Recovery after breast surgery for Lumpectomy & Lymph node removal

Hi KD1

Welcome to the online community.

My name is Sarah one of the Cancer Information Nurses on our Support Line.

Before you have your surgery, you should have a pre op appointment to talk through preparation for surgery and what to expect afterwards. This can help your recovery and is called prehabilitation.

Recovery time after a lumpectomy and lymph node removal varies with each person. Most people will recover well with few side effects. Your team will be able to give you some idea of how long it maybe before you can return to your normal activities. Wounds can take 6 to 8 weeks to heal and you will see your surgeon around this time to check that everything is healing well.

After surgery you will be given advice on exercises, to avoid your affected arm and shoulder from becoming stiff. You should also be given information about how much exercise to do once you are home to build up your strength whilst avoiding lifting or carrying anything heavy for a few weeks.

After breast cancer treatment, finding safe and effective exercises and eating well can help your body recover.

All the best with your surgery and if we can help with anything else, don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref HeP/SS