Breast Cancer & Lumpectomy Wellness Suggestions

Also called partial mastectomy, “lumpectomy” is when only the lump or mass is removed, not the whole breast. It can be confusing to have two names for the same thing. This surgery is done for cancer, a suspicious area seen on mammogram, an abnormal cyst, or a bothersome fibroadenoma.

• Self compassion journaling or meditation (w/ links) for your abnormal imaging, diagnosis, and/or need for surgery

• Take the surgery healing supplement Percuro before and after

• Melatonin for sleep and anxiety before and after surgery

• Electrolyte drink (clear with zero sediment or particles) the morning of surgery, finished 2 hours before check-in at the surgery center

• Ice any biopsy area prior to surgery

• Ask if ice to the breast is okay. It isn’t always.

• Ice to all IV sites

• Arrange for after-surgery massages to the neck, shoulders, arms and legs for discomfort from positioning during surgery (do not turn over onto chest/stomach)

• Throat spray for discomfort from the breathing tube

• Sports bra w/ zipper in front, for best support after surgery

• Arnica after surgery, apply to the breast

• Acupuncture for pain and anxiety

• Limited yoga after surgery (you may have restrictions after surgery) and full yoga once fully healed

If the lumpectomy is for cancer, then the “gate-keeper” lymph nodes under the arm will be removed. This is called a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. You have 20-40 lymph nodes under each arm, but only a few of them collect cells directly from the breast. The others collect from different areas or are part of the larger tree-like network of lymph nodes. Care for this aspect of surgery is very specific. Read breast cancer lymph node biopsy wellness suggestions here.

Contact me at info@centerforholisticsurgery.com and we can find a time to chat about how I can support you to your best surgical health.