Double Mastectomy

Hi I had a bilateral mastectomy  with immediate reconstruction January last year. I'll try and remember as much as I can but ask me any questions I don't cover. So I was in hospital for 2 nights, originally said one but I was glad I remained in for 2. I was advised to take in a front fastening post surgery bra,  I got mine from asda online. Also front fastening tops/pyjamas as you will find it hard to put things over your head at first. I also took Mule type slippers which were easy just to slip on. Make sure you're pyjama bottoms/ trousers are loose fitting so they are easy to pull up. As well as toiletries I had my phone ( I downloaded something to watch onto it), headphones, charger, book and a few sweets/treats. 

I left hospital with 2 drains in place . They gave me a bag to put them in to carry around. It was awkward sleeping with the drains, more where to place them and not knock over! I bought a v pillow to try and wedge myself in and I slept upright at first. I also found a travel pillow helped. My drains were only in place for 2/3 days after I left hospital .

Painwise, it was more discomfort than pain as you will be very numb, I was able to manage with paracetamol but the hospital had also given me codine as well.

They will give you exercises to do and do start these as soon as they say, they really do help I promise.  I was so surprised of lack of movement straight after my op but with the help of the exercises,  my movement began to come back. 

Hope this helps,  any questions please ask

Take care

Claire x

Hi Fifitrix,

Thank you so much. Its definitely helped.  I had been wondering about the drains and how to sleep with them in. 

My reconstruction will be at a later date so will just need to adjust regarding tbe bra size.

Thank you

Hello Fifitrix. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had 6 cycles of chemo and radioterapy.  Want to ask you about the breast reconstraction you did. How did you feel after the surgery? You did reconstraction with implants or it was used your own tissue? How fast did you recover? How long have you been back at work? Any information is good for me.

Many Thanks 

Hi Eli

My reconstruction was with implants. The other wasn't offered due to covid as I understand the reconstruction using your own body tissue takes longer operation wise. I was also told implants is a faster recovery. 

Prior to this I'd never had an operation before. I was very flexible and did yoga so wasn't expecting just how the movement of my arms would be so restricted. However the exercises done a few times daily really do help. It definitely helps to have loose fitting bottoms and front fastening tops. Pairwise- it was more discomfort than pain. You feel a burning sensation as the nerves are cut during the op. Your breast area is numb , around my back also felt numb initially.  I'm now a year down the line and my breasts are still numb but I was warned about this. I think I felt comfortable to drive around 6/7 weeks after but I know some ladies have driven before that time. I had my op before my chemo so regarding going back to work it was a case of when I felt ready to go back.  I did go back 2.5 months after chemo on a phased return. In hindsight this may have been a little early but mentally I needed some normality 

Hope this helps

Claire x

Hi I had a mastectomy on the 1st Feb, just the left breast and a couple of lymph nodes …..I went in at 12-30 and was home at 9pm …had it done in Weston hospital.  I came home with 2 drains, one was in for 5 days and the other for 10 day.  It will be 4 weeks tomorrow and it’s healing well. I’m back at work tomorrow too.  It is strange having to remember to take your drains with you everywhere, especially at night when going for a wee ….i started my workouts again after 12 days.  I do hope it all goes well for you xx