Newbie at 39 with recovery questions

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

I don't have the experience you need but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. This is probably because this is such a busy group that your post has fallen off the first page before someone with the right experience has seen it. Replying to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list where it'll be more easily spotted.

While you're waiting for replies it would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Wishing you all the best with your results tomorrow

x

Hi there

I am 42yrs old and six weeks post single mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty about one month prior to this with sentinel node biopsy. I had a drain placed after the mastectomy op. This I found a little annoying more than anything else for the first few days, and curtails you a little but once it was taken out I found it easier and more comfortable to move about and do things. Post op pain was not bad at all, much less than expected regular pain killers were sufficient and after a few days I barely needed them. If you have had a sentinel node biopsy already you will have found it quite tender post op. The mastectomy for me caused less discomfort than the node biopsy. I was very tired the first week after my op and needed a lot of rest but this may have made worse by the fact I’d had two GA’s and two ops in short time so you may not feel so tired. I was able to go for short walks from the day after my op gradually building up over the following weeks. I was advised against heavy lifting(anything above about 2kgs) pulling , pushing motion for the first couple of weeks so as not to disturb the implant but thereafter I’ve been able to get back to normal use again building up use gradually. I was able to drive again after the first few weeks.  I am not a mum so I can’t tell you from that point of view. But I hope this gives you an idea of how recovery may go. Although you will need rest particularly those first 7-10 days. I’m sure you’ll be able to do gentle day to day things with your children maybe not picking them up or pushing swings! but gentle hugs on the opposite side are certainly doable. Making snacks or light lunches and gentle activities with them I’m sure you will find doable in those first few weeks too. At six weeks out now whilst the muscle in my shoulder/chest area can still get a little tender with much use I find I can do most things now. I hope this helps and I wish you well with your op and recovery x

I loved your post because of the bit about the bowling ball Old English Bulldog. I agree totally with SMcC. I can't I'm afraid advise on being normal with your children, as I don't have any but I do try to be normal with everyone. I had mastectomy on one side plus implant and therapeutic mammoplasty on other side. I felt wonderful initially, and second day. I did have a very sore throat from the 4 hr op though and was unable to get through half a biscuit in the hospital (I love biscuits normally). Advised ice cream by Dr when I got home. Lived on porridge in bed  made by husband. Having had no experience of operations I was not at all prepared for feeling so weak on the 3rd day or the effects of General Anaesthetic. Found it difficult to concentrate on anything like reading or watching TV, so did need to rest more than I thought I would do. Told by all to rest more. I think it's a confidence thing, rebuilding strength. Didn't know at the time, but had a "slow bleed" and fainted 2nd day and another day; creating a haematoma. Had implant done again when this was confirmed on ultrasound. I think this was why I was so weak. Ensure you do all the gentle breast exercises. I would advise you to pace yourself and not rush recovery. As you have many friends/family/hubby, ask them to do housework, cooking - unfortunately my poor husband had a hurt middle finger (broken tendon) because he had been bitten by a dog, so he was struggling too. I prepared by putting things beforehand at a level where I could reach them because of sore armpits due to node removal, and used button up tops as easier to get on and off. Healing is very very important, as is not getting wounds wet. I found every day presented a new challenge and I had to think of doing things differently, as the operation meant I temporarily lost the ability to do normal things fast - this I found really mentally frustrating. eg undressing, due to the node removals, hair washing.