Like any surgery, lumpectomy or partial mastectomy has some risks, side effects, and recovery issues
Pain medication. You'll want to make sure the person you're caring for goes home with adequate pain medication. Ask her doctor to explain clearly what to expect in terms of pain and other possible reactions. Although lumpectomy is now often performed as outpatient surgery, it's still a major medical procedure and the patient is likely to be exhausted and uncomfortable for several days afterward
Surgical dressing and drains. The dressing over the wound may need to be changed, or there may be a drain in the breast area or armpit that requires care. Make sure you understand the procedure for emptying the drain, if the patient you're caring for is given one. And watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and fever.
Physical therapy. Her doctor may recommend simple physical therapy exercises to prevent stiffness in the arm and shoulder on the side where the tumor was removed. These are important after a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, so ask for written instructions and make sure the patient understands the exercises -- it can help to run through them together.
