Mastectomy

Hi there I am due my mastectomy 17th Dec I am so nervous  

They are also removing some lymph nodes to check whilst their there as its showing its not spread x

Sorry you are needing a mastectomy, I wasn’t really nervous and as I was the last on the list for it that day I was quite calm I expected to be a nervous wreck, I had to have lymph nodes removed as was in them, I had 8 lots of chemo before I had op to shrink the tumour first. All went well after surgery just got numbness underneath my arm but apparently it is common, hope all goes well for yo

I promise you it does get better with time. I think after my 3rd month post mastectomy I started feeling a bit "normal" again in the area. Obvs it's never exactly the same as before, but it's amazing how your body adapts. I would only advice to be very precise with the post surgery arm exercise guidelines. I started dropping them earlier than what recommended as I felt good with my progress but it did result in a bit of cording which can be a but annoying at times 

I had mastectomy three weeks agon The area around my armpit is still numb. Have you spoken with your BCN Shegetti . We are all individual in our responses to surgery  and they may be able to reassure you or else advise. Hope it improves soon.x

 It's only natural to be nervous Shelly4 , I was very nervous before mine. Imagined  all sorts of issues about the potential surgery, possible complications, being physically limited and the dreaded drains but it's not been that bad in reality. Is there something in particular you are nervous about? Have you spoken with yout BCN? Hope all goes well and if you have any questions about others' experiences this is the place for it.  Best wishes x

Yes thanks, they said its normal and will get better but could take a long time, so here's hoping x

Hi there im scared about the pain I'm scared about looking down at the area for the first time and feeling disgusted at what I see, I'm in two minds if to have reconstruction it's all so overwhelming,  I hopeyour doing ok now? Send

Sending love ️ 

Hi Shelly4  I can only speak from my own experience but if it helps put your mind at rest pain can be managed and for me I'd say it was more discomfort and after day 3 didn't need any paracetamol which is all I needed for first few days. I've had more painful migraines to tbh. I decided to take things in stages as was unsure about recon and as you say it was so overwhelming. Re looking at scar etc, yes it was hard first couple of times but I've got used to it now. I cried for days when I was first told I needed mastectomy but have accepted it now. Take care and be kind to youself. It's a big thing. You're allowed to feel whatever you feel. Xx

I didn't really have much pain after op just discomfort , I didn't have any stitches either only 2 to hold the drains in place, they just used glue and sterie strips which was a lot better than stitches,  still don't like looking at my scar after 7 weeks, I didn't even think about reconstruction,  you will be fine x