Double Mastectomy

Am sorry you are back again with another diagnosis. I completely understand why you want a bilateral mastectomy now. I would guess recovery time is 6-8 weeks, though I felt much better by about 3 weeks. Make sure you do your exercises afterwards to keep your arm and shoulder mobility too. Loose fitting PJS with pull on trousers and button fronts are best. I wore blouses with buttons for about 3 weeks after surgery. Your BCN team should give you drain bags, but if not a dressing gown with deep pockets might suit you. Good luck for your surgery xx

Thanks for information very useful 

Sorry that you are going through breast cancer again.  Wishing you a good surgery and recovery too.  I did not have mastectomy but just want you to know thinking of you.  I am 73 and breast cancer is tough at every age.  
Barbara

Thank you Barbara. Just a lumpectomy last time but this seems such a big thjng but I’ll be positive and get through it x

I certainly understand what you mean.  Take it easy.

Barbara

I have only had lumpectomy so I can’t offer any advice, sorry. Just wanted to say that I think in your position I would probably have opted for the same op. I am sure you will cope with the operation.  Each year things move on and they do different procedures which make it better for the patient. We will all be thinking of you.  Take care.

Evajean x

Hi 

I had a double mastectomy and insertion of expanders almost 2 weeks ago. I am well recovered, just a little weak and tire easily. I came home with drains and pico dressings and had these removed one week post surgery. I’ve healed pretty well, my wounds are exposed and I’ve been taking paracetamol only one week post surgery. I’m walking up and down stairs well and am going to start making short trips out this week- not driving though!

For the surgery I wore satin like pjs with button fronts. They helped me move easily in the hospital bed and also helped the staff get at the wounds and drains. I stayed in hospital 3 nights- I think they kept me in a little longer as I have a young baby at home. I probably could have went home after 2. I was up and walking to the toilet within hours of the surgery. I found the pain relief a little hard to digest and had dizziness and sickness with it. My mum bought me a mastectomy pillow for the seat belt of the car and one for sitting at home. These really help. I’ve struggled sleeping on my back- I’m a belly sleeper and with being recently pregnant i would sleep on my side if I can’t sleep on my belly. I’m hoping I’ll be allowed to at least sleep like that 2 weeks post surgery. I’ll be seeing my consultant and will ask then!

Hopefully this answers a few questions for you. Feel free to message me if you have any more.

Helen

Hi I am on my early 70s and had a double mastectomy along with a couple of lympnodes removed for testing in July 2020 following chemotherapy. I had no problems. I stayed in overnight. I did not have drains. Because reconstruction wasn't on offer it was a tight scar going across from under one arm pit to the other.. I have a couple of small fleshy bumps mid chest.  I think these are called dog tags . I had online video physio for about 4 weeks which was very helpful and I did do all the exercises assiduously for about 6 weeks. I think this is important. I don't quite have the upper shelf reach that I had before but I have good overall mobility. I was vigilant watching for lymphoma although my surgeon dismissed worries on that count. I also massaged the scar daily- ask about this and when you can start. I got off twitches of nerve pain but nothing too bad and they gradually over the months go. I still have some numbness and tightness and a visible scar but nothing that concerns me. It was well worth it as there was still a small remaining tumour that was got rid off and welcome reassurance that it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes. You have to sleep on your back for a few weeks and be slightly raised so some good pillows are helpful. Take a front button up blouse with you, raising your arms is difficult at first and a pattern one will help distract from your changed shape.

Very good luck. Let me know how you get on and come back to me if you have any on going questions xx

Hi there, I had a double mastectomy and I used bralettes in the aftermath of the operation. I found FCUK barrettes and briefs sets £ 5 in the sale to be extremely comfortable after the surgery. I was never able to wear bralettes and now I can , so am happy. A little light at the end if the rainbow. I am now flat chested after being a double D atleast and I now enjoy wearing bralettes with pads and being flat chested, never thought I would like that but I do. I'm just starting to lose my hair due to Chemo and I'm finding that harder than losing my breasts, I'm getting used ti it though and have a wig organised . It could be worse asI say Cest la vie. 

Take in comfy tops , bralettes, let yourself shine,. I wore pyjama tops a tank top and had a house coat if that's what you call it to go to the smoking area. You'll be fine . I was up and about after having a double mastectomy within 8 hrs. My visitors were surprised I was so well. The only problem I had was reaching own to pick things up. It'll be better than you think. I was quite shocked at how it wasn't painful at all.