Lumpectomy

[Lavenderosemary]

I need to have a lumpectomy to remove a non malignant tumour which was about 5cm at the last check although I think its grown since. It needs removing with good margins.

I work in a care home with very heavy m&h, challenging behaviours (including one person who will grab me and vigorously rub their chin back and forth on the top of my chest , this is an entirely innocent act on their part). I also have 90 minutes driving to and from work total each day including a long potholed dirt track. I am on immunosupressant medication, and having a wound in work concerns me.

I have no idea at all how long I'll need off work - can anyone who has real life experience give me any indications? Im very fortunate to have plenty of paid sick leave available and a supportive manager, they want me in good shape before I return.

I would say 2-3 months and if you go back earlier they’ll be thrilled.

It really depends on many factors

• where the 5cm not including margins mass is- the deeper it is the longer the recovery
• how large your breast is- if you’re an A/B cup it will be harder to surgically remove with little impact
• whether you will need another surgery if the margins aren’t clear
• whether you have any healing or infection complications that delay recovery
• how the internal scar tissue ends up affecting your arm strength and mobility.

If work can second you to a less physical, desk role until it’s fully healed in which case you would probably be ok after 6 weeks.

This is something to discuss with the doctor as they will be the ones signing you off.

I second everything @LoremIpsumCici says. I had lumpectomy in 2019.

It will affect your arm and shoulder on that side. The breast itself will be tender for a few months but the main issue is getting full use of the arm and shoulder back. You're given exercises to mobilise it afterwards.
Complications can include "cording" which I had. It's very painful and requires physio.
Regardless of how big or small you are, longer term you will find you need different bras. Something that supports but no wires. I have to say that the scar tissue does seem to be sensitive long term. You may also get slight nerve damage at the back of the upper arm. Mine is numb but doesn't give me any problems.