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Luckydog42
Luckydog42 Member Posts: 51
edited November 2014 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi, I am having a mastectomy in 2 weeks. I am getting pretty scared after reading about the pain, lymphedema, issues with TE, etc...

Does anyone have stories about their mastectomy that occurred without major problems? 

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  • Mommato3
    Mommato3 Member Posts: 633
    edited November 2014

    I'm one of them!  I was sore for a few days but it wasn't real bad.  In fact, I went back to work two and a half weeks after surgery.  I did notice that my arm would feel a little swollen (but not actually swollen) if I was outside in the heat too long.  My drains came out fairly quickly and my incision healed pretty quick (and looks good).  I tried to make sure I took it easy the first week.  After that I didn't have a choice with three kids in the house.    Now, I did have a single MX so that may make a difference in pain and ability to do things if you're having a BMX.  The TE feels weird but I eventually got used to it.

    Good luck with your surgery!

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  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited November 2014

    HI luckydog - I also had single mx (no recon) with quite a few nodes removed. The drains were pretty uncomfortable and I was sore for a while. Don't skimp on the pain pills if you need them. Make sure you do the exercises they give you (once you have the ok to do so). That will help with recovery. I am 3.5 yrs out and no sign of LE to date.

    Wishing you a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

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  • sundermom
    sundermom Member Posts: 463
    edited November 2014

    I had a bilateral MX with TE placement and 32 nodes removed. Just stay ahead of any potential discomfort by taking your pain meds routinely until the drains are removed. It wasn't nearly as painful as I imagined it would be. In fact I went back to work (elementary school principal) in about 2 weeks.  I hope you have a speedy uneventful recovery :)

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited November 2014

    I had a very easy uni-mastectomy, with sentinel node.  I had full range of motion immediately, no pain, just had to deal with drains which aren't much trouble.  I was in overnight, but that was overkill as I could have gone home with no problem.  Very easy surgery. 

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  • alizbeth
    alizbeth Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2014

    I was nervous before my surgery also, not knowing what to expect.  I actually stopped reading posts and just tried to stay optimistic - I was in great shape, relatively young (42), etc, and see how my body would react.  I am happy to say I had a quick and easy recovery.

    I had a BMX, with immediate tissue expander placement, on a Tuesday.  I had completely stopped the pain meds by Sunday.  I was sore following the surgery, but not true pain.  I could walk and get around quite well.  In fact, I went on several short walks a day (doctor's orders) by 2nd day at home.  The drains were a bother, but didn't hurt.  One set was out in 1 week; 2nd in 2 weeks. 

    I was working from home on the 3rd day (just a couple of hours) and back at work just under 2 weeks post-surgery.  Mostly, I was more tired than usual. I took afternoon naps the first few days at home, and went to bed quite early (8:30pm) for a good week following the surgery.

    Getting up from bed was the only issue that was truly difficult.  Many people and doctors recommend sleeping in a recliner the first days or weeks following your surgery.  We didn't have a recliner, so I did not.  But, this would have been nice.  I did stack my pillows so I was elevated, but getting out of bed was definitely the hardest aspect.

    Good luck.  I hope all goes well.

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