Tips and advice for mastectomy

Hi

I didn't have mastectomy, so I can't offer any advice, but I notice that your post has gone unanswered as yet - so I'm just bumping it back to the first page in the hope that some ladies who can offer some advice and tips are around now.

Best wishes, Lesley

I'm going to try and answer your question, because your question is actually the one I worried myself with as well. You do not have to take any notice of what I say at all and I am unoffendable ! I can only say that personally I was unprepared for the extreme fatigue. As I had always been well I never knew what my body's reaction to the General Anaesthetic would be. I knew that some women felt tired, but kind of felt I would be OK. My tips would be to get as fit as possible beforehand, and to be as hydrated as possible beforehand and afterwards. I felt great but obviously wasn't as I collapsed at home 2 days after the op. My husband looked after me and the collapse was after the time when you are supposed to be OK, so I think I surprised him. Everyone says to get into button up at the front tops and they're spot on. I felt too weak to do this, but the nurses did help. Important too to get used immediately after the op, or when they tell you to, if needing surgical bra. I was scared stiff of hurting anything, but this cautious approach is paying off, as all is going well. Not sure if you're having drains, but although this is no fun, they are a necessary evil. I know attitude is key - it is important. My emotions have been very up and down. My problem was that I wanted to do much more than my poor old body was able to do and I was frustrated with my slowness - but if the Nurses are pleased with your progress, that's all that counts. I do exactly what they tell me to do even if this is tiring - it just takes time and that's OK. I also have been very sleepy, but I have also been doing some exercise, despite wishing to rest. I suppose what I'm saying is "It's OK to feel crappy" - but I didn't realise it was quite so crappy in the first few days. Take the painkillers they give you and keep a sense of humour. Also, get someone to do the washing up if you can - you don't want to attract an infection into your system/wounds. Hospital checks for this often as easy to get.

Hi, I had my single mx with lymph node removal at the begining of December and was surprised how little pain I felt.  I did keep on top of the painkillers which were prescribed - take them when they are due instead of waiting for the pain.  There is a very supportive FB group called Flat Friends.  You can message them through their public page and they invite you to join the private group.

Thank you x 

Hi, thank you so much for this response. I have been told about feeling tired after but like you thought I would be okay. So I will take that seriously now. My husband has two weeks booked off work after as we have a wild almost two year old daughter so I will definitely need the help. I will be coming home with a drain too. Worries me thinking about it but I’m sure they’ll give me the information I need. I will look into front buttoning tops then, I didn’t know if they were necessary or not. Sorry to hear you felt so crappy! I hope you’re feeling a bit better now? Really appreciate your detailed reply xxx

Hi, thanks for your reply. That’s great you didn’t feel much pain. I will definitely keep on top of the painkillers then. I don’t even like taking paracetamol usually but I’ll make sure I take whatever they give me to hopefully keep the pain at bay. Thanks for the fb suggestion too. I’ll take a look now. I hope you’re healing nicely. Take care x

Hi  

My story is on my profile just click on my name to read .

I had my MX in July 2019 ..seems so long ago but also like yesterday so here's my advice .

Firstly one day at a time no running while your still learning to walk  

As others have said it's discomfort more than pain mainly because they use a nerve blocker during op . So take painkillers prevention so much easier than cure if you still uncomfortable ask for mo .Drink ,drink,drink no not alcohol you need to hydrate   Or you'll be spending hours on loo and demanding Senna 

I wore a post surgery bra with a softy in place to come home was comfortable but I did remove when I got home . I used button thru night and daywear for quite a while so much easier than arm over head .Also great for hospital visits .

My hospital provided a heart shaped cushion fits underarm when sitting down also great in car with seatbelt ( passenger of course ) 

I was also provided with a material shoulder bag to hold drain ask if your hospital do the same . If not you can get them thru Macmillan I think .

I bought a V pillow which really helped when trying to sleep  

Also yes you will be tired but MX is classed as major surgery so listen to body and rest as much as possible especially whilst hubby available to be chief cook and bottlewasher 

Do arm exercises as told it helps so much with movement never be afraid to ring your BCN with questions they want to help . 

I have found being flat on one side no problem even tho I'm large cup . Clarrisa my prosthesis is just part of my routine when getting dressed 

If you have any other questions feel free to ask 

Thank you Margaret! I will take a look at your profile now xxx

Sorry I pressed reply too early  I've edited a bit more info for you x

Thank you! I read your profile. You’ve been through it! So happy you have got to where you are now. It’s amazing. I will make sure I drink lots of water then! I was shown a softie at my last appointment so I know I’ll be getting that. I definitely need to look into getting button up clothes then. I have seen the heart pillows! I hope I get one! Are you not supposed to drive afterwards? I feel like I haven’t really got any information but my pre op is on the 11th so I’m sure they’ll fill me in there xx