Thank you for all for your well-wishes, encouraging words, ice cream and all the feels! 

The day following my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, I took it easy.  The pain was there, lingering on throughout the day but it was not as excruciating as I had imagined it to be.  I was so scared of the after-pain, in the days leading up to my surgery that’s all I could think about. In the end, it wasn’t so bad.. Maybe going through chemo first prepared me and body for the worst?  I took my prescribed pain meds for the first day and a half and rested, staying in bed or laying on the couch most of the time.

What I’m most thankful for is having my hubby and mom here to keep me company and to help with things, simple things.. Like helping me up from the couch, making lunch, and cleaning up, which made my recovery go seamlessly.  My hubby also helped with me my baths for the first 4 nights since I wasn’t able to fully extend my arm or reach… I cannot begin to say how not sexy or romantic this was.  It was sweet that he did that for me.  

By the Tuesday following my operation, I was feeling a bit of cabin fever.  I wanted to go out – stretch my legs, get something to eat, do things on my own, but I knew I wasn’t fully ready yet.  It was a rough road (literally), every bump and dip bounced my boob no matter how much I braced myself or how slowly my hubby drove.  That little field trip didn’t last very long and we were back at home just after getting a bite to eat.

Everyday I tried to do a little more, increased my activity level from just sitting on the couch to making lunch and dinners, I stretched and moved my arm more too.  I was able to drive a couple of days after that, and I have to say, it was nice to get my independence back.  

It’s been about a week and a half since my surgery and I didn’t think my body would heal this quickly.  I can fully raise my arm now without pain but there’s a little tightness so I’m a bit apprehensive to swing it or move it too quickly.  My breast is still tender but the overall bruising has slowly gone away.

Below are a few photos I wanted to share of my biopsy incision.  These photos were taken every 3 days and it definitely shows significant progress: 

PS. Remember that blue dye they injected right before my surgery? My surgeon mentioned this could happen but it was still shocking to see!… here you go (yes, I took a photo of my pee): 

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If you’re preparing for your lumpectomy or know of someone who is, here are a few helpful post-surgery items I would highly recommend:

A full-body support body pillow / U Shaped pregnancy pillow.  I purchased this one by Meiz on Amazon for $51.09. Not just for mamas-to-be; since i’m a side sleeper, this pillow helped to relieve a lot of the pressure when I tossed to my sides.  I honestly don’t know where this pillow has been my entire life.. I love it and my hubby loves it too!

Front Closure Bra / Post-Surgery Bra.  There are quite a few brands out there for post-surgical bras, but I found this particular one by Amoena on both Amazon and Nordstrom.  Although the surgery center provided me a bra, having a backup was extremely helpful. I was able to wash the first one while having this one to wear as an alternative.  This one is soft and comfortable to wear throughout the day and night (I sleep in mine). The straps aren’t adjustable but there’s enough stretch.

A Heart-Shaped Arm Pillow.  This little helper was fabulously handmade by a friend and it’s been so great at easing the added pressure and pain from my biopsy incision and arm. I use this at home, in bed, on car rides and have even used it grocery shopping.  I’ve seen patterns online if you’re crafty too or there are a few for purchase on Etsy as well.