Mastectomy next week and freaking out

Hi I would expect to stay in as sounds like afternoon list but you never know.

Some of the lighter prothesis are less I paid about £50 for mine and they do have sales. I got a swimming one for £35 and a costume in their sale so all good. Good luck my friend ️

i think you can ask to stay. i had a lunpectomy and surgeon asked if i wanted to stay in

Hello! I had right breast mastectomy (I'm right handed) plus Sentinel node removal 11 days ago and am looking forward to taking the dressing off on Wednesday. I was discharged same day as op and frankly was flying that evening, ate dinner (which I'd cooked and frozen in advance) and chatted away merrily for hours. That was the drugs obviously which took a couple of days to come down from and then I hit properly tired. Had a drain which district nurse took out after 5 days and frankly that was the worst thing so far - I went grey after that but fine a couple of hours later. I had very little pain as I kept up the Paracetamol intake, but it was just uncomfortable. I was very tired as I expected, and sleep pattern wrecked but I'm getting back to normal now. It's helped me to sleep in separate bedroom to husband who has been great with cooking and dog walking etc. Take as much help as is offered and do as little housework etc as you can, especially whilst any drain in is situ. Do the exercises like your life depends on it! I don't work any more but I'd be hard pressed to think about going back to work for another couple of weeks I'd say. I wish you all the best and send hugs. 

Hi 

l had a mastectomy and all lymph node removed back in March 2023 I’m 64 years of age (just to give you a idea of age) I had operation at midday and was home by 5.30pm with 2 drains in  I would say it took me six weeks to get over completely,  as soon as the drains were out which was 10 days every week got easier, I done all the exercises they gave me , in the beginning it was hard because the arm is very stiff  but it gets better everyday , my arm is back to normal now although my breast  and arms is still sore and numb at times it doesn’t really worry me ,   Mine is my left side I was restricted for about three weeks but it got gradually better. Just take the advice of your breast care nurses and honestly the weeks go by and it soon gets better. I live on my own with no children although I stayed with my friend for 10 days until the drains came out and that was because l needed help with my dog as soon as I got home I did manage with light house duties and the time soon passed and I got back to my normal self. I did wear  button through shirts , also soft sports bras it is hard to get anything over your head for the first few weeks I couldn’t manage to do that on my own. 
Pain killers I took ibuprofen and paracetamol  and I took them four times aday leaving a hour gap between the parecetamol and ibuprofen when they were due to take , I did come out of hospital with codeine tablets but I didn’t need them to strong for me. 
Take care don’t freak out take each days as it comes , rest , eat well , dink plenty of water and be patient and you will soon be back to normal x

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have just had a mastectomy of the left breast and immediate implant reconstruction. I was just like you and trying to put a brave face on but also freaking out. I'm a now day 15 post op and am recovering well. The first week was very uncomfortable and please do ensure you keep on top of the pain meds. I was sent home with paracetamol and codeine, but I swapped the codeine for Tramadol with my GP as this worked better and didn't upset my stomach. The breast care nurses are amazing and don't worry about asking lots of questions or asking for help. I've been signed off for 6 weeks but if all goes well I may return after 4. I'm lucky and can WFH. Be kind to yourself, as I found emotionally it's all coming out now and you need time to process and heal physically. You've got this xxx

Good luck with your op. You will do this and be a stronger person I drove 4 weeks after op and as right hand side was ok gears left ofcourse. Lots of love and hugs️Don't forget a v cushion and a little heart.shaped one under arm helps hospital gave me heart oneand a bag for drain if you have one xx

Hi giraffellama,

I am also having mastectomy on right boob next week and like you I am terrified, I also need to buy a mastectomy bra which I was going to get from marks and spencer, I wasn't going to bother but then I thought my clothes are going to look terrible with just one boob, although I want this all finished I really am dreading the op, I will also need a drain and have to stay in hospital overnight, I am sure we will be OK, I have just completed 4 months of chemo after that surely we can cope with anything we'll let's hope so anyway x

Hi meadow! I'm sure we'll both be fine just last min nerves.

I bought some cool button up pyjamas from m&s with giraffes on them today so that made me happy!

Yes it’s a shock I had double mastectomy early May at the age of 69 and it just felt like I had a wide elastic band around my chest. I still feel I’m recovering but have already had a week in Greece and off to Turkey next week to try out my new aqua boobs!!! Make sure your prosthesis fits well as the hospital will not change them if they’re wrong. Wishing you well for your op and sending hugs x

Hi sorry to hear you’re going through this, I hope you recover well. Fanuyou have managed a holiday, I’m looking Forsyth that too can I ask who you took insurance with please. Hope you have a speedy recovery x