EP and Lumpectomy...

blondie42107

I just got a call from my OB's office that they are scheduling an appt with a breast specialist.  At my pp visit (at 5 weeks pp), I told my OB I had a lump, she felt it and sent me for an ultrasound and mammogram.  I wasn't surprised as I have a hx of fibroadenoma and had one removed about 8 years ago.  

Two things...  My hubby leaves Friday to be out of the country for 10 days for work.  Secondly, if I have a lumpectomy (which will likely be the suggested course) I have no clue how this will work with pumping.

Anyone have experience???  TIA 

cmhicklin

That sucks! I am sure this is very stressfull right now : )

I would talk to your doctor about how soon you would need the lumpectomy, and what her thoughts are on the subject.  Is it something that you could put off for a few months, or even more?  I don't imagine you would be able to pump (at least for awhile) and that could lead to loss of supply or even clogs/infection.  Your health is #1 priority!

AmyRI

I'm sorry you're going through this again. I was miserable when I was going through the diagnosis stage for my fibroadenoma. Can't imagine doing it with a newborn, too.

You need to talk to your doctor about timing, because it's a big issue to have a biopsy or lumpectomy when you are lactating. The milk will leak out the incision and can cause lots of infection problems that are hard to correct, as the milk won't stop flowing easily and the cut will take a lot longer to heal with milk constantly leaking.

If the u/s says it is a hard mass, and not something like a plugged duct or cyst, you might have to wean at least that breast before having a biopsy/lumpectomy. Or, given your hx of fibroadenoma, would you both feel comfortable putting it off until you're done breastfeeding? It's a risk that you, your hubby, and your doc should discuss.

If you do wean to have the lump tested, seek out help with relactation after you're healed if you're up for it. Good luck! I hope it turns out to be nothing.