What's recovery like after a surgical breast biopsy?

Question

I'm going to be having surgery in a few weeks to remove a breast lump (it's not determined if it's benign or not but they will be removing the whole thing). I will be given full anesthestia (can't spell that). I was wondering what I can expect after? Will I be in a lot of pain & for how long? I'm getting the procedure done in the morning & am wondering if I'll be ok to care for my 2 year old son alone the next day? Should I not pick him up afterwards for awhile? Also, what about showering...how do you bathe after or can you? Thanks, I'd appreciate anyone's experiences with this!!!

Answer 1

you will be a bit sore, but not in pain. i would find someone to stay with my son for a day or two, as you won't be wanting to lift him. good luck and God bless you and your son.

Answer 2

I had surgical biopsy after needle aspiration caught only connective tissue. I had only local anesthesia, but didn't feel a thing during the procedure. Afterwards, however, it really, really hurt! I took pain meds (not tylenol, but some heavy-duty stuff) for several days and practically lived with an ice-pack in my shirt. I was only comfortable sleeping on the sofa with the arm on the side the biopsy was done raised up on a pillow. You won't feel like picking up your son for a few days, and you should get some help at home for at least a day or two so that you can sleep/rest. You can shower/bathe if you have a waterproof dressing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about this and also instructions on changing the dressing (most likely he will do this a couple of days after the biopsy, and maybe 2-3 more times before the sutures are removed).

Answer 3

Recovery After Breast Biopsy

Answer 4

Your talking breast lumpectemy not biopsy. I'm sure you've had the biopsy. The lumpectomy is painful and they will also do a sentinelle node biopsy to see how many nodes are affected if any of cancer. It will take a month to heal and they are great at making sure your pain levels are taken care of. In Canada they will reconstruct immediately if thats what you want. Be prepared for some pain for about a week then it's uncomfortable. The next step will be the chemo and radiation if you need it. I wish you all the best. I'm hafl way through chemo and it was okay until they started the Docetaxel it's tough found it harder in one week than the other three treatments. But no matter it must be completed to save your life. God Bless and you'll get through it. We all do.

Answer 5

It really depends on what is actually going to be done. The breast surgery is not such a big deal, the problem comes from the node removal. That can affect muscles and nerves that you use all the time.



I've had lumpectomies on both sides and had no problem taking care of myself but I think you should plan on getting some help with the 2 year old for a least a few days. I second the vote for breastcancer.org. It is a wonderful source of information and the people there can be very helpful.

Answer 6

Your doctor can answer the questions specifically to you.



I couldn't shower for a few days, I just took baths (pretty easy to keep the area dry that way).



Definitely plan on having someone with you the day after surgery, I always feel nasty a day or so after being under anesthesia. Odds are you won't feel up to taking care of your little guy.



I'm having surgery next week to just remove some scar tissue and my mom is coming to stay for 3 days to help with my 2 1/2 year old and drive my 5 year old to school each day.

Answer 7

So much depends on the size of the lump to be removed. And also how much tissue they will remove along with the lump. You will probably be too uncomfortable to lift a child. Also if the lump is large, you will have a drain to deal with, so you will not be able to shower unless you can direct the water so that it doesn't hit the incision. If you end up and it is cancer, an absolutely amazing site, that answers all questions on breast cancer is breastcancer.org. It will help you understand everything that will be about to be done. My oncologist told me I was very well informed and it was all on that site. It even tells you what questions to ask your oncologist. It made me feel in charge, pro-active for the treatment that I was about to undergo. Well, I hope your lump is benign, and wish you the best, but if not, I will quote from Chicken Soup for the Survivors Soul. A SURVIVOR IS A VICTIM WITH ATTITUDE!!!

Answer 8

Just went through it a couple of weeks ago and pain was my main name. You are given prescription for pain meds. A small pillow works wonders under the arm to help cushion the area. After the day of surgery, you can shower and clean the area as it will have a clear bandage over it. You will be bruised....I had dye test to see if cancer was in lymph nodes and that leaves you blue for a couple of days. It is absolutely a howl. You pee blue, you face and breast will be blue...I still have a patch of blue on breast....This is the contrast dye...After the anesthetic wears off (give it three to five days of sleep) you will just be miserable, black and blue and sore...very tired.

All in all have someone help you with the little one. You may bounce back quicker than I did. Good luck...Pathology report takes two weeks. I had my lumpectomy done around 12:30-1:00 and woke up after six p.m.

Answer 9

now it will be num and very sore honestly u will fell like your going through hell picking up your child wont be the best or easiest thing 2 do cause that will be putting a lot of pressure on your breast area.........it should take up 2 at least 2weeks for healing !!!!!!!!!!hope this was helpful

Answer 10

Depends os the size, and your currently health, for more info check this site http://cancerhelp.awardspace.com/



My best regards