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

Hi Lolly P

I had the same but 2 different ops (would have much rather have had just the one).  The operation itself is absolutely fine, its the recovery that is a tad annoying!  

As I am a very good girl I did my prescribed exercises religiously and also ate really well and exercised - very gently at the start (walking then well chosen bits of Pilates & the like) which I really think helped me recover well.  Don't expect too much from yourself and listen to what your body can & can't do as its really painful when you do things you shouldn't, learnt this the hard way weeding after a month! I had the boyfriend washing up and doing the household chores (I did make a point in this respect of taking a LONG time to recover!).

I was fine cooking and doing light chores. I think I found actually touching the scar the most challenging, am not squeamish and have no problems with just one boob just was apprehensive about touching the scabs on the scar, maybe afraid I'd damage it?? Anyway got over that.  Showering was a tad challenging too but very doable - for the first few days at home (I was a day case in hospital, didn't want to stay in) I had prison washes as with drain the logistics of a  shower are difficult to fathom.

I had some leakage which required nurses and me changing bandages but all very doable and I made sure I called the BCN whenever there were any issues/queries.

I had a phased return to work after my rads, 4 months after last op and took it easy, it was good to get back, and grateful for the working from home (thanks covid I think!?).

So am now 8 months post node clearance and am able to pretty much do what I want strength/activity wise (can't do press-ups, but couldn't do them before the cancer diagnosis either!!) , my underarm still is uncomfortable at times (not painful though) and under-wired bra's can only be tolerated for short periods of time. Not sure if you're having rads?  Moisturising like a loon (after treatment finished) has also helped.  And take care of the side that you're having done, I tried & failed - fell off my bike and now have lymphodema, but again that's very manageable just another things to be cognisant of (and do exercises to help).

So yep, it will feel daunting but take one step at a time and accept all offers of help & support. You WILL be fine, I promise.

Sam

Hi Sam,

Thank you so much for your reply and all your advice. It helps so much hearing from other people who've gone through the same thing. 

You sound as if you are doing so well and have been really tough and brave. I'm trying to be but am still at the crying stage at the moment. I've just got a date for the pre op in a week's time so am hoping to have pulled myself together by then.

Thanks again and if you can do it I'll certainly try. Take care.

Lolly

Well Lolly P we'll most likely be having pre-op assessments close to each other and ditto re ops, mine however is a DIEP reconstruction.  Tough yes but more stupid than brave I think you'll find sums me up to a T.

Let us know how you get on.  And no need to pull yourself together, just deal with it however is good for you, 

Sam

Good Luck Sam and fingers crossed for us both. Keep in touch .

Lolly

Hi lolly P

I had this procedure on Tues. Was v sick after the operation but some regular anti sickness meds really helped. Just home with antibiotics feeling sore but not much pain.  Still have the drain in . Can't really give any advice apart from feeling exhausted so make sure you get support. I am usually really active cycling around and playing tennis 4 x a week so surprised how tired I feel.  Good luck with it  nice to get this bit over and done with also felt v emotional after all the build up. Saw physio in hospital who told me to do the arm excercises . Xxx

Hi,

Thanks for replying when you can't be feeling that great yourself. Glad it went well for you. You must be so relieved that bit is over. I've got my date for my pre op now, in a week's time  so I  the know the actual op won't be too long.  I'm kind of in two minds. I want it over with but then I don't want to have it. It's s whole roller coaster of emotions isn't it and very hard to deal with. 

I hope I can be as brave as you sound when the time comes. Good luck with everything and thanks again.

Lolly x

Good luck Lolly hope your op goes well. Yes it is a rollercoaster of emotions next big bit for me is follow up after when they tell you the size of the tumour plus whether you need chemo. Now my drain has stopped working this evening so i have to get another tomorrow from the hospital. So another tip make sure they discharge you with a spare drain . All go!!

 xx

Hi,

I'm so sorry you're going through all that. I'm sorry any of us are. 

Good luck with your follow up appointment. I'll have my fingers crossed for you. Let me know how it goes x

Hi,

I wonderedjust  how your operation went and how you are feeling?

Hi Sam,

How are you doing? I've got my op date for the 17th December. Have you got yours yet? X