mubadub - Most months a group forms for the women having surgery during the specified time period.  I am a member of the Dec. 2013 surgeries.  There are tons of suggestions for preparation and stories about post op. experiences.  There is quite a range.  The suggestions are too many to list and not all ideas are ones I cared to adopt for myself.  My outcome has been favorable.  I'm in good spirits and making great progress.  Frankly, I did not expect to fair so well.  I did have a nurse come to the home every couple days as well as an occupational therapist.  The first few days were the hardest but I was so drugged I barely remember anything.  My husband was very helpful with daily stuff.  We chose to prevent him from looking at me until my reconstruction is complete.  He's the type that could never witness childbirth either.  I could have had a lumpectomy instead of a BMX but 3 weeks post op and I am completely satisfied with my decision.  

I had a left MX w/TE placement about 7 weeks ago, and will also be having a reduction on the right side in the future.  My post sgx pain really wasn't that bad.  I didn't even use all my pain meds.  The drains are kind of irritating, as you have to empty them a couple times a day and keep track of fluid amounts.  I ended up keeping one drain for about 2 1/2 weeks.  Don't plan on cooking for at least a few days, as you will find it difficult to even lift a pan.  Your arm movement will be very limited for a while, but will slowly get better as you heal and your tissues stretch out.  You may experience nerve pain and numbness in the arm pit area from any node dissection you may have.  I was actually back to work after 2 weeks, but took it easy.  Best of luck to you!

Hi There! I initially had a lumpectomy on the left and a ruduction on the right. The initial dx was DCIS but after the pathology was done I had 3 small areas of IDC as well. They did not get clear margins so back I went for a right mx. I had two surgeries in 6 weeks and I have to tell you that they the experience(s) were so much better than I feared and expected. What little pain I had was easily managed. That's not to say that there is no pain, but nothing that cannot be managed. I was only on the heavy meds for about a day and a half after my surgeries, then I only took Tylenol. During my second surgery, the mx, I had immediate reconstructions with a saline implant. Although that feels a little foreign still I am not in any pain.