After Surgery No Reconstruction

Hi Melissa,

I had bilat with no recon last Halloween.  I stayed in the hospital over night, I went home first thing the next morning.  I was very lucky, my drains only stayed in for six days.  Everything went really well.  Of course I had sourness but I didn't take anything stronger than Extra Strength Tylenol after the second day.  You will definitely want to have a pillow to put between you and the seat belt on your ride home from the hospital.  You will probably want to sleep in a recliner or propped up on pillows for awhile.  I slept like that for a week or two.  You also may want to get some button up shirts because putting your arms over your head may be difficult for awhile.  If may also want to get some apple juice, prunes, or anything else that will help with constipation.  Unfortunately the operation as well as the pain meds can cause that for a couple of days.  I also found that Mylanta Gas helped with it and it has a nice minty flavor.  The main thing is to remember to take it easy and let people help you.  That was the hardest part for me.  I have always been the one to take care of everyone else, but it is important to let others help you sometimes.  If you have any other questions please feel free to PM me.  Take care and I will be praying for you.

Keep laughing,

Jenny

Hi,

I had a bilateral with no reconstruction and went home after one night. I had three drains that stayed in for four days.  I would advise taking some pain medication before getting the drains pulled.  I tried to start my exercises as soon as possible and then graduated from the ones the doctor gave me to yoga.  I also tried to go for a walk every day starting about a week after the operation.  Good luck to you.  I know what a relief it was to me when the operation was actually over.  Now, it seems a distant memory although it was only six months or so ago.  Lolita.

I had a bilateral mastectomy with no recon. Like Shrink, I stayed in the hospital for one night. That was helpful, as the suction on one of my drains was problematic and the resident helped with that in the middle of the night. But I was very ready to go home the next morning. My drains were only in for four days--it's my impression most women keep them a little longer. Removal of the drains hurt a little, but nothing extreme--just a quick sting.

About a week after surgery, my skin became very sensitive. I wish someone had warned me this might happen. At the time I feared it would never go away. It was hard to wear any clothes against my skin. Silk tees worked best, since they glide over the skin (I've heard satin is even better). The sensitivity lasted about three weeks total and was probably nerves waking up. It went away completely.

I couldn't sleep comfortably in bed until the drains were removed (too much pulling on the drain incisions), so I slept in an easy chair with an ottoman. Even after the drain removal, I couldn't lie flat comfortably for a while. I used a wedge pillow, which really helped.

I found physical therapy very helpful for getting my range of motion back--I started asap, I think about two weeks after the surgery. Insurance will usually pay for about eight sessions.

Barbara

I had a unilateral mast with a reduction on the other side.  The surgery started late in the day so I didn't get to my room untl 6:30 p.m.  I decided to stay a second night in the hospital because I didn't feel ready after less than 24 hours, and the drains were really painful.  Fortunately, my output decreased quickly and I was able to get them taken out just 4 days after surgery.

Just FYI, I am less than 2 weeks out from surgery now, sleeping on both sides (with a pillow wedged under me), just taking ibuprofen for soreness, driving short distances, and working part time from home.  Recovery really has not been bad.

Good luck to you!

Hi Melissa,  When are you having your bilat mast? We will want to be thinking of you,and praying that all goes well. I can't comment on not having recon, as I did have recon, but just wanted to let you know I would be thinking of you! (((HUGS)))

Hi Maizey,  I think that is great that you are going to have your RB removed,prophylactically. What freedom and comfort it will bring you! I understand your worry (and husband's) about your recovery time and not being able to help on the farm for awhile. But this is something you want, and definately deserve to do, so I hope that won't be a huge problem. I had the bilat mast and recon, so my recovery was longer, but I think with just having a mast your recovery will be much quicker. I had mine 9 wks ago, and am doing almost everything now from heavy yardwork, hauling concrete blocks--prob everything I shouldn't be doing! I would be guessing, but maybe at least by 4-6 wks you could be back doing what you need to do? Your dr could advise you better on that, plus some other ladies might chime in and give their experience on mast recovery time. I know there are several who waited years between mast and recon, and imagine there are others like you, who deicded on a second mast years later. I hope your neighbor will be able to help out, so your DH won't have to do it all on his own. I wish you the very best!!!! Let us know when your surgery will be, and go for it, girl!  (((HUGS)))

Kathy

Hi, Maizey.  I had bilat in 2006.  It is my understanding that they rarely remove the muscle any more unless it is involved in the cancer.  And since it is a prophylactic mast, perhaps no lymph nodes iwll be taken either. Those are reasonable expectations.  Recovery time varies from a couple of weeks to several months, but with your history, I'm betting you will do fine!  I'm 61, and I understand your desire to move on with your life!

Dawn

Melissa,

 Thanks for letting us know how well you are doing.  I am delighted it is going so well!

 Dawn

Melissa

I'm interested in your posts and appreciate them, too.  I had lumpectomy and what was "supposed" to be SNB in 2001.  They took 17 nodes and I had rad and tamoxifen.  I now have lymphedma.  If I had it all to do over again.. yada, yada, I would have had  bilateral mast prior to having BC because of dense tissue, cycsts, calcifications, etc. - but that's hindsight.  I'm now thinking about having prophylactic bi-lat mast with implants or without.  I'm just curious as to what made you decide to move forward with your mast.  Again, thank you for posting.