I’m now 3 weeks post single mastectomy and sentinel lymph node removal and I’m feeling so tired. Just wondering if this is normal? I actually think i felt better immediately after the surgery, didnt have much pain and was up and about pretty quickly. I find that if i do anything physical, like go for a walk, i have to have a nap pretty much as soon as i get home and often feel tired for the rest of the day. There’s no sign of infection so i dont think its that.
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Hi
Sorry to hear this …
I also had mastectomy 3 weeks also and like you I just feel exhausted! I also feel a bit low. I felt better just after surgery and had more energy in the first couple of weeks. I was wondering if this was normal when I came across your post. I’ve 2 large seromas which are red and uncomfortable, my nurse looked at these last week but felt they were “normal” They were not so red that day, if still red tomorrow I might contact her again….?
I hope your energy levels improve and it will be interesting to see if any other lovely ladies can give us some insight as to why we feel so tired.
Take care x
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I had surgery 3 weeks ago too and I am the same. I can go for an hour walk, have some lunch and then I’m zapped! They do say it’s a 6-8 week recovery for a single mastectomy so I’m assuming my body is still recovering. I still have swelling and the consultant is keeping a close eye on me so I’m trying to rest as much as I can x
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Hello fellow mastectomy buddies. My own personal experience was the same as yours too. Initially felt fairly ok but then so super tired. All I would suggest is listen to your bodies. If you are tired, rest as much as you can. You have been through a lot, both mentally and physically. I am 9 months down the line post single mastectomy. I Had a seroma, then an infection so my journey was a bit bumpy. Healed well now though thank goodness. Im now having a bit of counselling and about to take part in the " moving forward" course. I am hoping these will help get my head around the last 9 months now that the physical bit is settled. Wishing you all the very best in your recovery journey. Its good to share xx
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Thank you for this. It helps to not feel so alone and uncertain as to what has happened and how our bodies are healing x
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Thanks for all your replies 
. Its really helpful to know that I’m not alone. Its also good to be reminded not to try and push through the exhaustion and rest instead, so I’m going to try and do more of that. It sounds like this is probably just a normal part of the healing process so fingers crossed it will slowly improve.
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Hi. I am 1 year since mastectomy and feeling much better now. I remember feeling very fatigued for quite some time after my SMX. I think all the treatment followed my the operation takes its toll. Give yourself time - it feels like it should be quicker and I remember thinking that. Now that I am 1 year on, I am pretty much back to normal. Obviously always worth checking with BCN if you have infection symptoms though. Sending hugs. x
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Thank you. That’s reassuring x
It can feel lonely sometimes, I know I have felt like I am on an island from time to time, with everyone else around me, seemingly carrying on with their life without a care in the world. But I have found reading the comments of other ladies on their cancer journey invaluable. Its helped me move forward a bit, feel less alone and Ive taken strength from some of the amazing & brave stories that have been shared. Thank you, to every single one of you. Think we are all awesome, even though we dont feel it sometimes
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I saw my bc nurse today who was very reassuring and said its completely normal to feel exhausted after a mastectomy. I also had my results today and found out that although the cancer was quite a lot bigger than they expected, it hasnt spread to the lymph nodes. I am so relieved about that and now that i am feeling more positive i feel more energised. So grateful for you all on here for soothing my rollercoaster of emotions
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I’m also one week post skin saving mastectomy with expander. I felt ok the first few days - went and got my hair washed 3 days post op and minimal pain relief . However, today Day7 feel really tired , no energy, I haven’t wanted to see anyone and put off visitors. I haven’t done much or been out since hair wash at hairdressers. I don’t feel like going out either as I have a drain insitu and without wearing a long coat difficult to hide.
So, it’s reassuring to read these posts and it’s normal to feel like this. I think the wound feels hot and swollen but not red and I have no temp. The breast care nurse said this is normal- I’ll be glad to get the drain out but it’s still draining so will see what surgeon says on Thursday . We’ll get there I’m sure but I’m a bit impatient sitting around feeling weak! Xxx
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I’m coming up for three weeks this weekend since mastectomy and node clearance. I’m still struggling quite a lot. I had my drain out a week or so ago but this week, I needed the site draining again as it had started to fill and I think it will need doing again next week.
Week one was fairly ok - as predicted by the surgeon - but since then, I’ve been in a near constant pain with no real improvement in my armpit and arm. I’m doing my exercises. The nurse says it’s the nerves and just to keep on with the pain relief and exercises.
I have been going for walks but don’t want to see or meet anyone and am getting fed up of people asking about it - it seems there is no other topic of conversation. I’d quite happily sit on the sofa and do nothing.
I’m due to get my results tomorrow, so that is adding to my worries today.
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I’m sorry tp hear you’re having a hard time. Hopefully the results will be positive and will give you a well needed boost. I have to say, I feel very similar when it comes to socialising. Its draining having to talk about having cancer all the time, even though i really appreciate the thoughtfulness and care. I’ve been listening to some guided mediations which have helped me relax quite a bit. Maybe worth a try? x
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