This is our first tomato plant, so we went conservative and only got one.
During a NW deluge, and before we put it in a tomato cage, the plant flopped over and one stem was damaged. It had a hole in the base of the stem were it partly broke. I asked a neighbor about it, and he said just close the hole shut with a twist tie rather than cut the branch off.

Now I'm not so sure. The hole didn't heal, and there are bumps on the stem that don't look good.

So question is, what are those bumps? Are they indicative of something bad? If so, should I prune the branch off?

That is a testament the the plant's will to live. Those are root nodes...the plant/stalk is trying to grow new roots and it's nothing bad. I don't know what's at the top of that stalk. If it's healthy with fruit, I suppose you can leave it (I don't think I would, though). If it's not too big, cut the stalk off below the wound, strip off the lower leaves, and bury the bottom of the stalk (bumps and where you stripped leaves) in a pot or the ground you'll most likely get a new plant! I'm not sure there's still time left in your season to get fruit, but give it a try!

In the future, you might get a second opinion when that neighbor gives you gardening advice.

nmoasis said:That is a testament the the plant's will to live. Those are root nodes...the plant/stalk is trying to grow new roots and it's nothing bad. I don't know what's at the top of that stalk. If it's healthy with fruit, I suppose you can leave it (I don't think I would, though). If it's not too big, cut the stalk off below the wound, strip off the lower leaves, and bury the bottom of the stalk (bumps and where you stripped leaves) in a pot or the ground you'll most likely get a new plant! I'm not sure there's still time left in your season to get fruit, but give it a try!

Thanks! Just got done doing that. I trimmed off two small branches to just above the root nodes and planted the damaged branch in a mixture of potting soil, compost and some Tomato Tone. Just for kicks and giggles, I also planted the two smaller branches I trimmed in separate pots. Time will tell if all three survive. If not, I can reuse the potting soil.

nmoasis said:In the future, you might get a second opinion when that neighbor gives you gardening advice.

Well, he's been growing tomatoes for years and happened to be in his garden, i.e. he was handy.

Keep them soaking wet for week at least, so they can form roots