2 weeks after expanders/double mastectomy

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Lulu4975
Lulu4975 Member Posts: 2
edited July 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

it's neen 2 weeks since my double mastectomy...I had stage 0 in left Breast but margins came back positive so it was recommended that I get a double mastectomy. This is so much harder than I thought. I feel I can't complain because I was at stage 0 and don't have to get chemo or radiation, just really painful with expanders. Had no idea it would be this hard. Husband is frustrated because I will hardly let him touch me, I can't hug my kids. Most of all, I want to do stuff and feel completely exhausted after running one errand. Energy is low, depressed and sad. Any advice or anyone feeling the same way? Will this get better

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2015

    Hi Lulu! Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We are sorry for what you're going through right now... but really glad that you found us and decided to post.

    Hopefully soon you'll have responses from other kind and experienced members of our community. Until then, you may want to take a look at the article Implant Reconstruction: What to Expect.

    Hope this helps a bit, and hope you feel better soon!

    The Mods

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited July 2015

    Two weeks is very soon. I can understand why you are in pain. Stay ahead of the pain w your meds. You might talk to your PS about something to relax the pec muscles. The pecs stretching was the worst part for me. It takes time to feel better but you'll get there.
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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited July 2015

    Lulu, it will really get better. I found that by week 3-4 I was feeling much more myself but I definitely needed the 6 weeks I took off from work. Take your pain killers and muscle relaxers (the latter really helps with the tissue expanders), drink a lot of water to flush the anesthesia, and eat well. I didn't have much appetite so stuck with fresh fruits, simple proteins like grilled chicken, and an occasional treat of Ben & Jerry's ice cream!! :) I watched a lot of Netflix and also enjoyed a few books on audio (much easier than lifting arms to hold a book or Kindle). I did my best to walk as well so i didn't lose strength/endurance (it can happen really fast). My surgery was in late May so some days were too hot to go outside. When that happened, I just did 10-15 mins on my treadmill. I paced myself and went slow in the beginning. As I got stronger I was able to do much more. Definitely try to move enough to keep your strength but be careful not to overdo. No lifting, laundry, major cooking, or housework. Be kind to yourself. It really does get better.


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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited July 2015

    Lulu I answered you on the July surgery sisters thread. :)

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  • jkbrca2
    jkbrca2 Member Posts: 67
    edited July 2015

    lulu, i'm on the July 2015 surgery sisters board too. I am 13 days out from a bilateral mastectomy. I did not have any reconstruction or TEs placed, which I understand is more painful. But I am having pain with the simpler version too. So with the expanders I can only imagine what you and the other ladies are going through. I met with my BS today and she said since I'm not even two weeks out the pain and soreness is totally normal. Are you allowed to take Advil? Can you talk with PS about other painkillers? Are your children able to help with some of the household chores? Can your husband come to your next PS appointment to get a better idea from PS what to expect? Maybe he can with more errands? It's really important to get a lot of rest to heal well and avoid complications.

    I get impatient with how my body is healing too, but people keep reminding me I've had major surgery. My 4 year old hugs me around the neck or leg. My husband lets me make the approach when we hug, but it's not yet a tight squeeze! When my 4 year wants to cuddle i put a pillow between us and he doesnt mind too much. It's temporary, and we'll all be close again soon. Hang in there! For support there's a lot of great strong women on all these boards.

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  • trailrose
    trailrose Member Posts: 219
    edited July 2015

    Lulu, Hang in there since this was a major surgery and it just takes time! I had DCIS and opted for a BMX with immediate TE placement in January. Did your surgeon prescribe muscle relaxers? They helped me quite a bit and I'm not one to take medication but oh boy did I need it! Ask your husband to give you upper back/shoulder massages. Those helped me tremendously. What you are going through IS hard so be kind to yourself. I didn't need chemo or radiation either but I won't deny that what I went through was very hard and painful. Eat super clean and healthy to help in the healing process and take it easy. When you are ready, go out and do some walking to help with your fitness level. Your body needs it. I hiked quite a bit once I was cleared to do so and now I'm back to my trail running! You can do this.

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