How long does it take after mastectomy?
I had a unilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction over 3 weeks ago. Had my first fill last Tuesday. I'm stil taking pain medication and I've tried weaning off but still feel pain and discomfort. I thought I would be off the meds by now and feeling more like myself but my body has a different agenda.
How did you guys feel after surgery and how long did it take you to recover?
Becca
Comments
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Hi Becca, I didnt have recon but it took me at least 2 months to not have much pain i think 3 weeks is normal plus you had reconstruction so give it some time it will get better, im sure someone will come along that has had bone and give you some better advice
Hugs,
Debbie
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By 3 weeks I was only taking vicodin on occasion. Sometimes after a fill I will need to take one or a muscle relaxer. Everyone is different as far as their pain threshold so what might work for you might not for me and vice versa.
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Becca,
You are only 3 weeks out, give it more time. Do you still have drains in?
After a fill, allow yourself more pain meds and do not expect too much of yourself. Take pain meds as you need them to be comfortable, especially only being 3 weeks out.
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Becca the post surgery rehab exercises and stretches helped me a lot. I was off pain meds for my bmx within a week but started doing the exercises/stretches about 2 weeks post op. I think it helped a ton. Did your dr give you any rehab exercises to do?
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It's been four weeks since my mastectomy and I no longer need the pain meds. Today is the first day without any pain meds and no pain! There is some discomfort but it's manageable. I will continue to keep my pain meds close in case I need them for future fills. I'm still tired and I nap (something I didn't do before B.C.) practically every day. It's really strange: I look forward to being and feeling healthy but then I feel anxious and nervous about things being "back to normal." What will normal be?
My drain came out two weeks ago. I did have my first fill, 120cc's, over two weeks ago and I didn't feel much pain but I was still on my pain meds.
Thank you ladies for your posts and encouragement.
Becca
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I took the prescription meds for just one day...they made me feel worse than the surgery. However, at almost seven weeks, I still have some soreness and pain, especially at night, so I'm taking extra-strength tylenol pretty regularly before bed. Not much during the day, but every now and then, I need it. The pain changes...as some things get better, like the feeling starts coming back to an area, you realize it was probably hurting all along, but you simply didn't notice.
I have pretty good pain tolerance, so I think it justs takes some time to recover. My doctor says 12 weeks.
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Its been two weeks for me. My pain meds.didnt do much good, the y gave me lorcet wasn't worth the constipation it gave me. And I was afraid if I asked for more pain meds they wouldn't take my drains out.. I really think percocets would have helped my pain more.had to cry and put up hissey fit to get 2 lorcets ever y for hours.
But yes I still have pain.pain on my new Breast that is rising from the ashes.then there's that neve pain in my arm. I take xanax, and it makes me not care so much.am also trying to to do my exercizes more. -
A few days ago, I posted that I had stopped taking my pain meds. The following day, at 4AM, I woke up to pain, especially under my arm pit, and achiness all over. Ended up taking another Norco. Three steps forward, two steps back.
It never occurred to me that the pain can change. What was I thinking? I was naive to think that I would be fine within 4 weeks. I am taking my meds as needed and allowing the healing process to take its own course.
A few of you have mentioned exercises...at my next fill I will ask my PS about it.
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Becca,
I had a BMX in December and did tissue expansion all the way through chemo. I found the days after each fill quite painful. I noticed as I got fuller though the less each expansion hurt, which seems like the exact opposite of what you would think! Aleve worked better for me than any prescription pain medication. -
I had a BMX with TEs in May and 6 weeks later I was playing in a USTA tennis match.I took no pain med after the first 2 weeks.I give a lot of credit to the PT that I started as soon as my drains came out , about 10 days post-op.My Tes were uncomfortable and I had a bit of spasm ,especially with the fills. A little valium on those days helped.
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Hi ladies. I am 2 days post-op having had a bilateral mastectomy. Not to bad but still...
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I was back to work full-time at 3 weeks.
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Ok so...minor set back. I was released on Sunday and readmitted Monday evening. Apparently, my kidney function was off and I was dehydrated. I got home (again) today. Still no SEVERE pain after bilateral mx. Just EXTREME swelling and tightness. Well luckily, I was able to get my permanent implants. Yippee...happy about that. The scars don't look as bad as I thought..;-) And I can not stress this enough...be mindful that if you go with reconstruction...these suckers go NO WHERE...they are rght there so choose your size wisely. GOOD LUCK GIRLS!!!!
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Thank you
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Nell 2109
Hello Nell. Good luck with your post-op. Sounds like you have a great attitude!
I was diagnosed last week and am likely going to have a BMX with implants. Your comment about "choose a size carefully as these aren't going anywhere" really impacted me. I am on the small side - B cup. I might want to go a bit larger but probably not too much. I am wondering how you are deciding on size. Are you doing so as the TEs are being filled with saline? Do you expect that you will reach a point in the process when you say "this is it - this is the size I want - stop"? Or did you have a set size in mind to start out with?
I have a friend who had a uni-MX and decided to go larger, and had augmentation of her other breast. She now regrets going bigger, as she says they just "get in the way".
I have some back issues and don't want to put additional strain there - so that is a consideration also. I am not interested in going with no recon however, as appearance does matter to me.
This is all so surreal. I go from being stoic and matter-of-fact about this, to disbelief and shock. A natural part of the grieving/acceptance process I assume. I am also well aware that so many women have gone through this and much worse. Your upbeat tone is inspiring! Amsk.
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Amsk,
I'm sorry about your recent diagnosis. I was diagnosed back in April and for a long time I was in shock and it felt surreal. Many of my friends and family mistook that for me being strong. I totally understand when you say you are "well aware that so many women have gone through this and much worse." Because I shouldn't complain about my diagnosis, in comparison to others, I felt like I did have to be strong. I am so fortunate to have found this place where I can share my fears, vent, and not be judged. (Thank you ladies for sharing your stories and for your support!)
In June, had a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node removal and in late August I had a Uni-MX. I have a tissue expander that is being filled and I am scheduled for two more fills within the next month. I went in thinking that I would stay the same or close to it (cup size
and only do a lift on my healthy breast. Now, I may have the option to go a little bigger and augment the healthy breast. I still don't know what to do and I'm afraid I may not like going bigger. For me, I've never had a desire to be bigger. Before BC, I did take them for granted and when I had to decide on my MX I realized how much I liked them and didn't want to lose them. Now I will have to decide and I'm still not sure what that will be.Update: I would say that it took me a good 4 weeks to feel like myself after the mastectomy. I'm 8 wks post op and at week 4 I began to exercise. I've been doing great and I can feel myself gaining my strength and being more active. I guess it took me a little longer than most women.
Becca
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Becca
I am so glad to hear you are doing well after your MX. Sounds like you are on a good path to full recovery. I am sure that the grieving/acceptance process is different for everyone. And while there are many worse diagnoses than what you and I received, we still have cancer which is causing us to lose a breast, and that is scary and sad. Like you -- I liked my breasts even though they are on the small side.
I will be interested to hear what you decide on the "size" issue. It is sort of nice that with tissue expanders, one gets to see the expansion incrementally (at least that is what I understand right now). Probably preferable to have to make the final decision on size upfront, at the same time we are dealing with so many other hard decisions.
Keep us posted on your progress. Best, Amsk.
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amsk,
I am now a week post-op and feel better dern good. No pain...just some tightness. Not too bad. I tried on different implants in my PS office. I took three shirts with me just to see what the new girls would look like. I had somewhat of a larger chest to start with. I am 5'3, 32C, and weighed 100 lbs. So my implants could only be but so much larger. I too have back problems. Mine from giving birth so I would not suggest going too much large. I was also lucky enough to have skin-sparring MX. My BS made the executive decision to put my permanents in because he new I would be happier leaving with breasts than TE. That is the only reason I was able to leave with my permanent implants. I opted for 350 cc's. There is no give, no shifting, no falling over to the side, no nothing. However, you have to do what is comfortable for you. Good luck to you deary and feel free to email me with anymore questions.
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Sorry...my prior post was incorrect. I am two weeks post-op.
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Hello Nell2109 -
Congratulations on your good post-op progress. It is encouraging to read such an upbeat and positive post.
I was surprised however to read that you received your implants immediately following the MX. I didn't even know that was option! Did the BS do our recon rather than a PS? Were the implants placed over or under the muscle?
I am also going to have skin sparring MX. Actually, nipple sparring as well as apparently I am a candidate for that -- which I was a bit surprised to hear bec I have two tumors and one is only 1.3 cm from nipple. But if it can be saved - I would be very pleased. I guess the dr will scrap tissue from the nipple at the time of the MX and send it to path. If cancer cells are found then the nipple will have to come off.
Why do people have TEs if they can get implants immediately? I don't understand that and, as I say, had never heard before of this option so would love to be enlightened!
When you say "there is no give, no shifting, no falling over the the side, nothing...." what does that mean exactly? Isn't that the case with all implants - whether you go with TEs initially and then get those replaced with silicone implants, or go another way? Also as I say - I didn't even know there was another option besides TEs!
Look forward to reading more from you. Wish you continued success with your healing. Best, amsk.
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I also had one step reconstruction. My PS said it would be possible because I was a large B and wanted to remain that size. I had skin/nipple sparing. He did warn me that he would see what worked best during the actual surgery and that if one step did not create a good cosmetic result, he'd use TE's. A breast surgeon did the bmx and then the ps did the implants. They are under the muscle with Alloderm slings. As to why more people don't do this, it is not always possible because of skin considerations and my ps said it is also difficult if you want to be larger than a C cup. This may not be the entire explanation but this is what the ps explained in my case. As for shifting and moving, they just don't!
Caryn -
I was surprised by the amount of pain that I had. I had read so many stories, and considering my c/s and VBAC, I thought I was prepared. I had pain issues after my uni-MX. I wasn't prepared for it...I don't think anyone ever prepared me for it. I think I handled the c/s and VBAC because I was prepped to handle it. When I woke up from my MX, I thought I was having a heart attack. The pain and pressure was so great on my chest. To this day, I don't understand it.
Honestly, it was at 2 weeks that I started tapering off the drugs, 3 weeks that I was at the point of taking more OTC then prescriptions and when I went back to work after 4 weeks, I was still taking them at night.
Pain is individual. I made the mistake of believing the posts that a MX is nothing. For many, it isn't. For me, pain wise, it was more then I thought.
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I had my BMX on October 13th, so just a week and a few days ago. I have been taking my pain meds pretty 'round the clock' and sleep in the recliner chair. I have dealt with extreme fatigue and find myself just dozing off and on alot during the day.
My Dad called today to 'check in' and see how I am doing. He actually woke me up as I was dozing off this afternoon. He asked how I was and I replied that I was okay but feeling pretty tired. He said, "oh really?? why??" I responded with "well because I just had major surgery a week ago!" He said,"I thought you would be over that by now" REALLLLLY?????
I had a 5 hour surgery, lost alot of blood, spent 4 hours in recovery, two days in the hospital and this was supposed to be a cake walk??? What do people expect?? Should I really be ready to go ride my horses, clean the stalls, go back to work, clean the house, etc....you get the picture. I just can't believe the insensitivity of some people but never expected it from my own father! ARGH!!!!! thank goodness my husband does not think this way.
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To answer your questions about TE's vs. Implants, I need a TE because rads have been recommended, due to my age and other factors. My PS says immediate recon is possible but not if the breast are on the smaller size. They claim the under the muscle implant looks and feels more natural and so, time is needed to stretch the muscle and skin, in some women. I have large breasts to start with, so, I had plenty of skin. But, the PS's seem to dissuade doing immediate recon if you needs to have rads. I got 3 opinions and they all said they would strongly dissuade DIEP or implant recon because of a fairly significant chance of tissue damage with rads afterward.
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I had a unliateral MX with TEs. I had a lot of pain post op with the TEs . . . leaning back, lying down in bed, anything that moved or shifted the TEs or the fluid inside. I ended up taking pain medication for most of the time I was getting fills. But the fatigue wore off within a few weeks.
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Hi amsk,
I had a skin-sparring BMX. My BS did the MX. My PS made the executive decision to put in my permanents. After meeting with him numerous times he knew that I would be happier leaving the hospital with "breasts". I am glad he made that decision. One month post-op and alot of the swelling has subsided...I am a little fuller than I was to start with. So, I am happy.
When I say "they don't move" I mean I can lift them but to lay on my back or side...they don't go anywhere. Just sittting there happy and content. LOL. I expected the no shifting with TE not the permanents. I don't know maybe it will change with time. What I am getting at is I am happy I did not decide to go a lot larger.
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I had a left radial mx 4 week ago yesterday. I have been off pain meds since week 2. I feel some discomfort but not too much when I'm braless. I was fitted for a prothestis a week ago. I wore it for 2 hours and took it off as soon as I got home; i hurt so much. Yesterday I tried wearing just a bra with padding and I was miserable after a short time. I'm 68 so I'm not planning to have reconstruction. However, what can I do since I can't wear a bra? Any suggestions? How long does this pain last? Thank you in advance for your help.
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Becca - I'm glad you're feeling so much better!
I had the same experience as debbie6122. I'm 6 weeksfrom my BMX w/ TEs and just stopped taking the pain meds and muscle relaxer. I'm down to just Advil on a regular schedule as suggested by my PS. I was in SO much pain for so long after my surgery and did not expect it at all. Everyone's different and I've learned to just listen to your body. If you're still in pain, then continue to take the meds. Too many times I thought I was better and would stop taking the meds.... Only to be in excruciating pain hours later.
I also wish more people knew that you can ask for a different medication if the one you're on isn't working well. I went through three different muscle relaxers before we found the one that worked with my body and would help relax the painful spasms.
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Hello,
I am new to this site. I was diagnosed in June with IDC and am having a mastectomy on Friday. I have so many questions, fears and concerns.
I'm 37 years old (36 when diagnosed) with no family history, genetics test came back normal with no mutations, my oncotype dx score is a 25. The tumor is 9mm and I am ER+ PR- HER2-.
I have the worst anxiety and came here for support.
Does anyone on here think that having surgery 3 months after diagnoses is a long time? I have read people having it within a month, but I've waited 3. Does breast cancer move quickly? My BS said it doesn't move that fast and that it was probably there for years before the tumor was big enough to feel. I found it myself while putting on my bra and my BS said it was rare I found it because of the size. But I did find it and now here I am.
I want to know about some things pertaining to surgery. I'm getting my injection shot tomorrow and I've read on here from some people that they don't use lidocaine or any other local anaesthetic before giving the shot so it's extremely painful. Those posts were from many years ago and I was wondering if anyone on here who has gone through surgery recently can tell me a little about the injection shot and what it feels like and what it makes you feel like after its given? Is it the same feeling when you get the dye for a CT where you get all warm and feel like you've peed yourself or is that only when the dye is injected into your veins?
I am also wondering about the nerve block? I'm getting that the day of surgery, my BS says it makes recovery easier and it makes waking up from surgery quicker with less pain and nausea. I'm wondering what it makes your chest feel like? I have a panic attack when I think I can't breathe or when I feel like I can't breathe. When I got my wisdom teeth out after waking up from surgery I had a panic attack because I couldn't feel the air going down my throat because of the novacaine. Has anyone recently had a nerve block before a single surgery? What did it feel like? Could you still feel your lungs moving in and out? I've heard pressure can be felt what does the pressure feel like? Like someone sitting on your chest?
What does it feel like waking up from surgery? I'm scared of panic stacks afterwards because I won't know where I am. How long does it take to fully wake up and be able to move? Are you still paralysed afterwards or can you move your body? How soon can you get out of bed?
What is the pain like? I've heard of spasms and pressure. Does that pain feel like a heart attack? Or like an elephant is sitting on your chest? I'm just trying to find out if the pain is in the upper chest area like when you have a respiratory infection or if the pain isn't in your actual chest? My biggest fear in life is not being able to breathe so if anyone can tell me if the nerve block or the pain afterwards makes you feel like you can't breathe I'd appreciate it
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One more thing....has anyone had their surgery at Mass General Hospital in Boston
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