Double mastectomy

Hi there sorry to hear you have to go through this . You do need to cry and let those pent up emotions out it is healthy and you do feel better for it honestly. Hope all goes well your family will bstrong for you not the other way round. Please release those emotions it really does help you are going through so much in all ways x

Hi Mallard - I had a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction on 24 March. I'm a single mother to a 3 year old so I understand your concerns about your kids. I'm not going to lie - it was hard - but I felt close to normal after two weeks and very normal now after four weeks. One of the hardest things for me was constipation caused by drugs - so take the laxatives they offer you. I was i hospital for five days and felt pretty good when I went home. Do the exercises they give you as soon as you can. And try to get up and move around when you can (that was day 3 for me but it's earlier for others). Let me know if you want any more practical advice. The main thing is that once it's done you'll feel great that the cancer is out - that was a huge step for me psychologically. 

Hi. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction 3weeks ago. I totally understand the need to be strong for those around you, I have 2 boys who are 11 and 13. I have personally found being open with them about it all has helped, esp with the 13yr old. They have seen my new breasts with the bandages on and once those had been taken off.  

Have you asked your BC support nurse to be referred for counselling? It may help to speak to someone outside your family.

I was only in hospital for one night and would echo the need to do the exercises. Also get stocked up with paracetamol and ibuprofen plus senicot as the painkillers can cause constipation.

A charity called pillowpals do the most lovely pillows which you put between you and the seatbelt of the car, would highly recommend these.

For sleeping those first days I had a v-shaped pillow, like ones used for breast feeding. Again would recommend one of these.

Tops and pjs that are button up rather than any that need to go over your head are essential for those first days. I also survived in leggings for the first days as they are easy to get up and down. 

Hope that helps and good luck.

Xx