Upcoming surgery advice.

Hi first of all 

on completing chemotherapy its no mean feat and you've done it, well done.

My lump was 6cm and when i had a MRI after my chemo it was gone, but after lumpectomy there were still little bits floating about so the mastectomy got rid of it all.

I had a mastectomy 6 weeks ago today, and i would say i am back to how i was before. I had my reconstruction done using the muscle in my back so different to you but the mastectomy itself will be the same. The main thing is I was told i have no cancer remaining a couple of weeks ago.

I had no pain in my boob, mainly because they cut through the nerves so it just feels numb. I had a bit of discomfort in my back but nothing major. I'm sure someone will be able to give you advice on using your tummy. I lost no mobility and was surprised at how much it didn't hurt, more uncomfortable and ibuprofen and paracetamol soon eased that.

Anything else you may want to know come and ask.

Best Wishes xx

Hi

Really well done, so far!!!! I had mastectomy and immediate recon by diep although no node clearance. It’s a big operation. You will be given lots of pain killers plus a morphine pump in hospital - tho they took my pump away as I didn’t use it very much. During the first couple of days the sleep deprivation I think is the worse as they do obs every hour for the first 24hrs then it’s ever 2 hours for the next 24 then every 4 hours etc. I found it very difficult to shuffle about as my stomach was so tight. The abdominal surgery is the worst bit. I was discharged with varying strengths of pain killers which keep on top of it, but you do need to make sure you take them. I also had terrible back ache to begin with from trying to shuffle about a bit. You will need help to begin with and everything takes 20 times longer. Mobility is limited as you are not allowed to stretch or lift your arm up. To begin with I slept with a V pillow and lots of pillows under my knees which I gradually decreased. My hubby took a few days off work to help then fortunately for me my teenage daughter was on school holiday so she looked after me and then it was the Xmas so hubby was around again. I did a lot of organising from the sofa!!!  But it is doable and the results are amazing. It is worth the hassle. Good luck Xxxxxx

Apologies for typos as replied on my mobile on a train!!

Hi.  I had chemo and then a DIEP on 16th January.  Physical recovery from the op wasn't too bad.  Most discomfort I had was my arm as I had full node clearance.   

They will warn you there is a risk of skin necrosis, healing issues to boob, and I was unlucky and had this.  It was quite distressing and delayed radiotherapy.  I ended up with a skin graft and will now be starting radiotherapy on 12 June some 6 months after surgery.

But getting there now although new boob badly scarred.   But with clothes on ....It's ok.

Wishing you good wishes and quick and trouble free revovery