Braca2

[fredster8]

Hi, I'm new to this site and have the Braca2 gene. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 19th this year. I have had double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in the same operation on February 11th. I'm still in a lot of pain, is this normal.

[Jennymary]

Not able to advise on your pain, I had lumpectomies, except to say maybe ring your BCN or GP, for advice/reassurance, otherwise i hope you're soon on the mend xxxx

[Saralouise]

Hi, I am sorry can't help re pain, but I know other women that have had the same operation that reported lots of pain. I am also BRCA2, just had a full hysterectomy as preventative measures which was a much easier procedure than I could have imagined. Have you spoken to your breast care nurse re pain? Hope you get some release from the pain soon xx

[Debs1962]

Hi I had a single mastectomy may 2015, depends what you mean by pain, I found it uncomfortable but not pain, probably stopped taking pain killers after a week, so if you are in a lot of pain contact your bc nurse, welcome to the site xx

[Chrissie2]

As mentioned by others, I cannot help on the pain - I had a lumpectomy. Are you taking painkillers? It sounds early days yet for all the surgery you have had done. Exercises are important if you can manage to do them. Please do contact someone for re-assurance. Hope things improve soon xx

[Artemis-angel]

I had a mastectomy and reconstruction, I still had some pain for some weeks. I used nurofen and paracetamol. Good luck, I had my reconstruction 7 years ago and am still very glad that I did.

[GinaD19]

Hi, I have had five breast related ops in five years (lumpectomy, mastectomy, second mastectomy by choice, tissue expander inserts and implants inserts) and other than the excruciating pain from the drains for a few days I cannot say that any of the operations were painful for longer than a few days. If three weeks later you are still in a lot of pain you need to speak to your consultant or nurse. I hope you get some relief soon. Xx

[CancerkickerKathy]

Were all different but I thought my pain was pretty high for at least a month. I do think muscle relaxers helped me a lot but when they would wear off I knew it. I also have fibromyalgia so that may have added to my pain.

[fredster8]

Thanks for all of your helpful replies. I'm taking painkillers, maybe I'm just being hard on myself expecting to be pain free. Yes it is still early days. My consultant told me a couple of days ago, that it hasn't spread to my lymph nodes, so onwards and upwards!

[cbnh]

I am two and a half weeks post op for a single mastectomy. I have pain every day. It isn't excruciating, but can often feel like a bad sunburn, aching and sometimes shooting pain. I've read where these are typical symptoms in the early weeks following surgery. I usually take some over-the-counter pain meds when needed. It's improving each day. I start PT (physical therapy) next week. Everyone heals differently. Listen to your body! If you need something for pain, don't suffer. Rest when your body tells you you need it. Each day is different. Yesterday I felt exhausted all day. Today I felt so much better! Best wishes!

Carla

[Kathy1126]

I am BRCA 2 and had the same operation as you. Like many of the respondents, I experienced little pain after drains were out. I am sure you will be in touch with your doctor.