How long will I be in hopital after MX

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Hi to all!

I was wondering how long I will be in hospital after Left MX and complete lymph node clearence? I was told I could go home on the same day with the drains. I often wonder if you are told things just to make you feel better and less stressed. I have never seen anyone go home on the same day when I worked on the surgical ward as a nursing student. Have things moved on that much that you are better 8 hours after a major opp or am I being passified. I have a family and would like to know what to expect so I can get things in order.

Thanks Stacie

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Hi Stacie

Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, I hope you will find them a great source of support and information. Whilst you are waiting for the other users to reply with their experiences you may find it useful to have a copy of the BCC booklet ‘Your operation and recovery’ It explains what to expect before, during and after surgery and includes information on recovery times. If you would like a copy just follow this link:-

breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/your_op_and_recovery_07_web_0.pdf

I hope you find this helpful.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

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I had mastectomy and node clearance in January 2009, I had the op on Friday Morning and came home on Sunday lunchtime, without any drains. Hope all goes well for you.

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Hi Stacie
I am going in a few weeks and have been told i will be in 4-5 days. I was originaly told it would be out the same day but that was when they thought it would just be a lumpectomy. I think i have read different for other people though.

Hope it all goes well for you

Love

Jayne xxx

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I had my mx with an immediate reconstruction, with a expander implant. I came out on day 5, with just one drain in, which was only in another day, then taken out by the district nurse.
I would expect to be around 4-5 days then you wont be disappointed.
hope this helps.
Sharon

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Hi Stacie
I had a left mx and snb in Mar 09 and I went home on the same day with my drains in. The hospital had checked that there would be someone at home to look after me that night. I had a nurse from the hospital team visit me daily for 10 days to check my drains, dressing, temp etc.

Have to admit I was a bit stunned when I was first told that a mastectomy could be done as day surgery but I was told it was the procedure for the hospital I was attending. It worked out OK and I got better food and more sleep than if I had been in hospital.

I think different hospitals/surgeons have different practices round the country so maybe you need to double check.

All the best and hope it goes smoothly
Joss

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Even back in 1996 (when I had my first mastectomy), I was allowed home the following day. There was very little pain (only needed paracetamol). I was in a private hospital, which was comfortable in itself-but I knew I would be much more comfortable at home, and so was happy to go asap. Unless you’re having immediate reconstruction,most people are discharged now very quickly-there’s no need to stay for long! 8 hours after my op, I was more than able to go home-but asked to stay one night, for my own peace of mind.