Mastectomy (single) and axillary node dissection on Tuesday 8th - tips please

Hi there

I had a mastectomy and one sentinel node (negative) on January 18th.

Accept all the help offered post surgery such as housework, meals etc.

Cushions for comfort are great. My hospital gave me some made by voluntary organisation. 

I spring cleaned my house before Surgery. Very glad I did as unable to do heavy housework for weeks now. Seroma fluid has been an issue. Ask hospital for some medical corrugated foam which is a new thing and helping a lot.

Hi, I had single mastectomy and axillary clearance in October.  I had never had an op before and was petrified but it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.  My toothache I had 2 weeks later was more painful!  I purchased front fastening, size bigger, nightshirts and even wore these during the day with leggings whilst I had a drain in.  I also putchased front fastening bras.  The hospital I was under gave me a heart shape pillow, which is a must to have as made underarm more comfortable.  They also gave me a bag for the drain so was easy to carry drain around.  They will give you exercises to do and these are a must and really do help and paracetamol was sufficient for the pain when doing these.  I had shallow baths on my knees when drain was in as the drain was long enough to be on floor.   Remember if any problems when you get home, don't hesitate to phone your breast care nurse

All the best for your op x

I had a single mastectomy and axillary clearance on 13 Jan.

For me, front opening jammies from cyberjammies were essential for the first few weeks and a couple of front opening shirts. Drain bag and a heart shape cushion to relieve the pressure from under the arm. I also used a v shaped pillow for the first week to get used to sleeping on my back. And keep up with the exercises. 

Hope it goes well xx

Hi 

I had a mastectomy and sentinel node(negative) on January 22nd I was out by 5pm same day

As the other ladies have said heart shaped cushion and drain bag  also on the day take a dressing gown,slippers,tablet/phone charged, front fastening bra,loose fitting clothing for coming home.

I bought front fastening pj's and shirts and zip up fleeces

When home REST you will need it 

Try to keep up with the exercises they give you  

I was able to go for little walks it helped being outside rather than cooped indoors all day 

You will have district nurses daily until your drain is removed

Good luck for tuesday

Hello, I had a single mastectomy (left) and 3 nodes removed for checking in Nov 2021. I was discharged the next day with the drain still in. I did exercises from the first day and this really helpe get back to “normal” I was driving after 2 weeks but I found the first week that I was incredibly tired, so I slept. I found that sleeping slightly elevated helped but honestly I slept without is as was shattered, put this down to relief of making it through chemo and the Anesthesia. I had a bag for my drain which helped, they also taught me how to empty the drain and this was great as iant my fluid drained away. I had drain out after roughly 10 days. Take it easy, give yourself time and do the exercises Good Luck for the 8th will be thinking of you x