Mastectomy recover, kids

Papillon1

hi ladies,

Am looking into my options and am pretty sure I wish to go for a mastectomy. My main concern is caring for my children after the op. I can get in support for a couple of weeks but I think two weeks of the inlaws would be enough...;) After two weeks would cooking and dressing children be an option!?

I am also assuming the way for a fastest recovery is no reconstruction?

Winding if anyone says opted for no recon but been able to change their mind down the line? Or maybe just very small implants..would is help to increase the speed with which we recover?! Maybe that's silly.

I have three young children, the youngest being less than a year. I am thinking of waiting atleast a year so she can at least climb into her high chair or onto the sofa unaided..

I had 3 c sections, I assume recovery to be much harder than those? Dfferent parts of the body i know, i just wodner about recovery time etc. I recovered fairly well from them and was active quickly.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts or experiences..

Obviously all this would be discussed with surgeons but I just wonder your thoughts... Thanks x

Zillsnot4me

I had a BMX with no recon with 4 year old and a 13 month old. We encouraged the baby to walk and climb early. She was able to climb into her high chair with the help of a stool. The 4 year old was and is a great help.

You will be amazed how quickly you feel better, especially by week 3. I had port surgery and chemo at week three. I had friends and neighbors stop by with dinner and to take the kids outside or give them a bath every few days.

I would recommend some freezer meals or people bring stuff over in case you get tired. Cereal and sausage biscuits with applesauce was my go to when too tired. Live in the country so no delivery plus allergies. Nap when the baby does.

Papillon1

thank you, you have given me hope it will be all doable. Xx

Traii

hi

I had a bmx with immediate recon using implants. The other recon procedures would have taken me much longer to heal. I have a 3 year old who stayed with my parents for 2 and a bit weeks. Once the ports are out it just means to take it a little easier than normal but still do things in moderation. Yes I still cooked after ports were out. I didn't lift my son for a bit but if he was lighter I would have. I did lift grocery bags at some degree and the heavier stuff waited for hubby to get home.

Anything is doable with this dreaded disease. We learn to do what we can with the help we get. Just dont push yourself. Healing is everything.

Good Luck with your decision x