BC- preventative mastectomy experiences?

Hello, I had a second mastectomy on a healthy breast in January of this year. I also had day surgery. I was quite groggy (I’m not brilliant with general anasthetic), but I was ok.  I must admit that the restricted movement and tightness wasn’t as bad as my first mastectomy as I did not have an axillary clearance. So the exercises felt easier, and movement came back much, much quicker. I did develop a seroma again (not as bad as before) which was drained, but again, it cleared up much quicker than for the first mastectomy. I had the standard 8 weeks off from work, but you could go back to work sooner if you have a job that isn’t too physical. Everything was still sent to pathology (I was told that is standard procedure), and I got clear results 10 days after surgery. 

Hi that doesn't sound to bad. I wfh so was only planning on taking a week off is that too little ? I need to talk to my manager. It feels awkward asking for time off for a mastectomy but not cancer. If that makes sense?

Hi, I believe that it is a standard two weeks following any general anaesthetic, but I could be wrong. I don’t think that you should feel awkward. It is still major surgery, and you will have a large dressing ( which can’t be removed for a while), plus internal stitches. My employer was very sympathetic and didn’t question it at all. 

Hi, I had a preventative double mastectomy without reconstruction 4.5 weeks ago after having BC in 2021 and discovering I have a BRCA1 mutation last year. I'm in France, so it could be that things are a bit different here, but for me I stayed 2 nights in hospital to be monitored after the surgery and I also had drains which were removed the morning I went home. I took 2 weeks off work, but the surgeon told me this is the minimum and only allowed it because I work from home, he was happy to give me a sick note for 4-6 weeks. When I did start back, I took it easy for the first week or so and allowed myself time for lots of stretches and walks. I also had my mum here to help out with carrying shopping and household chores as I was told to avoid heavy lifting and repetitive movements (like vacuuming) for at least 4 weeks. I had a nurse who came every other day for the first 2 weeks in order to clean my wounds and change my plasters (I had two big plasters across the incisions). I felt very good in the two weeks following my mastectomy, and did lots of walks and physio at home and have gained my movement back a lot quicker than I expected, although it's still work in progress with the daily stretches.

Are you planning on having any reconstruction during your operation in July? If you do, I think then the recovery is a bit longer and it is more likely that you will need drains in whilst recovering at home. My sister has the same mutation (but never had cancer) and will have her preventative op with immediate reconstruction in July and she will take 6 weeks off.

As to how long that you will need off, I guess it depends on whether you will have any kind of reconstruction or not and what you do for your job? Even travelling into the office can be tricky depending on how you get there and if you need to carry a laptop in etc. Has your surgeon indicated to you how much time off to take or do you have a pre-op appointment coming up where you could ask? I am sure your manager will understand that a mastectomy is a big operation, and you should not underestimate that your body will need to do a lot of healing afterwards.

If you want to arrange a call or to chat further, don't hesitate to get in touch!