After 2 WLEs which failed to get clear margins I had a single mastectcomy with immediate diep flap reconstruction last Tuesday. I was discharged from hospital on Saturday. Oh what a shock it has been. I wasn’t given any advice about what I can or cannot do, and it has only been through talking with a friend who has been through the same that I knew of some things. However, I am struggling now that i am home as I don’t know if I am execting too much. I don’t know what should be “normal”. i know everyone has different experiences and deals wth things differently. I am struggling to stand upright - which I expected but for how long does this last? And should I be doing any specific exercises for this? I have been sleeping on my back as I did in hospital- again how long should this continue for? I have just been to Tesco with my husband just to get out of the house - that was such hard work! am I expecting too much too soon? is all this normal? I don’t expect to be power walking or gardening yet! if this is normal then I will happilly go with the flow. can any of you lovely ladies out there shed some light on this?
I have been amazed at reading your posts and your journeys. May you all continue to fight this disease with the strength and humour I have seen.
There are so many brave and positive ladies here aren’t there. When reading their remarkable recovery times post op it makes it appear like a mastectomy is akin to having a tooth out. What you have had is major surgery and is not classed as such for nothing. Of course we and our wounds all differ and therefore so is the way we heal. I also think that alot of the time we also tend at times to post more positive comments to help lighten the load for ourselves and others. Frankly considering what you have had done I think you are doing remarkably well. I don’t recall having done as much as you have after a relatively simple wle and snb. But I will admit to being a prize wimp. You know what your bod can do so listen to it and take tiny steps to recovery. XX
I had the same procedure back in October was in hospital for 11 days due to complications but was more or less walking upright by the time i left . You are the only person who can decide on how you are feeling and you will know when it feels right to straighten up. i too slept on my back for the first couple of weeks and it is only recently that i tried sleeping on my surgery side. its still not the most comfortable but getting there. After 12 weeks i was back at work full time. It takes time but you will get there its still very early days.
Hi Jane
I had MX and immediate DIEP last May. I was out of hospital in three days but did nothing for first couple of weeks - was told not even to lift a kettle. I gradually started doing little bits but took it very gently for a good two months. I was told to wear Bridget Jones knickers for six weeks and if really helped to get me upright and walking properly. I had a few problems with leaking seromas but nothing painful just annoying. I tired very very easily if I tried to do too much so I just gave in to it and rested up when I felt the need.
I found out that I should have been massaging the tummy scar as son as it had healed but I wasn’t told that at the time and I saw an osteopath weekly for a couple of months which really seemed to loosen the scar up nicely. Even now (almost 9 months on) my tummy scar still feels tight and uncomfortable done times.
Feel free to pm me if you want any more detail.
It gets better
Carol
X