What is first week like.

pilotpair

I am 72-year-old widow considering bilateral mastectomy. What can I expect to be able to do or not do the first few days after surgery when I return home?

Everyone says you can’t lift things or raise your arms above your head. Will I be able to button my shirt, open a cat food can or put clothes in the washer?

I would appreciate specific examples. I am considering whether I can manage on my own with good planning or if I need a family member to stay with me for a few days

Spookiesmom

I had bmx. I had all food items, dog food, coffee cups. etc on the counter. Button down shirts work much better than over your head. Hand held shower head great. Have a small pillow for under seatbelt coming home. A carpenter apron from Home Depot for the drains. You may want to sleep in your recliner or on couch, so maybe extra pillow there.

LW422

I'd say if you can get a family member to help out, then do so. I had a single mastectomy and I definitely needed help to reach my drains for stripping. You will have limited arm movement and restrictions on how much you can lift, but you should be able to button your shirt without assistance. I had a little difficulty getting laundry out of the dryer but I managed. If your washer is a top loader you might have trouble reaching to get things out of the bottom.

A lot depends on the surgery and whether you'll have lymph nodes removed from your axillary area. For the most part the mastectomy wound is numb but the lymph node area is sore and uncomfortable. Good luck to you.