I used a mouse from 1990 to 1996 or there abouts - so you can do pretty much anything with a mouse, it just takes longer and needs more adjusting of pressure etc..
I use a Wacom tablet though now yes, it's certainly quicker. There are cheap graphics tablets around but the Wacoms are the best by far - but a bit on the pricey side. They even do one with a screen, so you're basically drawing on your picture with a pen - bit expensive tho
