Up coming double mastectomy

Hi  and welcome to the community.  I noticed you hadn't had a response and so by replying to you it will bump your post back up to the top where someone who has had a mastectomy might see it this time and respond. 

I have two friends who had mastectomies (just the one breast) and they both recovered really well and didn't have much discomfort or pain after surgery so whatever pain meds they were on must have worked. 

Take front fastening tops with you to hospital as lifting your arms above your head might be a bit difficult for a bit.  Also take two pillows so you can put one under each arm for the trip home.  Normal pillows should work but you might get given little ones by your surgeon. Also a V shaped pillow to sleep on can be really useful while your forced to sleep on your back.

Hope your surgery goes well.  

Hiya thanks so much for replying and bumping my post I really appreciate that. Thanks for the advice on the pillows an that too. I'm really nervous but I know its for the best x 

I’ve had a left sided mastectomy on 16 December and I can honestly say that it was quite plain sailing pain wise. The area is mostly numb, but you get a couple of “tingles” and a bit of phantom nipple shivers. I found the worst bit was the drain; again, no pain, just the “ick” factor! I was back at my keep fit class on 4th January and could move the affected arm and shoulder just as well as before surgery! I got myself a pocket bralet from George at Asda and shoved a foam prosthesis in after my surgery and it was quite comfortable until my scar was healed enough to wear a more sturdy one. From what I’ve heard, the most uncomfortable part of the surgery is the lymph node removal (they only took 2 of mine), but friends I know have had a few removed with lumpectomy and they seem to have had more discomfort and recovery time than I did. Stay positive and do your arm exercises as soon as you can. Wishing you lots of luck and positivity, sounds like you’ve been through the mill already, you’ll smash this!  

I have had a bilateral mastectomy , it's ok will cut your risk down conciderably . I had cancer in both breasts last year and had my ovaries removed 30 years ago .  The surgery is ok don't worry X 

Jayne 

Hiya thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my post I really appreciate it. Thanks for the advice on recovery ill look at asda to see if I can get a bra for after the op. I'm having expanders and I'm not quiet sure if I need one for hospital or not. I've been looking online  at pillows n a back rest so going to order those Monday I'm getting my bag ready making sure I have everything I can  think of. Its 2wks on Monday and I'm really nervous. I think the part for me is loosing my nipples too and loosing the feeling.. im scared of how ill look after.. i worry alot about everything. Do you think its a good idea I start doing my arm exercises now so I get used to doing them? . Thanks for your kinds words and sending Me positively I really do appreciate it   x 

Hi this day last year I had a mastectomy and reconstruction at thr same time I was cut hip to hip to make a new boob. I can honestly say my boob area was fine had some lymph nodes removed too . I did the exercises great help  .The bit for me was the cough I got from anasetic the back ache from laying down for so long.  honey lemon for cough all day long. heated wrap for back . I've joined a gym I swim 3 times a week   I've had a nipple done a tattoo on nipple it looks bloody amazing you can't tell the difference. got bio.oil for scarring used it religiously. what a difference a year makes. I was home on the Friday went in the wed. yes I was bent in half but everyday yiu get better and better. my daughter stayed with me for 5 days. 

I'm sure your look back like me and think wow how did that happen 

Good luck takecare 

Awh, it’s hard not to worry. And it must be difficult for you on an emotional level. I guess you’re a younger woman than me which I suppose puts a different point to it. I can only tell you about the physical effects, but emotionally it depends on your circumstances. I’m 60 so my bikini days are behind me. It can be difficult to come to terms with, I had my moments but I came to terms with it and I’m just glad to be alive. I rationalised it by thinking about normal life and the fact that 90% of the time we’re wearing clothes and we are just normal, nobody knows, it’s ourselves that mess with our own heads!  If you’re having a reconstruction they can do all sorts of things to create a nipple effect. I suggest you take one day at a time and spend the days before your surgery trying to do nice things and make the most of the time until then. Worrying won’t change anything tomorrow but it will suck the joy out of today! Wishing you all the best of luck!! You will get through this, stay positive enjoy life, that’s the whole point putting ourselves through this! X