Mastectomy in the next two weeks

Hi. I had a mastectomy just before Christmas. My experience wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I was lucky and my surgeon didn't use a drain but a fancy fibrin spray so that made life a bit easier in the early days as it was one less thing to deal with.  I was done as a day case which was great. 

My advice would be do the rehab exercises religiously. I would also do them in advance of the op as well if you can. My shoulder movement recovered well and I think years of pilates helped so having good movement before you start might help. Make sure you have plenty of paracetamol and 8 hr ibuprofen in the house. You don't want to run out. I took it like clockwork. My husband kindly slept in the spare bed for a couple of weeks which meant we both got decent sleep.

For me the hardest thing was being a patient and letting people help. Whether it is cooking or getting the coat on when we went for a walk. Take whatever help you can get and try and focus on you. 

Good luck.

Thank you, that’s makes me feel a little better, my head is spinning atm and I feel like I am on a rollercoaster with my emotions, but thank you for the reply I wish you better you seem like a strong lady, good luck for the future, oh and I will start my excercises today.

Hi I had my second mastectomy on Wednesday.  I had one 9 years ago with complete node clearance due to breast cancer.  This one was to remove the other breast as a risk reducing measure as I have a faulty gene.  I am feeling fine.  I stayed in hospital overnight because I was last on the operating list but came home next day.  Haven't had any pain apart from discomfort where my drain is atttached.  Feeling tired but able to wash  and dress myself, walk around etc.  The drain is just a an inconvenience more than anything but have a bra fitted with a pocket to hold it.  Have changed it this morning and that is very easy to do.  The hospital talked me through it before I went home.  I am off to my niece's hen afternoon tomorrow and I feel well enough to do so.  Very sedate afternoon tea and flower arranging so no alcohol involved.  I must admit last time was a bit of a blur because of all the other things going on.  Had chemo before op then radiotherapy afterwards.  I am sure you will be fine and well looked after.  Best of luck x

I would add. I am sleeping in spare room and have plenty of pillows to prop me up with one to rest my arm on too.  I had genetic testing as my daughter had been advised to due to family history.  They tested me first and I carry an altered PALB2 gene which I think is a fairly new discovery.  My daughter was clear.  The choice was to have MRI mammograms every year or surgery.  I opted for surgery as I thought if I did get cancer again I would have treatment anyway.  I thought I would get it over and done with.   I didn't have reconstruction with either so now I could be any size I want or just not bother with bra

Hi, I had a mastectomy in July.

I was in hospital overnight and came out with 1 drain and a cotton bag to keep it in. 

I didn’t have any pain - nurse gave me a painkiller in the wee hours as a preventative for when anaesthetic wore off I guess. I think it sent me a bit silly.

Nothing like I thought it would be. The drain came out one week later - done at the Breast clinic - painless.

Wear button front tops/pyjamas, it makes manoeuvring easier.

xx

Thank you for the advice on pjs, your messages have calmed me 

Hi, I had a mastectomy. It's not that bad so don't worry you  be fine x

Thank you for the positive words, my surgery is booked in for the 15th I guess it’s the unknown, and the mental and emotional process that I feel the most. 

Hey hun,

Theres some amazingly strong women on here,I just had my mastectomy on Friday & it really is the fear of the unknown & scanxiety doesn’t help,I was the only overnight because I have underlying health issues & live alone but I got home yesterday & didn’t have a drain fitted,my daughter has been amazing,I hope u have good people  u to help u take care of urself sweet.

I was diagnosed on 9th Jan with Invasive Lobular Cancer & i feel exactly the same hun,it’s an emotional whirlwind but you’ve done the right thing coming on here,it’s been a great help to me & I hope this amazing advice from these lovely strong people is a great help to u,someone told me on here,good food,good rest but also hydrate & deffo do the exercises hun,I’m sure ur consultant & they’re team are gonna take great care of u hun,they were amazing on ward J23 in St James’s & I’m sure urs will b too sweet,try  & focus on other things.

Love & Best wishes for the 15th xx

Also my amazing daughter bought me a t-shirt to wear to my mastectomy & it says “I am a Fighter,Cancer picked the wrong woman to mess with”,Breast Cancer Awareness & that goes for all of u too

 ️️ & Xx