I am booked in for a single mastectomy on my right breast (no reconstruction) and a reduction on my left breast in September (I have grade 2, stage 2 ER+ BC wide spread across the right breast)
I’m 40, and live in north London.
I’ve read through a lot of these forums, but I’d really like some practical advice from those who have been there on post surgery management of -
Sleep - I’m a side sleeper, I’ve read a lot about different pillows etc but when I’ve looked to buy one, there are a few different types and I’m not sure what I need
Creams / ways to manage the scar - how soon after surgery can I do this, which creams are best etc.
Returning to normal life - I’ve opted to not have reconstruction as I just want my life back as soon as possible. I know everyone is different but how long realistically can I expect to be out of action for?
Post surgery bra - best brands? M&S seeks to be the obvious go to, but even they have various styles. Do I have to wear this all the time?
I know some people will say to ask my breast care nurse, but I really want on the ground experiences please. Any positive stories would be great, as I’m feeling quite panicked about it all. Thanks xx
Hello.
I’m 11 days post bilateral mastectomy and no reconstruction.
I am still sleeping on my back as underarm still tight and sore from node biopsy. I have two pillows and a v pilow on top and pillows on the side, so I’m wedged in. I’m taking a sleeping tablet from my GP so that is helping.
I was up walking about straight away and two days later was back walking more than six miles a day. I’m not doing much around the house - nothing! but can drive short distances. I’m hoping to be able to do some leg exercises back at the gym next week depending on how I feel.
Not sure about creams, l plan to ask at my next appointment but was thinking of bio oil or e45 once everything settled.
Good luck with your op xx
Thanks Lynne, which medication did you get for sleeping? That’s my main concern; I know I’ll need my sleep to recover but I just can’t sleep on my back.
I usually sleep on my front so was really concerned whilst asleep I would lie in my usual position. I bought a bedrest reading pillow with arms - it’s really helped me.
I’m now week on from bilateral mastectomy and lymph node removal with no reconstruction. I’m 39, triple negative, and had chemo for 6 months before surgery.
Sleep:
I’m getting my surgical drains removed tomorrow and there has been no way I could have slept on my side up until now. I’m not a back sleeper at all and it has been really tough trying to get comfortable enough to sleep - I’ve got a normal pillow under my knees, smaller ones wedged under my bum/side so I don’t roll. I did have a lot more strength than expected for getting out of bed mind, so I’ve at least been able to lie mostly flat which helped. I’m hoping to be able to roll onto my side once the drains are gone.
Creams:
I think I’m a way off that for now. Had all the surgical bandages removed three/four days after which was a relief as they were really tight and bulky. The nurse put tiny steri-strips and a dry bandage (literally gauze inside my bra) as there was no open wound and all healing well. And I was cleared to shower which was so lovely!
Back to normal:
I’m up and about. I’ve been to Costa, popped to the shops etc and it’s been ok. Drains are a pain as I’m carrying them around with me, and I get tired out quickly. I’m just about able to get dressed independently now - things like getting a shirt over my head/pulling it down my body have been tricky and I have to have a little rest after to let the pain settle. Can’t lift/carry much, opening doors hurts. The pain for me has also been a lot so expect to want to rest.
Bras:
Mine are from M&S. I’d rather just not wear one at home but breast nurse encouraged it - something about support/pressure to help with healing and padding to protect the wound. I’ve got a non surgical bralette type one that I like, and a surgical soft one with formed cups that looks better but I feel way too perky in! It’s painful under my arms where the drains go. The softie prosthetics are nice though, and they do make me feel more protected and padded.
Overall I would say it has all gone really well in terms of surgical outcomes and healing. I’ve been way more independent in some ways than I expected (e.g. getting out of bed!) but I’m still really sore and it’s not been a lot of fun.
I hope yours goes smoothly and you have support at home to help you recover as that has been invaluable.
An update another 4 days on - I’m feeling really good!
Drains came out last Thursday and it’s been steady improvement since. A lot less pain, the scars look much flatter and are healing brilliantly, I’ve got a bit more movement (doing all the recommended exercises), and I’ve even been able to drive already!
Plus I’ve managed to sleep a little on my side. Its not super comfortable but it is possible
Good luck with everything. The hospital team will really look after you, and just keep thinking 10 days out you’ll feel a lot better
That’s so good to hear!! 10 days is doable in the grand scheme of things. I’ve ordered a V pillow now and will bite the bullet with a bra soon…! Thanks for your replies x
I’m 2 weeks out from my single mastectomy and the only thing I bought pre-surgery for prep was a v-shaped pillow from Ikea which I haven’t used at all because sleeping flat on my back with a normal pillow has been more comfortable. I think if I had chosen to go flat, I would have been able to be comfortably sleeping on the side opposite the SMX. I can lay on my side, but because I have the expander in it feels a bit uncomfortable unless I hug a pillow/blanket to my chest.
I also used a small bum bag that I had lying around to hold my drains, so not necessary to buy something special if you’ve already got one of those in your house.
I started back at work yesterday (WFH) but I’ll probably go into the office at some point this week or next. My surgeon said I was ok to drive after a week as long as I felt comfortable being able to do an emergency stop. I probably didn’t even need the 2 weeks off work since I wasn’t on any heavy duty pain killers and felt pretty normal (aside from having a bit of a sore boob) straight away after surgery. I’m doing a mastectomy recovery exercise program that I found online which incorporates some light, low impact cardio and leg/core work in addition to the mobility work that my physio has given me. If anyone else is interested: Introduction - 12 Week Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Series - The Limit
The only slightly anxiety inducing part was when I had to go into central London to get my dressing changed because people have no sense of spatial awareness. I don’t know where your doctor is located, but if you can get someone to go with you to your first follow up appointment to make sure you get a seat on the tube/bus and help keep people from running into you that would probably be helpful because you look normal and people probably can’t tell that you just had major surgery. I did it on my own and survived but it was a little more difficult than it probably would have been had my husband been able to go with me.
@claire401 i had a right mastectomy on 8th August. Went in as day patient. Told the anaesthetist i was worried I’d never had a general anaesthetic he gave me oxycodine pill to calm and give some pre pain relief. I was fine going into operation I said to the nurse should I really be feeling this relaxed. She said yes that’s the pill doing its job. I was second in the que for surgery so probably went down at 11. The anaesthetist put a canula in and said we will make you feel woozy I had the oxygen and shut my eyes I felt drunk . They said you will feel sleepy and asked a really random question I didn’t even finish the answer. I was then woke up by the nurse calling my name. I woke refreshed from a deep sleep and then sat chatting with her nurse in recovery. They topped the painkiller up on the drip. I was back in the day room at 2pm drinking tea and eating biscuits. The surgeon came to see me at 4pm and demonstrated the drain. I was allowed to get dressed and my family picked me up and took me home. Post operation the pain is manageable. I didn’t need the codine prescription I managed on paracetamol and ibuprofen. I was up next day in pajamas. Second day strip wash and walk round the block. Washed hair with help with the shower hose . The drains are manageable in a bag if you sleep on your back and prop yourself up with pillows. The greatest comfort is the heart cushion. I sleep with it under my arm and when I’m sat resting. It’s great for comfort because the armpit is where the most discomfort is from the lymph removal. Wear button up shirts. Easier than trying to lift anything over your head. Once the drains are out life gets easier. Wash your armpits and use roll on deodorant. Do your physio your arm movements will be limited. Keep doing them every day. I’ve had my dressings off now and the scar is healing well. I’m covering it everyday with a light gauze while I get use to wearing a post surgery bra with a breast filler I bought from Marks and Spencer that matches my left boob. I’m now able to shower but from behind so I avoid soap on my scar. My scar now a part of me. Still has lots of healing. I have to get use to it. And learn to keep it clean and protect it. My advice to you is that it’s an awful thing to come to terms with. Being told your going to lose it. There is no way to save it because the cancer has spread in it and it must be removed. I said my goodbyes to it. Took photos of myself before and after. I don’t have any regrets I trust the people in charge of my care to make the best decisions for me. I’m the biggest wimp ever but have done amazingly and would say to anyone out there faced with this, let the surgeons do thier job they do it for thousands of women and you will get through it and the aftermath of surgery will be manageable and easier than you think xxx
Just an update from me - had my surgery on the 25th as planned, stayed in that night but had a very funny turn on the anaesthetic and kept fainting as i was trying to get ready to leave, blood pressure kept plummeting so they had to put me on a drip and keep me in for another night.
Home now, 4 nights in and still in a lot of pain - having to take the codeine! Feel like I’m getting a bit of a UTI which is probably from the letrozole too. Drains are out on weds which I can’t wait for - I’ve struggled a lot more than I thought I would pain / mobility wise, so been feeling a bit sorry for myself as I expected to be having a more positive experience! Xxx
