Mastectomy next week and freaking out

iI’ve not had an mx, and wont lie t probably isn’t going to be the easiest thing(know a few who have had it),

but you will be ok. hugs

Had mastectomy reconstruction and a reduction 4 weeks ago getting better each day, good luck hope you have a speedy recovery x

Hello,  I think it is normal to be a little nervous about everything as it is the unknown that really worries us.  I am a retired nurse and everyone is different with pain tolerance etc.  Think it is good to be prepared for feeling tired, uncomfortable and having pain too but controlling the pain is the key.  The drain will be a nuisance but don’t think it will be too uncomfortable.  You will get s list of instructions and follow them as very important.  I didn’t have mastectomy so cannot give you my personal experience.  Take care and big healing hugs to you.  
Barbara

Hi I had a right mastectomy and node clearance. Came home same day late in evening with drain . Pain was very manageable once I was able I did exercises as like you was worrying as I am right handed. I did have a seroma as drain got blocked so keep an eye. I had this drained a few times under ultrasound which was a pain. It eventually got reabsorbed. On a pain ratio it was more discomfort than pain. 

I will be thinking of you take care don't over do it you can do this ️

Hi thanks for that. How late in the evening? My dad will be picking me up as my husband doesn't drive.

How long was your recovery if you don't me asking? Did you get given a prosthesis from the Hospital or did you have to go back for it later?

It's understandable to be freaking out. I was similar to you. Saying everything was fine and I wasn't worried. But I was more worried about the anaesthetic than the mastectomy.I had a mastectomy and axillary clearance in December. Right handed with right boob going. No reconstruction. I was lucky and my surgeon used Fibrin spray instead of a drain so I didn't have that too deal with.

It wasn't a walk in the park but it was better than I thought it might be. I was religious about taking pain relief regularly especially at night to get sleep. And doing the exercises, to the point we had the poster stuck on the kitchen wall and my 13 yr old checking I had done them 3 times a day. 

My husband was great, doing pretty much everything around the house, cooking washing etc but I slowly started doing things. Even if it was a pillow clamped under my arm. It was a balance between trying to be independent and not pushing it too much. 

I did feel a bit of a fraud taking the recommended six weeks off as I felt up to seeing friends and going for coffee etc. Even if I was being chauffeured about. But you do need the time to heal. It wasn't until I did a day working from home I realised that it would have been a mistake to go back to work earlier.

I won't lie and say that there won't be tough days but you will get there.

I'm also not having a drain I believe.

Interesting they recommend 6 weeks off my surgeon didn't say and to be fair I didn't really ask any questions as I was too shocked.

I've taken 2 weeks off work so I'll see how I go.

Hi 

I went to theatre @11.30 been sitting on my own since 7a.m it was Nov 2021so still COVID restrictions. Went to ward about 4 from recovery as had to wait for bed . Came home at 9 p.m hubby had to wait in waiting room Nurse walked with me and carried my bag. Then walked to car in carpark You get an appointment for prothesis a few weeks later but you should be given a softie which I wore for some time. To be honest my prothesis hardly leaves it's case as I find it too heavy. It depends how big busted you are I guess I am 42 DD I ordered one from Nichola Jane a good site for all your needs. Sadly anything to do with Mastectomy is not cheap but you can claim vat off.

Try not to worry I was terrified it was first surgery I had ever had and had to go it alone. You can do this ️

I am a bit of a planner so wanted to know how long I would be of so did ask.

As I get paid sick leave I got the doctors in the hospital to do the sick note for me before they discharged me. I was discharged about 5ish in the evening. I went in around 7.30am

I noticed you asked about prosthesis. I was given a soft one a few days before by the breast nurse. I overestimated the size and switched it on the day as I needed a smaller one. I got my final prosthesis about 7 weeks after the surgery. 

I'm going in at 12.30 so an afternoon op. I'd prefer to stay in if possible but they'll probably send me home late. Hopefully not too late. 

I've asked for a sick note. The Dr didn't mention prosthesis just reconstruction at a later date down the line.

I'm quite big 38f so would like a fake one. I've heard of nicola Jane and looked online I think a prosthesis is about £150