Unilateral Mastecomy recovery?

Lisa75

For anyone who has had a unilateral mastecomy - what has been the general recovery time, and time to be able to drive and return to work? I'm just curious what to brace myself for in case in the surgeon suggest it.

reesefoggy

I was driving within two weeks. Maybe less but not far. I didn't drive when I had the drains at all which IMO were the worst part of it and had them in for one week. I was pretty good to go in four weeks but then I started chemo. I could have worked part time in three but didn't have to so I didn't. 

Mallory107

I had one on 12/29 and I have to say that it has been so much easier than I though that it would be.  I have been so pleasantly surprised.  The first couple of days were hard-harder fro me b/c I had a tought time getting the pain under control with my allergy to codeine.  The drains were the worst part.  The first came out exactly one week later and the second at 2-which was yesterday.  They told me not to drive for another week but I did anyhow.  I have almost a full range of motion back.  The only thing is that it is hard to do some things-even things like grating cheese are hard b/c of the pressure.  And not being able to lift is frustrating but when I do it hurts so I try not to.  I can do a lot with my non affected side though-which thankfully is my dominant side.  I do think it would be harder if the surgery was on that side and much more challenging.  If you work an office job you should be ok to start after 2 weeks or so if you are able to take rests during the day. Three weeks would be optimal though.   I do feel like I tire much faster and things like a trip to the store will wear me out.  I am 45 and was in pretty good shape b/f surgery-I do think that would have something to do with it also.  

I also want to add that I have a TE in and that makes a big diffrence. 

reesefoggy

I would have never gone back after two weeks. The incision was too sensitive to be comfortable. I wouldn't want to push it either. I think after this madness we need to give our bodies time to heal properly, not to meniton our heads. 

hotandcold

Hi Lisa, Just remember "Everybody is different!"  You might also want to post your question on the "Surgery - Before,During & After" forum. You might get more responses.  There are a couple of very active threads.  Mastectomy September 2011 is one example.  I got a blood clot and ended up back in the hospital for a week and then litterally couldn't drive for 4 weeks after that.  Good luck. Check out the other forums.