Recovery after double mastectomy and reconstruction?

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LIB
LIB Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Genetic Testing

Hi, I am BRCA 2 and had double mastectomy and reconstruction two weeks ago and I am wondering when I am going to start to feel better. How much can I do - I have six kids and hate just sitting around but every time I try do something I get sore under my arms and in the chest . Please let me know how long this lasts...

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited May 2011

    What type of recon are you having? I had expanders put in during my bilat mast and I didn't start feeling better until after the drains were all removed about 2 weeks after surgery.

    Sheila 

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  • LIB
    LIB Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2011

    I have expanders put in and drains came out last week. I feel like expanders are going to pierce my skin. Also today I have pain under my arms. Am taking pain killers but wonder how long till I feel comfortable? Am going back to plastic surgeon this Thursday

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  • LIB
    LIB Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2011

    I had expanders put in and drains came out last week. I feel like expanders are going to pierce my skin. Also today I have pain under my arms. Am taking pain killers but wonder how long till I feel comfortable? Am going back to plastic surgeon this Thursday

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  • Randi64
    Randi64 Member Posts: 177
    edited May 2011

    Hi , I had BMX and TE's on 4/19 and it took me about 3weeks to feel ok,rest and don't over do it as that can set you back,although I know that's hard, good luck!

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited May 2011
    I agree!!! 3 weeks was the turning point after my NSM with expanders. Seems like u may just be there very soon. My PS prescribed Valium for the muscle spasms...with amazing relief. I began the fill process at 4 weeks and had my exchange surgery exactly 12 weeks from the original PBM. Hang in there, we're here for u!!!
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  • PinkSurvivor
    PinkSurvivor Member Posts: 63
    edited June 2011

    I had BMX and TE's in December 2010 and it took me a good month before I started to feel better.  Lots of Valium and pain meds and sleeping in the recliner.  It does get better, I promise, just don't over do it or you can make it worse.

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  • brca1953
    brca1953 Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2011

    I have to agree with the others, I started feeling better at 3 weeks.  We spent week 4 shopping for a new house in a new city and week 5 I was back to work.  The best thing you can do to ensure a speedy recovery is to take it easy in these early weeks and months.  You'll reap the reward of feeling better sooner if you take care of yourself now. 

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