Mastectomy and the days after

Aaaah, it is a big decision I know, but it seems like you feel it’s the right one and you will be ok.

I had a mastectomy and SNB  with implant reconstruction on the left side on August 10th - so 9 days ago. When I woke up in recovery I was fine  - the surgeon was there to tell me all had gone as expected. My wounds were dressed and I had a compression band on around the top part of my breasts - hadn’t expected that! I was taken to the ward where i had some tea (heaven) and some snacks I had taken in. You will be hungry as you will have fasted so taking in what you like is definitely a good idea. I was fitted with a surgical bra which was also tight - but apparently has to be at this stage. I also had a drain in which collects fluid - I still have it in. I found it really annoying at first but I’m not so bothered about it now. Hopefully having it removed this week - its a bit of a ‘working it out’ with the shower and the drain, but it is doable.

So mostly things have been ok, From what I can see of the new breast (dressings off Thursday) , it looks really good, but it’s sore and under my arm is very sore - probably from the SNB - don’t know if you having that? I came home with paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine. The advice is keep the painkillers up and I have but less so worth codeine as the side effects are grisly. Pain manageable though. Arm movement has been better than expected which for some reason I was almost ecstatic about!

My partner took a few days off to ‘look after me’ - it was good getting food and drinks prepared - so thirsty! Advised to drink loads of water as good for healing and have done so. I have been out for a walk most days but the past few days have been very tired and slept a lot in the afternoon. It feels weird to be doing that but everyone tells me that this is what my body must need. I had several months of chemo prior to surgery so body has definitely been compromised and might explain extra tiredness.

You should not lift your arm above your shoulders for a few weeks so perhaps making sure plates and cups etc are at a reachable place would be good. I found the bra they gave me at the hospital not nearly as comfortable as the surgical bras you can buy online from Asda - they have a really good soft band at the bottom where the scarring will be. The come in packs of two. I looked at M and S too but found the Asda ones better. You could do with a little bag for the drain if you have one - it just needs to go over your shoulder - the hospital supplied some really nice ones made by patients past.

Oh yes - they will also probably advise you must wear (which they will supply) those compression socks for a couple of weeks also - basically it’s all about compression it seems. It’s a bit much when it’s hot and you feel restricted - but it’s a moment in time and it will pass.

I have today been pointed in the direction of a brilliant online breast care physio which is just useful to bear in mind - I think I have what is called cording (quite common) under my arm and er video clips have really reassured me that there is something i can do - always so important as so easy to feel powerless in all of this. I will pop on her details.

Hope thats helpful 

Jan x

Jen McKenzie 

https://www.thebreastcancerphysio.com/

I’m not sure I have attached that link properly - tech is not my forte! But Im sure you can find her.

Thank you for the website link - this is really helpful. I’ve been phoning around looking for an experienced physio for breast cancer scars and tightness but found no-one can help. I don’t understand why no one suggested this online therapist. I just watched 2 of her videos and will definitely give the foam roller and self massage a try. I’m 8 weeks post mastectomy and  one week on from radiotherapy. I just need to get rid of this awful tightness now. 

I would suggest you buy a few button up nightshirts or PJ tops. Takes a while before you can get clothes over your head. 
xx

Yes the website is great isn’t it - the video clips are really helpful. Bit of a game changer really . I’m so glad you have found it both helpful and hopeful!

Hi there. 

I am very sorry to hear that you have to go through it all. I am only 37 , had lobular breast cancer , mastectomy of 1 breast and immediate reconstruction. I obviously can't speak for other women, but I felt that it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it will be. Yes, it was uncomfortable, but there are things that help. Yes, it was a bit painful for the first couple of days, but painkillers helped. Yes, I was tired and fed up at times, but good compant and Netflix helped ! The main advice I would give you is - be patient with yourself and take time to recover without trying to do too much. There were days when I felt that I am ok, did a few things around the house and then regreted the next day as I was in pain. So..just be lazy and rest! I normally sleep on my side so the sleeping was difficult. Having a long ( pregnancy) pillow to support my back and sides helped me with being more comfortable. I slept in a half sitting position for around 2 weeks. Also a soft toy ( or a small cushion) helped a lot as I could put it under my arm or on top of my other breast  when I was finally able to sleep on the side. Hmm what else? The tube from the drain is a bit long and gets on the way, so I attached it to a lineyard and carried it around like that. You will also need a supporting bra. Sports or any other wireless bra will be OK. I was given one by the breast nurses because I didn't think about it and didn't have one at the hospital, so perhaps you could get one too? 

I think these were the main things for me. Remember- you can do it!!!! My breast is healing well, I feel well in general and my surgery was only a few weeks ago!

Just to put your mind at ease- I also had cording under my arm for a few weeks, but exercises ( I did the ones that were recommended by the breast team) helped a lot and it is nearly gone now ( 8 weeks after my surgery). Best wishes with your recovery!

Thankyou - that gives me hope as it really is sore at the moment although I feel less sore than the weekend after some exercises and massage

No problem x be patient with the recovery and yourself. I know, it's easier said than done but it is very true. I am massaging bio oil into my scars twice a day as one of the breast nurses recommended it to me. It also helps and is meant to improve scaring. Take care xx