Hello. My DCIS was diagnosed in February/march. I’m now 2 weeks post op lumpectomy and although the pain /discomfort is less, today I noticed the affected breast seems bigger than it has been recently. How long should I expect swelling to last? The numbness hasn’t begun clearing yet, I’m told to expect that to last for a long time. The swollen area is above the wound, as the wound sits on the under fold of the breast. Should I be concerned about this new swelling? And when should I expect the wound to be bathproof?
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Hi. Lots of love being sent 
when I had my lumpectomy, I had numerous concerns and I found the breast care nurses really helpful. If I had a concern I would text them and then send a secure photo via email so they could see what I was worried about without having to go to a face to face appointment unless they thought it needed more attention. I was told that swelling and pain is normal for quite some time but after what we’ve been through, it always helps to have a professional put your mind at rest. I would recommend getting in touch with the breast care team that have treated you as they understand why you’re worried and want to help. Hope your recovery gets better xx
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Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll contact my nurse.
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Hi jaynie1
Thanks for your post.
It’s good to hear that the pain and discomfort you were experiencing after your surgery is settling. Many women experience swelling around the breast, shoulder and arm and numbness around the wound after a lumpectomy This should settle in time but could take several more weeks before it lessens.
Wearing a supportive bra during the day and at night might help you feel more comfortable and support your breast. It sounds as though it would be a good idea to speak to your breast care nurse as @1980 suggests, since you’ve noticed more swelling in the last day. Sometimes fluid can collect in the breast and underarm area which is called a seroma. The fluid should eventually reabsorb, but your breast care nurse may want to check this.
You can usually bathe or shower after surgery if you have a waterproof dressing over your wound. Your breast care nurse will be able to advise you on when you can remove the dressing and bath or shower normally. Our booklet on your operation and recovery may be helpful to you as you recover from surgery.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
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, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Wendy
Breast Care Nurse
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