Mastectomy

Hi - I had my mastectomy 10 years ago. I remember feeling so anxious like yourself and like you posted on a forum for advice and reassurance.

I also remember wanting it over with so they could get the nasty ‘C’ out of me. I could feel the big lump and my breast was all enlarged, I also had pain so really wanted it gone. 

I was lucky in that the day I went into the ward there was another lady getting hers done that day. The waiting to go down to theatre was the worst part I think, the unknown. It was nice having each other although everyone is different as afterwards I didn’t need my drain in for long but she needed an extra couple days. 

I was in hospital from Thursday to Sunday if I remember rightly. Drain removed prior to going home but I do know of others who go home with the drain in. I was in discomfort but not too much pain and movement was very limited. You can’t do too much too soon, you need to look after yourself. My dressing was changed at my GP so didn’t need to go back to hospital.

it was about over 3 weeks before I got my results but I had my op just before Christmas so the hols etc would have delayed them. 

Button up pyjamas were easier for me in hospital and afterwards. 

Hope this helps in some way but please ask away. 

Ann

x 

Hi, I had mastectomy and axillary lymph node clearance in October.  I went home the same day with a drain in which was taken out 7 days later.  I had a thin dressing as thick as a plaster, which was waterproof so was able.to have a shower and the dressing was renoved 2 weeks later. I was given a heart shapes pillow and drain bag at the hospital.  The pillow was amazing and I would recommend getting one if they dont give them out at your hospital.  I wore front fastening night shirts and PJ's which hid my drain and drain bag.  The pain from mastectomy wasn't too bad at all and I barely took any painkillers.  The exercises they give you are a must as they will help greatly with getting movement back. The BC nurses are always at the end of the phone if needed and don't be afraid to contact them if you encounter any problems, even if they seem trivial.  

I hope this helps and just ask if you need to know anyrhing else x

Hi youhavegotthis

I had a right side masectomy April 2020.

I'm gonna start by saying it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, once I'd got my head around it.  I had an overnight stay and came home within 24 hours without drains. I was all taped up and had to be careful not to get the dressing wet. I had painkillers for 3 days but never really had bad pains. Numbness was the main thing. Bit jobs and needles feeling when I leant on the area. The hospital fave me a heart shaped pillow to put binder armpit which helped and I religiously did the exercises they gave me. Also drank yakulk which consultant swore by, still drinking it each day. 

I had my results within 17 days. All clear. Just had to go on letrozole and vitamin D/calcium tablets as my cancer was ER+. Also had dexa bone scan and they put me on Alendronic Acid tablets too as apparently I have oestopenia in my spine.

My feet are a little stiff first thing in tge morning and if I sit with my legs up for a while but other than that I haven't had any other side effects. 

I am doing OK  decided to stay flat and just poo my prosthesis in my Marks and Spencer bra each day and get on with my life. Better the cancer and boob gone to be honest.

Wishing you best wishes and good luck with your op. Xx

Hi,

I had a mastectomy and prior to the op I imagined that it would be quite painful following surgery but, I was surprised that there wasn't too much pain, I managed with Paracetamol once I was discharged home. My Surgeon had said prior to the operation that I would be surprised at how little pain I would have, I thought how ridiculous you're taking my breast off and little pain but, he was right. I had 4 nodes removed. Follow the exercises they give you to do post surgery, they are so beneficial, I still do the stretches now sometimes. I wore front fastening nightwear. The drain I put in a small fabric bag and looped/attached it to a belt around my waist during the daytime,  think it came out on day 7. I have remained flat, just pleased the C was out. All the best. x

Hi it’s normal to feel scared! I had mastectomy Jan 2021 discharged about 4 hours after waking up, felt a bit rough from anaesthetic and pain was not bad at all, I’m allergic to morphine and all the good pain relief so managed easily on paracetamol and ibuprofen, do the exercises they really help, lots and lots of water and rest, most important tip that helped me was even though they give you a little heart shaped pillow, buy before unless you have them lots of actual normal pillows as it’s uncomfortable and better to sleep in an upright position! This helps with the drain too as it’s awkward having for first few days. You’ll be just fine I promise x