Hi all,
I’m getting a partial mastectomy in one breast and a reduction with a small lift in the good one next week. The surgeon will remove about 400g in each. I’m a size UK E/small F so I’m hoping I’ll end up as a D but I fear I’ll be much smaller especially after radiotherapy.
I’m scared to death of this surgery. I have no idea what to expect in terms of pain. But I have a lot of questions.
1. They will insert long wires to mark the cancer area to removed before the actual surgery. How painful is this procedure?
2. How long did they keep the drains in for you and how painful were their removal? The nurse said that they’ll be in about 3 days, but I read on this forum, for others it was much longer.
3. I have long hair. Any tips on how to wash this mane? I know I won’t be able to raise my arms up so wondering if anyone has any tips. I bought dry shampoo and spoke with my hairdresser if I could pop in for a hair wash after my surgery but I’m not sure if I’ll want to leave the house.
4. I’m a side sleeper. I’m seriously afraid I’ll suffer from insomnia being forced to sleep on my back. How did you combat this issue?
5. How did you feel on the first day? Did you manage to get out of bed? How about second day? When were you able to have a proper meal/ use the bathroom on your own?
6. When did you have your first shower?
7. How long did you need to take painkillers?
8. Pain factor scale. If you had to compare the first two days on a 1-10 scale (10 being the worst) or comparing it to caesarean/natural birth pain how would you rate it? (I’m desperate to understand how much pain I should expect)
9. How long did it take until you were able to drive a car? I bought one of those heart shaped pillows to use under my arm when my hubs drives me home after the surgery. Has something like this helped you?
10. Any tips on how I should explain to my 9 year old how his mummy will be the first few days?
11. Nipple necrosis. This scares me most (after cancer of course). I’m not a smoker but I’m slightly overweight. I reverted to a super healthy diet the last 2 months and already lost 10 kg. But I’m afraid my current weight might put me in danger. Has this problem happened to you and were there any contributing factors?
Much appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance! xx
