Lumpectomy is typically an outpatient procedure. You should do the following after surgery has been performed:
- Keep the surgical area clean and dry.
- Keep a bandage over the surgical site and you may have one or more tubes to drain blood and fluids that collect during the healing process. You must empty the drains, measure the fluid, and report any problems that your doctor may tell you to watch out for.
- Avoid vigorous activity for about four weeks, or as directed by your doctor.
- Try not to lift anything heavier than five pounds for about a week, or longer if directed by your doctor.
- Wear a well-fitting, very supportive bra 24 hours a day for the first week.
Keep in mind, if you've had lymph nodes removed, your arm is at risk of fluid accumulation and swelling (lymphedema) and/or serious infection (lymphangitis). You'll need to take some special precautions:
- Don't have blood pressure taken, blood drawn, or shots given in affected arm.
- Wear gloves to do dishes, household scrubbing, and yard work.
- Don't wear anything tight on the affected arm, including elastic in sleeves.
- Don't carry heavy packages, purses, suitcases, grocery bags, etc. with the affected arm.
- Moisturize the skin of the affected arm with a lanolin-containing product.
- Use an electric shaver to shave your armpits.
- Avoid sunburn.
Good luck.