I’ve just been diagnosed with none invasive DCIS I am having a mastectomy on the 29thSept without recon. and wondered how much pain I will be in after the operation also will I be able to wear a bra to come home from hospital
Hi tilly,
I had Mastectomy without recon. Each hospital and Consultant work differently so no one can tell you anything for certain. However, it would be normal to go home after 2 or 3 days with a drain in and you would go back for removal of the drain and redressing where needed. I remember it being uncomfortable and I had a morphine drip but I did not use it much. I really don’t recall much pain, nothing a couple of Paracetamol did not sort out. You will not be able to wear a bra for a while, especially while the wound is healing. I wore a loose cami until the drain was removed, again timing depends on the Consultant but I had mine out in 6 days and then I managed to wear a cami with bra cups and a sponge prosthesis. I did try a bra but it rubbed on the wound so I soon stopped that. Wired bra’s are out and unless you have a very close fitting bra, high at the front, you will need special bra’s with pockets for the prosthesis.
Hope this helps,
E
Tilly, I an 10 days post Mx and full node clearance , yes there is pain afterwards, mostly just discomfort, I don’t know how long your in hospital for but I was only in 24 hours, I was given painkillers to bring home. I was told to take a bra in with me because they give you a softie prosthesis to come home with and they need to fit it,
Good luck with your op.
Jean
thanks for your help I’ve been told I will be in hospital 2/3 days I’ve been ok about my operation so far but must admit I’m getting a bit nervous as it gets closer
thanks for your help I’ve been told I will be in hospital 2/3 days I’ve been ok about my operation so far but must admit I’m getting a bit nervous as it gets closer
Hi Tilly,
You will soon have it over with now, the waiting is the worst. No way around this as it needs doing and the sooner the better so just grit your teeth and let it happen.
Are you having any other treatment?
E
I don’t think so but they have told me they can’t be 100% sure till after the op.just keeping my fingers crossed
I’ve just had a call from my breast cancer nurse offering me an earlier slot for my op so I’ve decided to take it less time to think about it,am now having op on Friday 23rd Sept
Hi Tilly,
That’s really good news that you don’t have to wait so long. The sooner the better when it has to be done.
I am almost certain that you will have a drain in so go prepared with something you can put it in when you go to the loo etc. Some people just use a plastic bag. Some hospitals have special bags that grateful patients have made. I used a shoulder bag which was about a foot square. There will be a long tube which will be stitched in and you do not want to stand on it, I did once and it jolly well hurt.
If they remove any glands do not lie on the side of the op. You may be better on your back for a while but never again lie on the side of your op.
You should have a physio visit you on the ward who will give you exercises for your arm.
Hope all goes well for you and that you don’t need any more treatment.
Let us know how you are when you get home again.
E
H Tilly
Very best of luck with the op.
There’s a really good thread in undergoing surgery under I think, what to take in for a lumpectomy, which has a list of what to take into hospital. I found it reall useful when i went in.
I too had a little bag to crry the drains in, made by some kind person. I’ve been told since that the hospitals aren’t allowed to use these any more becuS of risk of infection! I had my op only in July and they were using them then…it’s a great shame if they’re not allowed to use them. I would take something in if you can, something you can put over your shoulder , otherwise they’ll give you a plastic bag or nothing…which will not be nearly s nice, or as helpful!
Thanks very much for your good wishes and helpful info.will let you know how I’ve gone on after my op.
Hi Tilly,
I had the same op 2 weeks ago today. Don’t worry yourself over the pain issue, everyone’s different but I was surprised how little pain I got and any you do get they give you pain killers for.
It’s more discomfort than pain, you’ll be just fine x dont worry about the bra thing wear whatever you’re comfortable in!!!
Good luck chic!!
Had my op on Friday everything went well i’ve had no pain so far.I came home from hospital on Monday with my drain still in and have been today for it taking out so feel back to normal now ,have to go back to see doc on Tuesday so hope everything’s OK.
glad you got through your op OK and now on the mend, getting nervous myself now as due to have my WLE and ANC on Friday, always feel guilty though when I hear of people like yourself who have to have the major surgery.
best wishes
Jean x
I think it’s only natural to be nervous of any operation but if it’s any help one minute the anesthetist was talking to me before the op the next thing I was being woken up, an hour and a half later I was sat up in bed eating shepherds pie.Goood luck with your op on Friday
Hi Tilly,
That’s great news. Keep us up to date with your progress and if we can help just ask.
E
Hi Granny,
All the best for Friday.
E
hi granny … all the best for tomorrow xx angie
hi tilly great news your not in pain… xx angie
Hi I’ve just got results of biopsy all clear just have to take hormone tablets don’t know which yet.Spoke too soon about no pain I’ve been really sore for the last week I suppose it’s just the heeling process I’ve still got some fluid which is really uncomfortable but nurse says there’s no quick fix just got to wait till it gets absorbed back into my body.I hope everyone else is doing ok .x Tilly1