Hi, I’m having a lumpectomy next week and will lose my nipple, as there is bc in the middle of my breast and a large area of DCIS is behind my nipple.
Will I be given a prosthesis after, or will I wait for a follow up appointment for it? How about swimming, is it waterproof?
Will I be able to shower or bath the day after?
what should I take with me on surgery day and anything to get in for afterwards?
How long after surgery will radiotherapy start?
Having a wobble this afternoon! Thanks in advance.
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Hey 
I had a lumpectomy in December. I can’t help with the question about a prosthesis but can help with your other questions.
I had a waterproof dressing and was told to keep it dry for 48 hours and then I could shower but just let water run over it slightly. I stayed away from baths until 4 weeks post op I’ve just had my 1st bath but didn’t saturate the scars in the water, my consultant said I could but I read online in could potentially soften the tissue (not sure how true this is 
but didn’t want to risk it). He said no swimming in a public pool until 6 weeks post op due to risk of infection.
I took to hospital:
-Little loveheart pillow which was a life saver (have your hospital give you one)
-Front button pj’s and a dressing gown/slippers for walking down to surgery
-Something to keep your mind busy whilst waiting (phone/books etc)
-Some snacks for after, they did come round with tea and toast but it was nice to have some snack bars too
I didn’t get anything in really post op, maybe just some healthy meals/snacks but I was up and about the following day.
I had my results appointment last week (3 weeks post op) and am awaiting the oncotype test to see if I need chemo before radiotherapy but I think if you’re just having radiotherapy they start it around 4-6 weeks post op or as soon as you’ve healed.
Hope that helps, you will get through it. They’ll give you exercises to do post op, make sure you keep up with them xx
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Hi @mrs_sunflower. Sorry to hear you’re having a hard time.
I would really recommend reaching out to our nurses with these questions. Sometimes it can just be helpful to talk things through. You can reach them on our free helpline 0808 800 6000, and you can call them as many times as you want or need.
We also have a forum thread where you can ask if easier: Ask our Nurses your questions - Breast Cancer Now forum
I truly hope you are able to get some answers soon. We’re here if you need us!
Best wishes,
Chloe
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Hello @mrs_sunflower
Great advice already however
Can you maybe check with your BCN or the ward you are going to be admitted to if you have that information yet about dressings as I had to keep mine dry for the whole 14 days -though they had started to peel off at edges by that time. Different surgeons / hospitals do things slightly differently. I wasn’t given a heart shaped pillow either - so this is another question for your team . I already had a special pillow for sleeping which supports my upper arm so I stuck with that but you can buy the heart shaped pillows on line they aren’t expensive and they can be really helpful .
Honestly it’s fine to be scared & everyone is but you are going to be ok. Keep posting let us know how you are xx
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