Mastectomy

I also had a mastectomy 18months ago.  I am a single parent to teenagers and to be honest did not get much help with household jobs. But I managed and you can only do what you can do. But you will need to take it easy for a while no hoovering and driving. I recovered well after a few weeks.  Good luck with your surgery and I know it maybe hard not to worry but I am sure you will be fine as I was xxx

Thanks a lot, It is reassuring to hear you have managed your housework after your op. I have chemo behind me now so hopefully surgery won't be too bad. I will only do light tasks.  It is good to hear you have recovered well. Take care xx

Hi Raff44. I had a left side mastectomy on Wednesday. I was also really curious as how I would cope afterwards, I have a very active almost two year old. My husband has got two weeks off to help. I would say you will need the help. If you could get your daughter to do the heavy lifting, they say not to lift anything heavier than a full kettle. I am only on day 3 of my recovery and I feel okay. My arm is a lot less stiff, make sure you do the exercises they give you. I am only on paracetamol too. Make sure you take it easy. I am 32 and super active but have been so tired so I’ve been having nanny naps in the day. Don’t push yourself. You need to heal. Good luck xx

Hi B32

Thanks for your reply. I hope you recover soon. My surgery is on 29th. I can't wait to put it behind me. I have finished my chemo only 3 weeks ago and my body is not back to normal yet. I hope surgery won't be too much for me. Take care xx

Hi Raf44. That’s great that your chemo is over. I bet that took its toll. I’m sure you can handle the surgery. It’s amazing what our bodies can do. I am feeling even better today, no nanny nap ha ha. I even went out for a pub lunch! Definitely more myself everyday. Just listen to your body, it’s okay to take it easy. It’ll soon be behind you. Take care. Let me know how you get on with your surgery xx

HI i Had a right side mastectomy with sentinel node removal three weeks ago. The operation wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as i thought it would be and I went home the same day with district nurses coming in for two or three days afterwards. The most annoying thing was to lug a wound drain bottle around! I had this removed after a week. To be honest i didn't worry about doing anything except the most basic things. Leave the hoovering and dusting and just ask your daughter to prepare simple meals and keep the bathroom and kitchen clean. After three weeks I find I do the things I normally do in the house, but be prepared to feel tired still and do your exercises. If you family are willing to pamper you a bit, let them do it! Very good luck with the op and don't worry you will get through it fine. Kind Regards. Mal xx

I have my mastectomy on thursday, am a single mum to 6 year old twins so got my sister in law staying for a few nights. Hoping the recovery isn't too long and painful.... 

Hopefully should get a date soon for mine, having masectomy with immediate reconstruction, just wondering if I should arrange for my sister to be here, I am have my son at home who is in his 20's xxx

Hi Mal,

Thanks for sharing your experience. It is good to know you have recovered well. I am doing lots of gardening and housework this week. This keeps me busy and help me focus on other thibgs than surgery. The house should be organised and tidy for a couple of weeks. you take care, too. Xx

• Hi Raff 44, I’m 5 weeks mastectomy, kids all grown up and hubby and children stepping in but I’ve managed washing up, loading the washing machine, dusting etc, no wielding the vacuum around or making beds but waist height non heavy stuff fine, just had my follow up today, assured I can pick up my two year old grand daughter now despite seroma and cording, yayyy !