So today I was told that my 2nd operation did not get clear margins. I have been given choice of try again for 3rd attempt or mastectomy. Can anyone tell what recovery is like for mastectomy ? I have to have chemo and worried about the delay this is causing ? How long after a mastectomy would chemo start ? I have had so many curve balls through this journey so far. I’m exhausted
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What a tough choice to have to make.
I was diagnosed in 2020 and, after initially talking about a lumpectomy the surgeon recommended a mastectomy as there was so much DCIS needing to be removed. Roll forward to 2023 and a small amount of cancer was found in my other breast. This time I had a lumpectomy, and thankfully the first operation was successful.
Personally I found the recovery from the mastectomy easier than after my lumpectomy. Not sure entirely sure what the difference is, but I found it much more painful second time
I should add that I chose to go flat so I can’t say anything about recovering from reconstructive surgery.
Good luck what ever you decide
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Gosh, what a choice, that is harsh. No wonder you are knackered! I had a mastectomy with implant reconstruction at the same time and after 6 weeks I was pretty well recovered and going for 3-4 mile walks etc. I had chemo first though. I also had lymph node removal and that was the more tricky thing to heal, had it just been mastectomy and reconstruction probably would have recovered slightly quicker than that. Although my surgeon advised me not to drive for 6 weeks.
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I had mastectomy in June started chemo in July ,radiotherapy was finished by September.
For me mastectomy was my only choice ,losing my hair was the worse thing for me .
My sister had a mastectomy couple of months ago she was driving again in 7 weeks.
Good luck with what you decide.
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Hi epic1
Hard choice for me 2 failed wide incisions to get clear margins , I decided on mastectomy glad I did they found more invasive cancer , the surgery for mastectomy was painless just took parectemol , the lymph nodes removal was not painful just uncomfortable with drain etc , need todo exercises which they will give you advise on , have a chat with surgeon Bcn , it shouldn’t hold your treatment back . Only you can make the decision but I’m sure you will make the right one xx
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Hi Epic1, I’m sorry you’re going through this. I also had a lumpectomy and a re-excision but then I opted for the mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction rather than another re-excision as my margins we still not clear. This turned out to be the best decision for me as the boob, when tested, was full of cancer.
I’m 7 weeks post-op now and the recovery has been tough. I had 2 drains in for 2 weeks, the pain was intense, my mobility was limited and sleep was uncomfortable and broken. I’m much better now but still don’t have a full range of movement in my arm on the operated-side and I have some breast/rib pain at rest and when moving. It’s a long road but the relief of knowing that after the mastectomy there would be no more cancer in me made the decision for me. Wishing you the best of luck with whatever you decide. x
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I chose mastectomy and had it 2 weeks ago. It was the right choice as they found a small amount of more cancer.
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