I was diagnosed in the 28th June 2021, I am having a modified radical mastectomy on 22nd July 2021. I have no one to help once I'm home. Will I need help or will I manage?
Hi Dogmum. I had a single mastectomy in January with full lymph node clearance. Only 1 night stay in hospital. Whilst I am married the only real restrictions I had was housework (what a shame lol) avoiding lifting anything heavy etc but apart from that was fine. Rest when you need to. It might he worthwhile batch cooking prior to yr op so you just need to reheat your meals. Just ensure you do the exercises your given as they really help. I was driving after 2 weeks. Wasn't in any pain but you will be given plenty meds to leave with just in case. It's not as bad as you think. It's the unknown. I was the same only natural. Take care and let us know how you get on xxx
I had a mastectomy and didn't have much pain, it was more discomfort, the axilla (I had 4 nodes removed) was more painful, I managed with Paracetamol, I did the exercises that they advised which helped so much, I came home and other than hoovering managed much as before the op. It is a big concern before you go in for the op, I had convinced myself having my breast off would be horrendously painful but believe me it wasn't, my Consultant tried to reassure me I would be surprised how little pain I would have, I didn't believe him but, he was right! All the very best.
Hi Dogmum I was diagnosed on the 13 October 2020 since then I have had Chemo, Surgery 2 Lumpectomy's (I have cancer in both breasts) this included removal of 19 Lymphnodes' and am on my final week of radiotherapy. I had 4 weeks in total. I live with just my dog Poppy. I mainly needed help with walking her so found out and contacted a charity called the Cinnamon Trust, three wonderful ladies came forward and walked Poppy for me. Had groceries delivered, while attending chemo, radiotherapy, surgery my wonderful amazing oncologist arranged patient transport which was brilliant and the upside of being diagnosed during a pandemic is they can only take one person result!! So you will be fine there is so much support not counting family and friends that will help. Please don't worry you will come through this with flying colours and like me be a much stronger, happier person. Sue
sorry to hear of your diagnosis too. I have had two mastectomies, one with reconstruction, then one to remove the implant. The key thing each time was I couldn’t walk the dog so my partner and friends all helped with the walking. You’ll be limited in the weight of things you can pick up so simple things like getting a lighter smaller kettle and not being able to hoover will be great if people can help out. you also can’t lift your arM above shoulder height for about two weeks so it makes reaching up for things or changing/ dressing difficult at times. we out things I needed when alone on surfaces or the floor in preparation. washing my hair was problematic with not lifting my arm so my partner did that for me, but could a friend do it? i also prepped and froze meals so it was really easy, especially for the first week, to eat.
We’re all so different with pain and I managed really easy with no painkillers after two days but everyone is different.
can you ask your Breast Cancer Nurse what help is available to make things easier for you?
