Mastectomy with Implant - Experience after 3 weeks

• Hi Taximum5 welcome to the forum..wow that sounds challenging for you and I'm wondering at 3 weeks post surgery if this is all the healing taking place. Although you have had an implant and may look the same you have had a big operation and will take a while to heal properly. That said, if that doesn't settle down in another few weeks it might be best to give your breast team a call and see if they could see you..There may be bruising under the implant . Sending very best wishes for a full recovery Gail x

Hi

I had a double mastectomy with implants. My oncology physio gave me exercises which really helped.  I also massaged my breast tissue with E45.  She also said to slowly rub different fabrics on my breasts.

John Lewis were great in advising me on bras post surgery. Gentle support and no rubbing. They were well worth the investment.  

It is early days.   

All the best

Thanks Gail..it’s not getting worse it’s just quite wearing as not getting better.  Saw my consultant on Friday who gave antibiotics as a small stitch has become infected..now I have a bit of fluid build up so wondering if that isn’t helping 

Thank you Ricki for your advice. Been trying lots of different desensitisation techniques.  Will go to John Lewis as not really liking the options I got from M and S

Hi taximum5,

I'm just over two weeks post-mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. I'm still experiencing soreness and pain, especially around the side of my breast near the underarm area. I also had a sentinel node biopsy, and my underarm still feels numb. I've been doing the exercises recommended by the nurse, and they’ve been helping me gradually regain arm movement for daily activities.

I saw my consultant yesterday to discuss the pathology report, and I asked about recovery time. She mentioned it typically takes around 4–6 weeks to feel more back to normal, but it really varies from person to person.

Are you still wearing your mastectomy bra? And have you been able to start sleeping on your side yet? I'm a side sleeper, so it's been really difficult for me to sleep on my back.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery—sending lots of love and hugs. 

Thank you for sharing that Recon.. hope all was good with your pathology report.. I got mine last week and it confirmed I made the right decision.. first diagnosis was DCIS and was initially going for lumpectomy and RT but changed my mind and went for a mastectomy (I have had had it previously on the other side and a mastectomy).  Pathology showed DCIS in 2 additional locations.   

I am annoyed I didn't keep a diary from the last time as I know I struggled with pain for a few weeks but can't remember how long it it went on for.. still feel really bruised as well.  

I can sleep on my side ok that bit hasn't been a problem but finding a comfortable bra is a bit... just spent an hour in M&S trying everything on!

Guess just going to have to work on my patience :) 

Thanks so much for sharing — I’m really glad your pathology confirmed your decision. It sounds like you absolutely made the right call, especially with DCIS being found in two more areas. Still, I can imagine how tough and emotional that must have been.

I totally hear you on the pain and bruising — I’m going through something similar right now. It’s so frustrating not remembering exactly how long the pain lasted last time. I guess that’s a good sign we eventually heal, but in the moment it really wears you down.

And yes, the bra situation is real! I spent ages trying things on too. I actually found a couple of really good, supportive sports bras on Amazon that have been a game-changer — for now, though, I’m still mostly using the one the clinic gave me since it’s the most comfortable.

Sorry to hear you’ve been through a mastectomy on the other side before this — that must have made this round even more complex in so many ways. How was your experience with the implant and any treatments on that side? Would love to hear how things went and how you’re feeling now, if you’re up for sharing.

As for me, my pathology results brought a bit of a surprise — turns out the tumor was a lot bigger than what showed on the MRI, and although mine is estrogen-positive (so I wasn’t expecting chemo), I’ve now been told I’ll need it after all. Definitely not part of the original plan, so it’s been a bit of an emotional shift to wrap my head around.

Sending lots of patience and healing your way  One day at a time.

Sorry to hear about the chemo bit..another thing to get through but as they say ‘this too shall pass’. 

For both my mastectomy journeys at every stage the next appt gave a little bit worse news. I just repeatedly hang onto the thought that whilst I have treatment options I am lucky.

i am now 5 years post first mastectomy with immediate implant.  I barely notice it now ..it can be a bit cold in winter but I realised the other day when comparing with my new one that sensation has returned around the whole breast.

i just wish i could remember how long it took not to be uncomfortable.  I signed up for a big challenge next June and I’m keen to get going..might have been a bit optimistic about recovery

Happy to answer any questions you might have ️

Hi,

Thank you for sharing about your recovery after your first mastectomy. It’s actually reassuring to hear that sensation can return over time. You’re so right – we tend to forget details when we’re going through such an emotional phase because there’s just so much to process, and at that moment, nothing feels more important than simply getting through it.

I truly hope your recovery from the second surgery is smoother and quicker, and that you won’t need any more treatments going forward. Wishing you the very best of luck with your big challenge next June – it’s such an inspiring goal! ️