Double mastectomy…any advice greatly appreciated

Hello,

I have just had a single mastectomy in January and I would say mastectomy wise - pretty quick recovery. 

It was meant to be immediate DIEP reconstruction, however mine unfortunately failed and the surgery on my abdomen - I experience a lot more pain here than at the mastectomy site. 

I didn’t drive for approx 4 - 5 weeks but that was more cos of the abdomen. Not mastectomy…

You’re usually in and out the same day if all goes well? Have they said you will be having a hospital stay? 

My areas were very numb. Still are slightly today but getting much better and no real effects. 
There is usually more concern with the wounds not healing so just do as they advise. It will be covered for 1-2 weeks and I was advised not to get it wet for a couple of weeks. 
I just washed around it… annoying but defo manageable. 

Hopefully you’ll have an easy ride and the wounds heal quickly. They will advise when to moisturise to help the healing xx

Thank you for your message and the information, much appreciated. I am glad your had a quick recovery.

I expect to stay in 1 night and then hopefully home. I am still considering options regarding reconstruction so will just be the DMX tomorrow. 

Hope you continue to do well and thank you for taking the time to reply x 

Hello, 

I had a mastectomy 6 months ago. I would definitely stay in over night . I was in for 4 nights as I’ve got small children and I had to have a drain in for a week but I did have implants also so slightly longer recovery. 

its going to be ok though you will be so relieved once its all out and you can slowly get back to your life that you will appreciate so much more xx

Thank you for your message. I had the DMX 3 days ago and so far all has gone well. Pain is minimal and easily manageable with paracetamol. Swelling and soreness in arm pits and chest but that is reducing. The drains are a pain and are long and uncomfortable but also manageable. I am sleeping ok on my back and glad I invested in a wedge pillow for the bed and to aid sleeping and getting in and out of bed. 
I thought I might have minimal use of arms but am pretty mobile and doing the exercises as instructed.

i just want to say that ladies we have got this!! Nothing h is as bad as the initial diagnosis and I now just need to wait for sentinel node biopsy results and next steps but I am positive and determined that I am on the road to recovery.

wishing you all a speedy recovery and love x