How to Ease the Pain of Lumpectomy

Diagnosis Breast Cancer
Lumpectomy verses mastectomy, after the breast cancer diagnosis. Lumpectomies are fast becoming the surgery of choice for many women faced with breast cancer. Earlier detection and hard hitting chemotherapy make it possible to conserve as much breast tissue as is medically feasible. What comes as a surprise to many women is the pain associated with breast biopsies. Once that is behind them, facing a lumpectomy can seem daunting. Many women have reported that the lumpectomy was less painful than the biopsy. Anesthesia can be a wonderful thing. Following these easy steps after surgery can greatly reduce your pain.

Sports Bra
One of the first things that is used to contain a sore breast after lumpectomy is a well fitting sports bra. Most women are told to bring one from home. Hospitals do not supply sports bras after lumpectomy. If you're lucky, you will awaken after the procedure with the sports bra, already in place. The medical staff will try and place the bra on you while you are still under anesthesia, to lessen your discomfort.

Gorilla Glue
Run of the mill sutures are fast being replaced by gorilla glue. Not exactly gorilla glue but close. Lumpectomy incisions are quite often glued shut now. This eliminates the discomfort of having stitches removed a week later.

Hydrocodone
Usually hydrocodone is offered for pain relief immediately after surgery. As this procedure is often done on an out patient basis, it is common to leave the hospital with a prescription. Many women prefer not to use strong pain medication. Some cannot tolerate anything stronger than Tylenol. One of the most important aspects of pain control is to reduce swelling at the surgical site.

Got Peas?
Frequently the patient will be sent home with an ice pack and instructions on how often to ice the incision. Unfortunately, when the ice pack comes out of the freezer, it is usually rock hard. This does not conform well to a sore breast. Next time you reach into the freezer for pain relief, opt for the bag of frozen peas. It is a flexible and superior alternative to a hard ice pack. Frozen peas can be tucked easily inside a sports bra and adjusted for maximum coverage. They will curve where you curve. Actually frozen corn would do the job just as well. These frozen little helpers come in different sizes, too. Little breasts do well with the eight ounce bags. Big breasts would do better with the sixteen ounce version.

Mamma/Grams
It goes without saying that the most important thing any woman can do to ease the pain of lumpectomy is to keep the surgery small. The only way to do that is to catch breast cancer early. Whether you are a young woman, a mamma, or a gramma, get your mammogram every year. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family it is not too early to get your first mammogram by your thirtieth year. Go for the squeeze and pass on those peas later on, if at all possible. Knowledge is power. Lumpectomy is better than mastectomy. Gorilla glue is better than stitches. Frozen peas are better than ice packs. Early detection helps mammas live to be grammas someday!