Mastectomy this Thursday, August 10th - reassurance

Following this - I am having a double mastectomy next Monday with immediate reconstruction and I am dreading the recovery x 

Give yourself time to heal, be kind to yourself, ensure you have help around the house for the first few weeks, you can do it!

I had a left mx with implant reconstruction but not post chemo, as I was considered low risk. It went fine but sadly I bled (partially exacerbated due to the blood thinning injection given by the nurse that night), so the op was repeated 30 hours later - BUT all went fine that time and I coped in spite of the drains! Yes I had family help for a few days (I had a disabled hubs so needed help for him as well as me!) 

I got back to normal remarkably quickly, began some walks after a few days of rest, with naps during the day too, but was doing some gentle dusting within a few weeks. No heavy work allowed though, so had help vacuuming, changing beds etc. (family visited to help!) 

Minimal discomfort, sorted by regular paracetamol. If anything it was all easier than the previous SNB! 

Hugs xxx

Hi Jan,

I don't have the full experience you're looking for, but maybe I can still reassure you a bit! 

I was diagnosed in July 2021, had 3 operations and finished chemo/radio in March 2022, then found out I had BRCA1 mutation, so was recommended to have a double mastectomy. Since I'd recently finished radiotherapy, I was advised to wait a year after the end of radiotherapy to have my mastectomy. Fast forward to March 2023 and I had a double mastectomy without reconstruction (my choice). The recovery from the mastectomy was surprisingly easy and straight forward, although I realise part of that is because I didn't have any reconstruction.

My sister was tested and discovered she has the same BRCA1 mutation, so she was also recommended to have a double mastectomy. She had her operation 2 weeks ago and opted to have immediate implant reconstruction. She stayed in hospital for 1 night and had 4 drains in to come home with (2 on each side). The drains stayed in for a week, which was quite annoying and debilitating for her, but as soon as they got taken out she has been a lot more mobile and is building her strength up every day. She had a bit of pain at first, particularly when the drains were in, but about a week ago she stopped taking any pain meds and is recovering really well. She tries to go for a walk every day (even if it's short!) and to eat lots of fruits, veggies and home prepared meals to help her body heal. She also rests when she needs. I think she is pleasantly surprised how well her recovery is going so far.

I had a year to consider my surgery, so when it came round I was ready to get it over and done with and to stop thinking about it. After my operation, I felt a huge sense of relief that my boobs were gone and could no longer try to kill me. For me, It helped a lot to think about the reason I was having the op and ultimately, the risk reduction was a big weight off my mind.

It's a tough path you're on and I wish you the very best with your operation. I hope that you will be like me and my sister and look back and say it was nowhere near as bad as you expected. It's a big change to your body that you've had to accept in a short space of time. The best advice is always to be kind to yourself, listen to your body, make sure you do the physio, eat well (I prepared and froze some healthy meals before my op), rest when you need, follow the advice of your doctors and ask friends/family for help at home during the first few weeks to avoid lifting anything and doing housework!

x

My goodness Rose you have been on some road! Three operations only to find you then have  BRCA1. These damn gene mutations are wreaking havoc with some of us women - however I am mindful of women past who didn’t have the opportunity of knowing and therefore not offered the protective options we have been. I am grateful for the protective options but never the less, its scary.

Thank you so much for your reassuring words and experiences of you and your sister - it does help to hear these stories, not least that sense of not being alone with it. I have been very positive through the chemo experience but this last month has hit me with the impending surgery, which I know is triggered by past trauma surgery.

I am generally a fit and healthy person so I have a good starting point for recovery and I know I need to focus on remembering that rather than feeding the negative thoughts of all that could go wrong. I have a fantastic partner who will do everything at home and a dog who will no doubt offer endless cuddles.

Roll on Thursday - I just want it ‘done’ now and to fast forward a few weeks to biopsy results!

Thankyou again,

Janx

ps - any drain tips? Even the word ‘drain’ sounds gruesome to me 

I was so glad to get rid of my left breast (no recon) once I knew it was an offending article! Even managed a laugh on the trolley being wheeled to theatre as the porter was so big and breathless that I offered him the bed and I’d push!! I had 3 drains in my side, the 3rd being a drug releasing pain disc which buzzed every 10 mins. It did not keep me awake and I had no pain. District nurse came daily for 3 days to measure fluid and once I’d retched the optimum amount they were removed by DN.  Time really does go v quickly! I wish you well and will think of you as I turn the calendar date over to 10th xx 

Sending tons of best wishes for a speedy recovery xxxx

Thank-you - My surgeon has said one drain - 3 seems a lot! I do just want to get on with it now as it’s hard to think about or do anything else with this cloud looming. The sun is out in Leeds though so I will get out in a green space and soak it up.

Thank-you for holding me in mind as you turn that calendar  over to 10th.

Jan x

Hello Jan

I had my mastectomy nearly three weeks ago and it is honestly not so bad in my opinion. 
Drain was a pain but had that for a week then was allowed to have it taken out.

 I’d never had an anaesthetic before and was more worried about that than anything! But it was all fine.

I was very fortunate to have immediate reconstruction to my left side and am pleased with the result. 
I’m an active, mainly fit person who loves exercise so have tried to walk most days, even just short distances.

 Thinking of you, and you’ll be fine xxx

Good luck Jan wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you a big hug xxx

These messages are helping me to feel it’s doable - thank you all you lovely kind people x