I had my left mastectomy with lymph node removal on 3 December and by Christmas was virtually back to normal. My recovery was fairly pain free, just had a problem with the drain pressing on a nerve, but once the drain was removed no more problems. I was that anxious about the op that I didn't sleep a wink the night before! Make sure you have front opening tops to wear as it might be difficult for you to raise your arms to put anything on over your head. Take any help offered and look after yourself.
there is some lovely support on here, I too am so scared, but some ladies that have gone through the surgery have all said it’s not as terrible as you are thinking. xxx
Hi Summer, try not to put too much stress on yourself. I too was terrified before i had bilateral mastectomy and some lymph nodes removed. That was in 2019. (I am 74yrs). It was nothing at like I imagined. I came back from surgery around 3pm and sat and enjoyed my evening meal and had my visitors went off carefully to the loo....The drains are a bit of a nuisance more than anything, but the area of the surgery was numb, so I did not experience any real pain which is what scared me the most beforehand, discomfort more than anything lifting the arms (especially doing the exercises, which you must try to do), but I was back home the next day. As Lesley said a front opening tops are a must really. I wish you all the best. Do your best not to worry too much....xxxxxxx.
I was diagnosed 22nd December. My first op didn't go ahead but I finally had it 18th Feb. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty and snb. I've recovered well and I'm just waiting for results. We are always waiting hey!
What types of cancer do you have?
What surgery will you have?
There's lovely people on here so your never alone. Also breast cancer now have a good forum and other info.
Hi there , I avoided bras for a while and bought some high fronted pretty vests from MandS , I had surgery to remove my breast and 5 lymph nodes last Sept. Another item I bought recently was sports bras with no wires etc, they are comfy and tend not to ride up the breast bone
I am glad to hear of an older ladies experience. I am 69. Were you offered reconstruction. I would be grateful for any advice. I have large breasts and mentally and physically don't think I will cope with having one large boob. They won't remove the healthy breast so I am hoping they can reduce it in size so it won't be so cumbersome. Got appointment on the 16th March and worried sick.
Well done for getting through it with such positive outlook x
