Hi Giselle
As I said earlier I had mastectomy end of May with 18 nodes removed and fortunately I don’t have a problem with lymphoedema so can’t comment on that. I made sure I did all the exercises to keep my arm mobile and hopefully help prevent lymphoedema. I was in hospital overnight after mx and went home following day with drains in place. Drains were removed a week later and I didn’t set foot over the front door for that week, although I could move around the house quite easily, make tea, dinners, shower, etc. Once drains were removed I was out for a short walk every day, even if it was only to the local shops, just such a relief to get out. Dressings were removed a week after that and I went for a short drive the day after that (with small cushion tucked under my seatbelt strap). I was probably a wee bit wary of driving as my arm was a bit stiff but just wanted to see how painful or otherwise it was, I took my OH with me just in case it was too much, but I had no problem. Must admit I had been practising ‘positive driving’ (no crossing arms going round corners, tut tut) for a couple of weeks before surgery so maybe that helped. I was going out as soon as my drains were gone, couldn’t stay out for more than a couple of hours though, body needs to rest after any operation.
Apart from having to have chemo at the moment (cramping my style) life is back in the old routine, although I probaby let OH do a bit more than I used to (good exercise for him). Realised there’s more to life than keeping the kitchen floor clean!
Good luck with whatever decision you make and hope all goes well.
Maggie
I had an mx in November 2010 (I was 41 at the time), and wasn’t offered immediate recon as the chest wall margins were so slim that rads were going to be a necessity, and rads can screw up an instant recon. The offer was there for recon at any point in the future, and at the time I had surgery, I was certain that I would want it. Almost two years on, and I am still undecided! My missing left breast doesn’t bother me (or my oh) in the least, in fact, in a horrid sort of way, I almost prefer the scar to the rather saggy stretch marked boob that was there before. Particularly as that boob tried to kill me (vengeance is mine etc etc). I am also very ‘not keen’ to undergo further surgery/time in hospital - perhaps as much as anything because I am now well and truly settled back in at work (for over a year now) and the thought of having to take an extended leave again just doesn’t sit right with me at the moment. BUT (in caps as it is a big but) who knows how I’ll feel this time next year? I have found it irritating this summer to have to be so careful about what tops I have worn, next year, hopefully a) having lost more weight and b) hopefully getting a bit more sunshine - perhaps that will really, really tick me off and I’ll go for the op then? Funny to consider having a boob rebuilt so that I look better with clothes ON!!! What I really mean to say is - the option will be there, down the line. Don’t make a rushed decision now - you have plenty of time. Just concentrate on getting through this step first xxx
Hi all, had a full mastectomy on the 20th Aug & a temp reconstruction. My boob is well hard not to mention sore & painful still, is this normal for a week after surgery ?
I am due to attend the hospital this Wednesday for a check up & results, would really be grateful on other people’s opinions as its a worry.
Hi everyone Its been a while since I was last in hear, anyway I finished chemo in June had my right breast off on the17th July I’ve been ok I had 35nodes removed 3 infected my surgeon is very pleased and they said they got all the nasty c gone
I’ve had my breast drained 4 times!!! Now my boob us rock hard is it normal??? it’s so hard and uncomfortable has anyone else had/got this problem??
I start radiotherapy in nov
Good luck to u all havin ur op xxxxxx
Hi Purple42. I had my single mastectomy on June 6th. No one mentioned the bruising I would have covering my right side from armpit to waist or that the wound itself would be rock hard and need draining twice in the first few weeks. Mine is still rock hard 12 weeks on although it is softening a little.
I’m not sure the draining did me much good as it sucked the middle out of the swelling and left me with a giant pair of 5 inch closed lips! I still have yellowy/mauve bruising on my new pair of lips 
You are right it is uncomfortable and feels like armour plating. I’ve tried massaging with Bio-oil, E45 and using a hot water bottle but none of those ideas have helped. I too would like to read if it is normal and how long it usually takes to soften up and if there is anything I can do to speed up the healing.
Hi Madjock & Triphazard99 (Love those names!!)
Thank you both for your considered and sound advice, you have both been very helpful, which I really appreciate. Still undecided but having your input will help me to weigh up all the pros & cons. Taking one step at a time sems like a very sensible thing to do!
Hi Katie
I had my mx right side on Nov 2nd, Not doing too badly but dreading result on Friday.
Hope yours is settling down by now. Seagull
Hi,
My name is Jessie Stein and I am in my third year at Nottingham Trent University studying Fashion Communication and Promotion.
I am carrying out research for my dissertation on how body image and identity trauma affects ones body image and confidence as this has affected my family and I have seen the changes it has on my mum.
My goal is to create a positive impact on self-esteem and body image through personal styling/shopping services.
I am researching into mastectomy’s and I would be greatly appreciative if those of you who have had a mastectomy could fill out this quick questionnaire. Please be ensured it is all anonymous and only takes a couple of minutes to fill out.
All information would be greatly appreciated! If anyone would like to contact me to help me further my project, then please do so!
Thanks a lot,
Jessie Stein
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I am waiting to have a single Mastectomy on the 15th of June. If a start to finish account I would be happy to help… Pennylynne