Mastectomy tomorrow

Hi Helbo, I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in August 2019 and didn’t require chemo until after, when they found it was necessary due to the cancer being worse than at first expected.  So I had just over a month to recover before starting chemo, which was horrible, but you do get through it and come out the other side.  I, like you, was terrified of hospitals and anaesthetics as I usually react badly, but this time, the nurses, surgeons, doctors etc were all lovely and they helped dispel my fears on the day.  I was led into the operating theatre and before I knew it, I was under, op was around seven hours, but I was not aware of the passing of time.  That first night is very long and the worst, after that, you look forward to recovery, albeit slowly.  Just be kind to yourself and give in to it all, relax and just go through the motions until it passes and you begin to feel better after it’s all done.  Good luck.  As for bras, the nurse will fit you into one later.  I found front zipped ones the best and the cheaper ones on eBay were better than the expensive ones.  Nicola Jane (online) sells good ones and if you use the code SM21 you get 20% off.  All the best.

Thank you for responding Giuliella, that has made me feel more confident and really useful info re the bra. My surgeon has been great so I am sure it will be fine. Thanks again.

Hi,

Just wanted to wish you good luck for tomorrow. I had single mastectomy in January without reconstruction. I'm not a fan of needles and have really poor veins. Always work myself up but they were fantastic. I was back in my room in 90mins. There was discomfort, wouldn't say pain but took the medication that was on offer. The following day I was a bit more sore but put that down to the anesthetic being completely out of my body. I was home by lunchtime.

As for bras, I bought a couple from M&S as I wasn't sure what I needed but for the first week I didn't wear anything until the drain was taken out. Have to say once I started wearing one I was a lot more comfortable which I didn't think I would be.

Most important advice I would give is do your exercises. I was advised to take a couple of paracetamol half hr before doing them.

Good luck and hope it goes well x

Thank you Delh, good to know about the bra situation as that weirdly has been bothering me! I am only going to be in overnight which is great and thanks for the tips on pain relief before exercise . I hope you are doing well now too.

Helbo

helbo, just to wish you good luck tomorrow, I’m sure it will be all over before you know it.

Hi Helbo,

ive had mastectomy with a temp reconstruction about 2-3 weeks ago. I wasn’t to terrified about op part as I wanted my lump out (it grew very rapidly & in pain). Everyone at the hospital were all amazing and caring. The nurses helped me fit into a new bra as the ones I had brought were too small due to the swelling after left the op.

Good luck with your operation. Xxx 

Hi, I had a single mastectomy 2 weeks ago without reconstruction and I receive my results this Thursday.  I was in hospital for less than a day and I left without drains. I didn’t wear a bra for the first week just a vest top. On the second week when I returned for the dressing to be removed a wore a none underwired bra from M&S and then ordered post op bras from there too. Good luck for your operation, stay positive and make sure you do your exercises but don’t overdo it!

Hi Helbo. I had my mastectomy 5 days ago, was scheduled to stay in hospital overnight but ended up staying 4 nights because a) I developed quite a large haematoma, and b) it was considered easier all round for me to stay in hospital over the weekend. The operation itself didn’t present me with any difficulties, but I confess I had a bit of a meltdown on day 2 because of the pain caused by the haematoma pressing on the drain. The fact that I was still in hospital meant that my pain meds could be adjusted quickly, and very effectively. I have to say my breast cancer nurse was brilliant- she was in regular contact with the Ward even though she wasn’t on duty over the weekend. So, even though I had a bit of an unexpected blip, the response from the breast care team and hospital staff was faultless. It took them less than an hour to drain the haematoma and adjust my meds, and by lunchtime on day 2 I was up and about, pain free, and back to my usual “in control of it all” state. I’m saying this not to frighten you, but to reassure you that your comfort and safety will be given top priority. I’m back home now, so glad I took the advice to stay in hospital a bit longer, feeling pretty good, and enjoying being pampered by friends and family - although I suspect by tomorrow I’ll be getting a bit fed up with acting the role of a Diva, and sneakily making my own cups of coffee!! Good luck; stay positive, and have confidence in your breast care team - they’ve got years of experience and expertise between them. And finally - it’s really good advice about the exercises you’ll be given by your physio, they make the world of difference to your recovery time. 
JanD

Hi Helbo i had a left sided mastectomy 1st Feb i to like you was worried about the anesthetic no need to worry tell the docs what your worried about when they come to see you before the op and they will put your mind at rest i was only in hospital for the day a bit sore after the op but meds offered worked and lasted till day after took regular paracetamol as advised over the next couple weeks breast nurse will give you a softie to go in your bra when your ready to wear one and then you will get an appointment for a prosthesis fitting (if your not having reconstruction) i have my fitting next Friday i have only praise for the full team that looked after me from clinic to ward to theatre they made me laugh kept my spirits up which made the whole experience bearable. Just want to wish you all the best for tomorrow dont worry you will be ok and do your arm exercises it really helps with recovery x