Lumpectomy recovery time?

Hi - After my mastectomy I had two drains on each side. To keep the drain tubes from hanging uncomfortably, I used a drain pouch from Amazon called RecoverEase. I’ve tried to copy the link below. I also used a robe from Amazon that had drain pockets and I ordered a hoodie (from Amazon) that had drain pockets. I wore very baggy shirts and also pjs that buttoned up the front. I used a shower shirt (from Amazon) to keep the drain sites dry when I showered.

My husband measured the drain output and kept the log.

Here is the link from Amazon. Apologies if it doesn’t paste correctly.

RecoverEase - Mastectomy Drain... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FVTRTLT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Good luck!

Hi. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy and bilateral oncoplasty reduction. I did have drains but just for a couple of days. I remember the first week of recovery was difficult with movement of arms but doing PT exercises helped me recover.  I would say the first 2 weeks were difficult and then I made significant improvement during weeks 3 and 4.  Best of luck to you and a speedy recovery!

@s2425 Great post! For future reference for anyone who sees this: We do allow links, but your post will probably automatically get sent to moderation. If you write a post containing a link and don't see it go live right away, that's why. I'll get an email about it and will view and approve it asap. (That's what happened to your post.) Thank you for your very helpful response to the original poster's question.

Having drains to come home depends on several factors.  Location of biopsy and how deep it is and how much tissue removal was required.  NOTE:  DRAINS actually can help you heal faster if they are needed.  Some people will think they didn't really need them as it didn't seem to be draining that much.  That's ok, and you can always call the dr office and talk with a nurse if you have questions after home.  It's much better that way, than to get home and your body be one to produce a lots of slough off fluid and have to go back in to have drains put in!  Be sure to follow instructions for keeping them dry and how/when to empty them.  Think of them as a weird "band aide" to care for.  On the flip side... if you don't have drains and you experience pain, increases swelling, or increased temperature in the area, be sure to call your doctors office right away.  I like the tips about some items that can help deal with drains. 

With or without drains, there are some things you can plan ahead of time to make the most of the hospital stay and then to make recovery at home better.  Packing loose clothing to wear home that tie or button in the front.  Don't forget to wear slip on shoes as you may not be wanting to bend that far down for footwear.  A lot of the following are tips for more involved surgery, so don't let this all scare you!  Make room on a nightstand for some post-op things you may want handy when you are resting or sleeping.  Practice ahead of time trying to roll to the other side to help get up out of/or into bed without the use of that arm.  Have a spill proof drink cup ready to come home to as well.  Many times you are requested from reaching or stretching your arm over shoulder height/or reaching lower than the knee.  So... take a look around the kitchen/bath.  Things like drink cups/tableware/favorite cereal/munchies/hair-tooth brush etc locations can be temporarily stored a little differently.  Is your favorite chair easy to get in/out of and do have extra different sizes of pillows available for a chair or couch.   All this makes it easier on your care supporter, as well as, YOU!  Be sure to plan to do nothing but rest, relax, and pamper your body.  You might even practice going to the bathroom without the use of that arm for short term.  Is the toilet paper easy to get/can you get on/off the stool with only 1 arm to help.  Have a log book ready for you and caregiver to record what rx's and over the counter meds may be taken.  I tell people to write down exactly how to and when to take any and all meds.  It helps a caretaker to keep track and be aware of time for next dose as the dr instructs, as well as, you if you sleep and may be a little groggy to figure out if it's time to take something when you awaken.  Be sure to record taking things at time taken so you don't end up doubling up something.  Cell phones are nice, but don't hesitate to turn it off or turn the ringer off so you can REST!!!  Have a paper ready to write down things like visitors or callers, food that may be brought to you, etc.  Later you can use it to thank someone.  You can even pull out some good old feel good movies to watch when you are awake.  It helps to curb the impulse that you feel good enough to get up and do some things.  They can wait.  Don't hesitate to call someone if you are feeling overwhelmed, no matter if it's lack of sleep or thinking you should be doing more than you are.  Many friends/church members would love to pick up something for you or just stop by for a short visit to entertain you if bored.  It's really hard for me to "chill" so I also had a couple of good books to read...nice way to pass the time.  I've been thru breast cancer twice and multiple other surgeries.  So if you have questions or just need someone to talk to, I don't mind a call even in the middle of the night.  🙂  Julia Stegeman  913-206-4518.  If I don't know your number you will probably have to leave a message and I'll return the call ASAP.   Hoping this goes smoothly!  🙂 

I just had my lumpectomy w sentinel node biopsy 2 weeks ago and I’m a little sore but feeling much better.  I was noticeably better after the first week.  The recovery was easier than I expected.  That said I did not need to have any drains.  However, I also did not have reconstruction.  I’m pretty sure I would have needed drains and I know recovery would have been longer had I needed reconstruction.
So far I’m satisfied with my decision not to do reconstruction because my tumor shrank a good amount during chemotherapy, so the amount needing to be removed was minimal.
I’m still bruised, a little swollen  and have a lump (possible Seroma). When I am completely healed I’ll know for certain whether I am happy without reconstruction but I think in my case, the lumpectomy is not going to be noticeable.  I go for my postoperative visit in 2 days. Then will have radiation scheduled.
Good luck to you.
BTW,   I had my surgery done at KU by Dr. Jeffers. 

Thank you SO much for the thoughtful insights, appreciate all the tips too! I’m weirdly looking forward to just getting on with all of this so this unwelcome visitor can vacate the premises. Will definitely check out the helpful items on Amazon, and start assessing my surroundings for easier healing after surgery. 

Dr Wagner at KU will be taking care of me, and I feel like I’m good hands. I opted for no reconstruction. 

Thank you again for the help.  Sending good vibes and good health to all of you, no matter where you are on your journey. ❤️