Mastectomy questions

[macor]

I am having a mastectomy in another 10 days on one side. with no reconstruction. Previously I had had a lumpectony, chemo and radiation 4 yrs ago, I'm just wondering how long the recovery period usually is and can you wear pullover shirts or do you need button down ones? Have people been restricted for their activities and if so for how long? I do know I will have drains in. Thanks for your suggestions.

[BluHydrangea]

I just had Mastectomy on left side to remove primary tumor— by I was extremely nervous and scared. Change in my body and fear if pain and muscle tightness. I did not have lymph node involvement so surgeon did not remove any lymph nodes—- she said that would be much less risk for lymphadema after surgery.

I had little pain after surgery- Tylenol and ibuprofen took care of it! I had 1 drain and it was removed after10 days.

I worked on stretching after the drain was removed— sometimes I have phantom pain on mastectomy side. Mostly I feel really good.

I used button down robes until drain was out. I was at home recovering for a couple weeks… no other restrictions.

Let me know if you have other questions!

Cindi

[macor in reply to BluHydrangea]

Thanks for your reply. I hope my outcome will be as positive as yours seems. Did you need to wait until drains were out to shower? Also, di you pretty much have use of your arm on that side?

[BluHydrangea in reply to macor]

I was able to shower 48 hours after surgery.arm muscles were tight and dr didn’t want me to raise arm above my head or lift anything until drains were out.

[macor in reply to BluHydrangea]

Thank you!!

[Mmnyc]

I had a bilateral mastectomy and my recovery period was not bad. I could not sleep in my bed, slept sitting up in my sofa with a lot of pillows. I had to use button down shirts as I could not lift my arms. My drains were out in a little over a week. I was surprised how quickly my plastic surgeon removed them but was happy to lose them (hated them). I think you will be fine, especially since you won’t have to deal with the expanders. I hated those and it took my body a good 4 months to get used to them (an eternity for me). Just do the exercises the nurses will give you and you will be ok.

Before my surgery I purchased a hand held shower head so I showered from the waist down. I highly recommend getting one. If you live alone, lower your essentials like cups and plates to a lower cabinet so that you can reach for them without having to reach over.

[macor in reply to Mmnyc]

Thank you for the tips. I do have a handheld shower head already so that is good

[Nicu18]

I had a mastectomy 14 yrs ago. Had drains and once they were removed went back to work. There's discomfort from drains. I was home a month. I am a nurse and it was necessary for me because of the strenuous work I do.

[macor in reply to Nicu18]

Thank you!!

[Bcmd341]

The best advice given to me was to go for PT for tge shoulder to help regain range of motion after tge surgery. . I found it very helpful. I had to ask my surgeon for tge prescription.

[macor in reply to Bcmd341]

I have been going for PT lately as my lymphadema had gotten worse so I am sure I will be continue with that. Thank you!

[MarliesSz]

I had a mastectomy with expander put in 2.5 months ago. I had sentinel lymph nodes removed. They put a drip anesthetic in my back that stayed for 3 days and I took out myself. I had almost no pain those days. But once that wore off, I had neuropathic pain from the lymph node removal. It felt like a rug burn on most of the back of my upper arm. That was much worse than anything around the breast itself.

My drain was in for about 2 weeks. It didn't bother me too much, except for having to empty and measure every day. And one time it got clogged and started leaking, but I was able to fix that with a more thorough stripping of the tube.

I started walking slowly around the neighborhood starting no more than 2 days after my surgery. I was tired and slow for a week or two. I still have some pain when I stretch my arm up, but I think part of that is due to the expander.

I would say it took about 4 weeks before I was pretty much back to normal as far as the affected arm was concerned.

I hope it goes smoothly for you!

[macor in reply to MarliesSz]

Thank you for your tips. Hope I can go for short walks like you did.

[debbiedo2063]

I had a mastectomy 2018. My surgeon does not believe in using drains. I was in and out hospital in a day and I had to go back weekly to get the nurse to drain the wound with a needle. Was fine tbh. Recovery in a couple of months from what I remember. XxxDebra.

[macor in reply to debbiedo2063]

Thank you!! When I had a lumpectomy in 2018 they didn't use drains either and had to have nurse drain fluid under my arm where they took out lymph nodes

[Tinydancer1]

I would advise you to speak emphatically to your surgeon that you want an aesthetic flat closure that will be absolutely flat with no dog ears, no extra skin, etc. Sometimes slight dog ears under your arms can’t be helped if you have a lot of fat there and depending on the shape of the breasts being removed. Too many surgeons don’t realize how important it is for us. Many women end up with corrective plastic surgery afterwards, and it can be avoided with a solid discussion with your surgeon before surgery. Good luck, and join the several Facebook groups that are so supportive of us “flatties” and “unis”, especially with prosthetic and fashion advice.

[macor in reply to Tinydancer1]

Thanks for the advice!

[M43bcmgreenblue]

Hi Macor

I have had a mastectomy in 2018 on the right side so I had to get used to my shape I wear a prothesis and you are not really able to tell. The only thing is I have put on a little weight so the left side is appearing bigger now therefore, I am going to be fitted for a new prothesis they can be quite heavy but the new one I am getting it is much lighter and softer, I should get it in a few weeks. Unfortunately I had lymph nodes removed under my arm pit and developed lymphoedema so my right arm has swollen, I try to find baggy tops with sleeves to cover if up so it is not too noticeable. On the bright side I have got over the operation and I just have to continue on the positive road as there is always someone that has gone through much more somewhere. My advice to you is to remain positive knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will get through what life throws at you so fight back and get well to the best of your ability. Due to covid my reconstruction was put back but I am always hopeful for good things to happen. Take care x.

[macor]

Thanks for your advice. I had lymphadema after a lumpectomy surgery in 2017 ..that got worse this past summer even before the mastectomy. I am going to PT for it and wear a compression sleeve and glove. Like you mentioned I try and look for sleeves that are a little roomier to get on and off. I did not opt for reconstruction and just wear a foam filled prosthesis that fits inside the mastectomy bra. Take care and good luck to you!!

❤️