to do many things fairly quickly but everyone is different. The pain was manageable and subsided largely within the first couple of weeks. I did unfortunately develop a haematoma in my boob the evening of the day of my op. This was very sore and swollen and it actually leaked (sorry if tmi!) about 9 days later just after I had my dressing removed. This meant redressings every few days for about 3 to 4 weeks which was a pain but it helped to have contact with the lovely nurses. This delayed my Radiotherapy as they wanted me properly healed. I am pleased to say though a year down the line, the swelling is gone, I had a clear scan and the restrictions of those first couple of months are a distant memory. What I am trying to say (a bit clumsily) is that even if you get ‘hiccups’, it is all manageable and it will get better. Good luck and take care…and keep doing the physio! It really does help xxxx
Thank you dear. Listening to your experience makes one less scared 
Thank you so much! And no, it isn’t tmi, all information is good information, especially for someone who likes being well prepared whenever possible. As it is the cancer diagnosis and everything else has been such a surprise and definitely does not makes one feel in control of anything around. Thank you very much! Hugs and continue to keep well!
Hello sms
Thanks for posting.
As @edp and other posters have said, recovery from lumpectomy will vary from person to person depending on their general level of fitness and if they have any other health concerns. Our information your operation and recovery hopefully answers all your questions. You can download a copy or order one to be sent out to you.
Most people don’t need carers but if they live alone, they may ask a friend or family member to stay for a few days after the operation. This isn’t always possible though. If i someone is assessed as needing to have more care they may remain in hospital for a bit longer or may be referred for reablement for when they are discharged home. You can speak to your breast cancer or preoperative-assessment team about any concerns you have.
If someone is not eligible for care but would like to have carers this would need to be funded privately. You can search here for local care providers.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form by ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.