bilaterial masectomy booked feeling very anxious

sherrbear

I am just wondering of recovery time experiences for bilaterial masectomy with reconstruction.  I tested braca + and have decided to go forward as my Mom was diagnosed early 40s died at 49 from BC and my Grama was diagnosed at 29 with Ovarion and died at 32. so anxious nervous stressed now that the surgery is booked.

mdg

So sorry you must endure this....it's crappy!  Just wanted to say that I was terrified before surgery.  I was a complete wreck.  It was not as bad as I imagined though.  It was painful, but it got a little better each day.  A week after surgery I could not believe how different I felt.  Just wanted to wish you good luck!

 

CFK

Hi Sherburton.  I had a PBMX with immediate reconstruction.  The first two weeks were the hardest for me.  Once the drains came out everything got better.  The hardest part was the limited range of motion those first few days. I wasn't able to lift, push, or pull anything.  Before your surgery put everything you will need in a place that's easy to get to without having to lift your arms.  I was also at high risk and I am so happy I got it done.  I no longer have the daily anxiety that I would find something.  When is your surgery?

sherrbear

Thank you both for responding and for the encouraging words.  My surg is Sept 9

DiveCat

Recovery is individual and dependent on type of surgery, and whether there are any complications. I had a prophylactic nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy with immediate implants on April 24 due to high risk.

My 2 drains were out at one week. I had an excellent recovery, which surprised me, but I definitely was sore and swollen at first and had limited mobility for 2-3 weeks....but was walking 4-6 miles a day by Day 3 and actually felt very good...this is different for everyone! I was back at work at 4 weeks, and now almost 4 months out I hardly even remember I had surgery on a day by day to basis. I am back to everything I did before, from running to diving to weight training. I am very happy with my cosmetic outcome as well.

This is doable. I can't guarantee your recovery experience, but you can do this, and you are doing a great thing in terms of reducing your risk. Keep that in your sights...most women I know who have done this for high risk reasons feel a huge sense of relief once they are on the other side of surgery.

Wishing you a smooth surgery & recovery!

wallycat

I had bmx without reconstruction so can only speak to that...zero pain meds and no issues.  I wish the same for you.

I am so sorry you have to make this decision.  I wish you well and may cancer never touch you.

sarahjane7374

I had PBMX with reconstruction last June.  I spent 2 nights in the hospital.  When I went home, I slept on the couch for a couple of nights then moved to my bed.  I had quite a bit of pain, but it was manageable.  I was by myself during the days, and I was fine.  Certain things were difficult - opening prescription bottles, sitting up from a laying down position, but for the most part I was able to do what I needed to do to get through the day.  After a few days, I started taking walks around the block, because my PS told me that getting up and active was key to feeling better and healing faster.  I had my 4 drains removed on day 6 post surgery (drove myself to that appointment), and that day walked 5 miles.  I went back to work 10 days after my surgery.  I stopped my narcotic pain meds within a day or two of getting out of the hospital because they didn't really help and they made me so constipated.  I found that ibuprofen and flexeril (a muscle relaxer) worked best for me to keep the pain manageable.

It's different for everyone, but I was really lucky and had a pretty uneventful recovery.  I hope yours goes well - you are making a difficult but brave choice, and I wish you all the best.

Sarahbb

Just. Wanted to pop in to say that I am also braca positive and I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in December and I just wanted to say that I'm wishing you lots of luck! It sounds like with your family history that you're making a very smart decision to take control and intercept breast cancer and ovarian cancer before they try to get you. Just think of all the women who have had breast cancer and what they would do if they had the chance to preventatively illiminate their risk.

hollygolightly

I had my bilateral on May 12th. I just had my exchange (permanent implants) done on August 18th. I have not worked since the initial surgery only because I work with paralyzed patients and it would be hazardous since I have serious lifting restrictions. But recovery is going well! Go to physical therapy. Do stretches. I went back to ballet class and slowly began rebuilding stamina. Yes. As someone posted above, recovery is different for everyone. You have made a very brave decision, and in your case, I would do the same. I started climbing the stairs in my home about 4 or 5 weeks post-op, after the drains were removed because I was going crazy being inactive. You will get through this!! It is all very bizarre and science-fiction barely rivals this, but it will be behind you eventually. Bump in the road. Big one, but not too big. As some told me, a complete stranger who am corresponding with, give yourself EVERY break you possibly can. You are going through a hell of a lot, and one day you will be helping someone else in this forum.