Hi everyone. I’ve posted a lot on here so I’m sorry for going on again! I’m having a mastectomy on my left breast and lumpectomy on my right one and a full axillary clearance. My breast cancer nurse said this isn’t major surgery but my consultant has said it is. I’m booked in for the 4th January and I’m slowly but surely learning to accept it and feel a bit calmer. I’m just wondering if anyone else has been through similar surgery and has any advice for recovery.
Amy Post away as much as you like on here and never any reason to say sorry for reaching out and asking My surgeon had me wash in hibiscrub prior to operation for a few days, I can’t comment on your surgery as I had therapeutic mammoplasty and 2 lymph nodes removed so different surgery. I had a drain afterwards, don’t know if you are due to have one of those, if you are and have any questions please ask away 
button front pyjamas and shirts or zip front cardigans clothing wise are comfy after and I had some scarfs that I’d drape down front to camouflage being uneven well while everything knitted back together just helped me mentally adjust to being lopsided without it being glaring obvious no one could tell at all We are all here fir you and others who can help more regarding your surgery will be alone also use the someone like me option and speak to the nurses 
Shi xx
Hi Amy
I’m so sorry you find yourself in this situation. It’s hard when you get apparently conflicting advice and you don’t know who to believe or what ‘major surgery’ is. Emotionally and psychologically (if there’s a difference), a mastectomy, with full axillary clearance, is major surgery. And you’ve got surgery on both sides! Not only do you have to deal with the effects of general anaesthetic, possible pain management, lugging a drain round with you and other practicalities, you have to deal with the sudden change to your body and the fact that the surgery has rid your body of cancer. So in some ways, it is major.
From a nurse’s perspective, they might want to ease your anxiety and they are right in that it’s manageable, you’re up and about quickly, and you don’t need special care afterwards. They certainly aren’t downplaying the seriousness but they may be more sensitive towards your emotional wellbeing.
All the best in January. I hope it all goes smoothly x