Hi everyone, I am currently facing a mastectomy due to extensive DCIS in my left breast. For various reasons, I want to opt for double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (using implants). From your own experiences, how long was recovery from your mastectomy? I have a young daughter and I’m so worried about how long I’ll be restricted from being as hands on with her as I am now. I had an emergency c section with her, has anyone experienced both a double mastectomy and c section? How would you compare the recovery of the two? I’m just wondering if I can use the experience of that surgery with this one!
Thank you for sharing x
Hi sammycc - I would just ask; are you having any lymph nodes removed?
Hi Jay, yes I have had biopsy done and getting results tomorrow- I know my treatment plan is dependent on those results x
Hi Sammycc - so sorry you find yourself on here but this Forum is a brilliant source of support and advice. I had an emergency c-section with my daughter and May this year I had a single mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction and also full node clearance, so I am happy to compare notes with you if that helps. I wasn’t allowed to drive for about 4 weeks after my mx this year and to start with had to be careful what I lifted. I used my left hand instead, but if you are having a double mx you will have to be more careful. However, that didn’t mean I was lying around for that whole time, I very quickly got back to doing all the usual stuff, except driving. With my c-section I wasn’t allowed to drive for 6 weeks, but I do remember that I wasn’t able to lie around for that 6 weeks as I had a new baby to look after. My c-section was a while ago now so I can’t remember it very well (funny how the brain blocks things out), but the early days are very similar. Sorry I don’t think I have answered your question very well - so please do ask more if you like.
Do accept any offers of help you can. How old is your daughter?
Evie xx
Hello Evie, thank you for your reply - I think you did answer my question. In my mind, I know I got through a c section despite the pain and recovery time so if I can do that perhaps I can cope with this too! Might be a silly analogy but it I guess we all find our ways of dealing with things!
My daughter is 16months, so not quite old enough to understand why mummy can’t pick her up and cuddle her all the time but she’s mobile so also capable of climbing up on the sofa for a cuddle too x
Hi sammy, I had single mx with full node clearance and implant reconstruction 3 years ago. I also had DIEP reconstruction 10ish weeks ago - tummy tuck type surgery to use belly flap to make new boob, hip to hip scar.
I was driving and doing yoga 3 weeks after mx. If you do your exercises you can get full mobility in your arm pretty quickly. The trickiest thing was coming home with a drain in - you have to he careful not to catch it or knock it over. But a small shoulder bag is useful to carry it about in.
With DIEP I couldn’t drive for 6 weeks and took 2-3 weeks before I could stand upright and walk comfortably. Also no lifting for 6-8 weeks do a bit comparable to c section.
For your mastectomy I would advise getting as organised as possible before hand with lots of easy to heat food in freezer and easy prepare food for your daughter. Also accept all offers for help from friends. May be see if someone could have her to play a couple of times a week, or bring their child to you so you can rest while they entertain your little girl.
I wish you all the best. It’s a tough time with your little one xxxx
Hi riversidedawn
Can I ask did you have your implant out to have diep?
I’m having fat transfer to my implant because it’s gone a bit flat and ripply x
Hi Rachy, yes the implant was replaced by the DIEP reconstruction. Mainly because I’ve put on weight and so lost symmetry. But also implant had become capsulated and the radiotherapied skin was very thin - too thin for fat transfer or any other surgery.
Riversidedawn
Thankyou.
Can I ask do you ever suffer much with anxiety about the future etc?
I do, it drives me insane…i hope it gets better eith time
Love
Rachael x
Good question Rachy. Im in two minds to push for a double mx as I don’t think I can bear the anxiety or going through this again. Surgeons are pushing and recommending to get left mx done and sorted and then see how I feel. i just want it all done and sorted!
I too hope it gets better x
Sammy - I think recovery depends on the person -if you are reasonably active(not me!!) and do your exercises,rest up as necessary,eat healthily and have a positive outlook, recovery may be faster.
I had a single mx on the right hand side with a DIEP (ftom the tummy area)plus full node clearance and 10 weeks on, am still in pain and discomfort with tingling and numbness in my hands.Sleeping at night is very difficult and have just been prescribed a different painkiller to help with this.
Remember to talk to your BCN or your GP - don’t suffer in silence.
Interestingly(as like you I couldn’t face going through this again),I was refused a double mx as my surgeon didn’t want to remove a healthy boob.
I wish you well with your treatment. x