After surgery

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  • Sorry no one has replied this should get you back up to the top of the first page and hopefully you might get answers.

  • I'm no expert but I would guess that even 4 weeks after surgery is a relatively short period. Your body really does have a LOT of healing to do, especially after reconstruction.

    So try not to worry - may be completely normal as it's still relatively early days.

    BUT do give your breast care nurse a call. They'll be able to talk through it with you and check that all's well.

  • Thank you. I think I just want to feel normal and get back to being useful at home.  I’ve no motivation 

  • Completely relatable! Recovery is always so much slower that we'd like! My guess is that in the weeks to come, you'll feel incrementally better and some of that motivation will return. Go easy on yourself in the meantime.

  • Its really early days for recovery. Breast tissue doesn't like to be disturbed and takes a very long time to heal. Mine was a good 6 months or so before it started feeling anything like settled - and actually that was after radiotherapy not surgery so probably about 9 months. It felt swollen and hard all that time. I still have a little loss of feeling on the scar, but it is slowly coming back (surgery was Feb 2021).

    Even now if I sleep on that side, I can be achey.

    Of course if you're worried at all , then call your BCN

  • Thanks when I was getting the dressing changed at my Gp surgery on Monday the nurse asked me if I’d had implants. I had to say no it just still feeling weird and heeling. 
    She did say it’s all healing well. My oncology appointment has been canceled from this week till the end of the month. So a bit of waiting to see what radiotherapy  and hormone treatment will look like.  Can I ask how long you took before returning to work?

    sleeping is the worst part so it is, trying to get into a comfortable positions even with a pile of pillows. 
    glad your starting to get the feeling back. 

  • Hi, am 6 weeks post surgery (lumpectomy) and its only been in the last week that the heaviness and aching has receded.  Can now lie on the side that was operated on, but only for shortish periods.  Suspect that with 4 lumps being removed and reconstruction, it will take a bit longer.  Found it really hard to be patient, especially around the 4 week post-op period, but the body takes as long to heal as it needs.  Although I can now do most things, my motivation is still a little low and I find I run completely out of energy quite quickly.  Still wearing bras 23 hours and 50 minutes a day as need the support!    Thankfully am retired, but think return to work depends on how you feel and the nature of your job.  Don't rush it and consider a phased return if it is possible.

  • Thank you. I have the bra on 24:7 too. I’m glad your feeling better and can even for short periods.