bilateral masectomy in 3 days

I am schedule for the 26th.  I have DCIS on the left side but am planning a bilateral mastectomy. My mom had a BMX nearly 20 years ago.  She said the worst part was the drains.  Good luck on your surgery.  I will keep you in my prayers.

Hi Melissa:

   I had a bilateral with immediate reconstruction in June 2008.  Like you I chose a prophylactic on the other side. The worst part really is the drains. I bought a special camisole at Nordstrom's (some insurance companies pay for part of it), with pockets for the drains. It really helped. My husband changed the drains-- I just couldn't. It is very difficult to raise your arms, esp. with a bilateral. Before my surgery I put all my essentials in a bottom drawer, within easy reach.  After 3 weeks I had physical therapy to regain arm motion. I assume you'll be having a SNB? If so, the therapy will really help.. The therapist massages the scar tissue and teaches exercises that help to regain motion. But if you do them on your own (your bs should give you a sheet of exercises), don't start until after the drains are out). If you have tissue expanders put in for reconstruction, that makes the recovery a bit more difficult. I found them to be very painful, then just uncomfortable, until I had my implants put in 4 months later (that surgery is a piece of cake).  One piece of advice other women gave me was to get a stool softener. All of the meds. will really make you constipated, and that is the last thing you need when already in pain.  

You will need help, and if people offer it, accept it. My sister did my hair before my post-op appointments-- sounds silly but it made me feel better. And treat yourself to whatever you love. I was so stressed worrying about the pathology results, but ice cream and dvds,helped me. Some people say the surgery is not such a big deal-- I disagree--you will feel exhausted for  a while-- just from the anaesthesia alone, and emotionally it is difficult to face your post-op body. It gets easier as the scars fade.   Be good to yourself.-- I hope some of this is useful.  Please post when you feel up to it to let us know how you are.-- Julie

I had a bil mastectomy and lymphectomy in Dec. 2008.  My doctor had put a tube with marcaine into the surgical site for 3 days. I never had any pain from the mastectomy.  My pain was only from the drains.  I had three JP drains and those were little buggers!!!  My husband helped me with emptying in the beginning because it was very painful just to move the drain.  He had to have a very steady hand.  I just pinned the drains to the inside of my shirt.  I wore oversized shirts.  I didn't have expanders put in at the time of surgery.  In fact, I still haven't had them or even considered implants yet.  I guess I like to  keep a close eye on my chest wall for now   My friend had her implants immediately after surgery.  She then had to have radiation so now her implant is hard and a different shape on that side.  I would suggest that you ask about your chances for radiation.  If you are getting radiation then I don't think it is wise to do reconstruction immediately.  I have spoke to a few plastic surgeons and if there is a chance you need radiation than you shouldn't get your implants immediately.  Usually, people that have radiation need to have the tram flap because the radiated skin loses it's elasticity.  Find all this out before you get your reconstruction.  I would hate for you to have a hard boob like my friend.    Take care and feel free to send me a message Sincerely, Patty

I'm scheduled for mastectomy on Feb. 8th. I'm still undecided if I want a bi-lateral mx, but need to decide soon. This is one of the hardest decision I have to make.