Bi lateral mastectomy and reconstruction

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Mondy
Mondy Member Posts: 2
edited November 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

hello ladies,

I have a 16 months old daughter. I am having mastectomy and reconstruction sx. End of this month! My doctor advised me do not lift up anything heavy for 3 weeks!!! How can i handle this situation when you have baby???

I need your advise please!

If you had this sx. Done can you please tell me about the recovery time?


Thank you,

Mondy

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  • Angela2015
    Angela2015 Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2015

    You have to find help. Husband? Mother? Good friend? Daycare?

    The doctor is right! You need to follow his/her advices, it is for your own good! your own health recovery!

    You'll find a solution, no doubt about it

    Angela






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

    Hi Mondy-

    It's going to be difficult with a baby, but like Angela said, it's important that you follow your doctor's instructions about lifting after your surgery. You'll be in a fair amount of discomfort, you may be sent home with drains, and you'll have sutures and/or staples, and these all need to be minded carefully. You'll probably be advised to start light arm exercises after your surgery, but the no lifting rule is an important one following mastectomy and reconstruction. Getting family members and friends to pitch in will be key!

    As for how long recovery can take, that depends on the patient! Doctors usually say that you'll need around 8 weeks of recovery time following this type of surgery, but some people need less time, and some people need more. It's important to listen to your body and not overdo it. Follow the doctor's instructions on light exercise and stretching to maintain mobility during your recovery, get up and walking as soon as you feel comfortable, and get plenty of rest in the days after your surgery.

    Good luck on your surgery, we hope it goes well and that your recovery is quick! Please keep us posted!

    The Mods

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited November 2015

    My daughter was 18 months when I had my double mastectomy and tissue expander placement. It is hard but you can do it. Children get used to it really quickly, you just have to make it clear that you can't pick them up but that they can crawl in your lap. When the baby wants to lay his head on your chest you can have a blanket at hand and put that on your chest first. They will pick up really quickly about what's going on and will find new ways to cuddle and to spend time with you. They will adapt to climbing the stairs and climbing into the crib, they will be helpful when you need to change the diaper. The baby will be even glad to fetch things for you. It will be fine since the baby can get around on their own an come to you. Hugs!

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