Mastectomy without reconstruction and lymph node removal- Any advice please?

I can stronly recommend https://www.flatfriends.org.uk/.  I am due to have my mx and lymph node removal on 3 December and found so much help there.

Hi Lolly, so sorry to hear you are going through this. I had same,  a Masectomy on 12th Nov and get results next week and a treatment plan. The recovery for me has been fine. Very little pain, no pain killers needed. I do have an infection in wound and I think this is from the surgical tape. I would ask to go home with anti biotics and not to leave tape on to long. Look out for any redness, itching, weeping. Talk to the nurses if you have any worries. Its a scary confusing time but you will get through it. Eat well, try and sleep well (easier said than done) No alcohol :( . Let me know how you are. I was back to driving in 9 days and back to work yesterday. I keep telling myself I am strong and will beat it. Lots of love and hugs. Anna xx

• Hi Lolly, so sorry to hear you are going through this. I had same,  a Masectomy on 12th Nov and get results next week and a treatment plan. The recovery for me has been fine. Very little pain, no pain killers needed. I do have an infection in wound and I think this is from the surgical tape. I would ask to go home with anti biotics and not to leave tape on to long. Look out for any redness, itching, weeping. Talk to the nurses if you have any worries. Its a scary confusing time but you will get through it. Eat well, try and sleep well (easier said than done) No alcohol :( . Let me know how you are. I was back to driving in 9 days and back to work yesterday. I keep telling myself I am strong and will beat it. Lots of love and hugs. Anna xx

Hi Anna,

Thanks so much for your reply. It helps so much knowing other people have gone through it and hearing your advice though I'm sad you've had to.

You sound as if you are doing so well and have been so brave . I can't believe you are back to work so soon. I feel as if it's such a big thing it will take me a lifetime to get over it.

Did you have lymph nodes removed too? How did you manage with all the fluid draining bags that sound so awful? Are you ok about not having the reconstruction? 

I hope you continue to do so well. You are an inspiration.

Love Lolly x

Hi Lesley,

Thanks so much for your reply and the recommended site 

I wish you lots of luck for the 3rd December and would love to hear how you are doing when you feel up to it.

Lolly x

Hi Lolly, yes I had two lymph nodes removed to be checked but they seem to think they are clear. The drain is a pain in the bum , I had mine in for a week. Its a plastic type bottle. Its just annoying having to carry it around. I didn't loose much fluid but thought best to leave it in to get rid of anything. The next day after surgery I felt ok as they pump you full of pain killers etc. The following few days you get tired, make sure you rest and don't do to much. I have come to terms with no recon, I am 53 and my breasts were never big. Have  you got people to help? If you have any other questions I will try and help, or hopefully someone else can help. Remeber you are braver and stronger than you believe. xx

Hi Anna,

My op sounds like it will be similar to yours then. Yes I thought the drain would be a pain. I can't imagine what it's like sleeping with it either 

I'm 56 and my breasts were never big either and i agree with you about the reconstruction. I feel as if this whole thing is massive enough without further complications.

Yes I've got lots of people to help though I do feel as if no-one can possibly know until they've been through it. In a way just want it over but in another way I'm not ready .

Thank you so much for your help. Good luck with your next appointment and please let me know how you're going on. You are doing so well you should be proud of yourself x

Hi Lolly P,

I had mastectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed back in April. In for 24 hours overnight. Operation went well. Actually left hospital without drain. Had small semona that soon disappeared once dressing was off. Hardly any pain, was so surprised. Just felt like sunburn when I laid on my side for a few weeks. All ok know. Pop my prosthesis in each day and get on with my life. 

I deal with it by feeling lucky that they found the cancer and was able to operate to get rid of it.

Such a surreal time too. Wishing you all the best for your op and hope it goes as well as mine did.

Oh yes  and stay POSITIVE at all times, you are braver than you know

Regards

BoobyJ

PS

Make sure you do your arm exercises, you will be shown them and given a leaflet before you go home.

Booby J

Hi Booby,

Thanks so much for your reply. It really helps to know that you've been through it and come out the other side. 

You sound as if you are doing so well and have been really brave. 

Good luck and take care .

Lolly