I have been given my surgery date of 6th Oct. I am having a single mastectomy with tissue expander implant and SLNB.
Just looking for some tips/advice from those who have had similar procedure please? Any items that are a must buy to help with comfort/recovery? When were you able to get out and about? I’m a very active person (I workout 6 days a week) so I’m going to find recovery tough mentally as exercise is my therapy.
For context, I am 39 years old with 2 daughters (12 & 8)
Hi @shell86
I had a lumpectomy with SLNB so different to what you’re facing but thought I would comment to say my friend brought me a V shaped pillow and it was so good after surgery to keep me propped up and comfy in bed!
I went through some of the feeds on here and had an Amazon shop basket ready!
Hope your surgery goes well
I had a single mastectomy with a tissue expander and SLNB in April.
Like @loupy I would recommend a V shaped pillow. I’m a side sleeper so needed something to stop me from potentially rolling! My hospital gave me an underarm pillow but my friend also bought me one which included an attachment for a car seat belt which was really handy.
I really wanted to keep moving my body so made sure to walk at least 30 mins every day. I recovered really quickly and was back to work 4 weeks after surgery. I definitely think the daily walks & the arm exercises helped with my physical and mental recovery.
Hi
I had mastectomy 1 breast with immediate implant reconstruction and SLB in oct24
I would add to your list:
Front fastening bras - I was advised to get post surgery ones from primark. Couldn’t get size so I got from TU Sainsbury’s and they were really comfortable
I also had sponge wedge for bed as you have to sleep propped up for few weeks. Sleep on the side of bed where your drain can lie on the floor through the night.
You can buy mastectomy cushion on Etsy - heart shape - I found that helpful for when sitting/lying watching tv and in the car.
Front fastening cardigans or hoodies as you can’t lift arm above head.
Do the gentle arm exercises straight away but look out for cording - long tight cords, not nice but treatable.
The worst pain for me was under arm, did t get a lot of pain in boob.
Bag for drain- my hospital provided
I’m now co side g removing my implant as uncomfortable and don’t like feel. Hope you are happy with yours.
@cat19 oh dear that’s not good to hear your not happy with your implant I’m having an expander to start with, hoping it’s not too awful as all this is bad enough to deal with already x
@brox were you out walking etc straight away I’m really keen to be up and out to hopefully recover quick I’m generally active anyway so don’t want to be sat around but don’t want to over do it either! X
Button front short sleeve pjs, a zip hoody easy to get on post op, if you are having drains a dressing gown with a drawstring tie bit inside helped to carry the bottles around better if your hospital doesn’t give you little bag to carry them in. Pair of sliders while in hospital, lip balm and hand cream and face wipes it gets dry in hospital. Get some anosol bum cream the meds can block you up post op. Take it steady after op and be gentle doing your exercises post op to regain movement, I got sticky does and put them up the door frame so I could see little bit of progress each day with the reaching exercises be kind to yourself, sending please let us know when you are through op Shi xx
I stayed overnight for my surgery but started walking the day after I got home. I just popped my drain in my jacket / hoodie pocket. I would walk 10/15 mins (although I felt I could do more) then turned back & walked 10/15 min back home. I did push it too far one day & had to get someone to come pick me up so definitely recommend turning back before the tiredness hits!
Along with the arm exercises I think it really helped with my recovery & fatigue. I slowly started walking a bit more after my surgery review.
Everyone is obviously different but I didn’t have any issues with my expander, cording etc. The port is a little uncomfortable at times but I’ll be getting it switched for a permanent implant at some point so it doesn’t bother me too much for now!
Hi @emilyxxx no sadly I haven’t been given anything from my hospital. Definitely going to the shops this weekend and grab some bits that everyone has recommended. I’m getting a bit anxious today. I had my pre op assessment at the hospital, did bloods, swabs etc. all starting to feel real now. How are you coping? Have they said how long you may be in for?
Had bilateral mastectomies 2 days ago. Have opted to go flat. Stayed in overnight.
No pain on the chest but hurting on one side with movement where a few lymph nodes where removed. Have drain site there too. Sleeping on a slightly reclining chair with cushions and neck pillow.
Wishing you well with your surgery, as other have said V. Pillow is a great addition to comfort when recovering, I would suggest you use the hospital gowns they are very easy to slip off and on.
Be kind to yourself, one day at a time nice easy walks, cup of tea with that special friend when you are feeling up to it.
Health and happiness going forward. With the biggest hugs Tili
@shell86 I’ve I had my pre op too, they said il be in overnight, I’m so anxious I’ve not coped great since the start tbh I think not knowing a treatment plan is the hardest i know I have one positive node but they still won’t confirm chemo to me, just be glad when Tuesday is over and that’s one hurdle done x
How are you coping? Xx
Hi @emilyxxx I’m in the exact same position as you. I won’t know for a while after surgery if chemo / radio is required. I am such a control freak and like to plan but everything is on hold for now and can’t plan! Are you having genetic testing as well? Mine was sent off end of August and was told up to 3 months.
Got myself 2 x post surgery bras from M&S and ordered some button top pjs and lounge wear. I think I am coping well but not sure how I will be post surgery. I hate being sedentary and like to always be busy so this is going to be a struggle mentally but I will listen to my body.
How are you coping? Hope you have a good support network around you to help with the little ones xx
Hi @shell86 nothings been mentioned about genetic testing? I’m expecting because of my age (43) and positive node that we know about il be getting chemo that’s what BC nurses have said but when I asked the surgeon he said it’s not been decided yet, I try push for answers but they just keep saying one step at a time… same as you I’m a control freak and like to know and plan.
We’ve got a couple of holidays booked too so need to know if I need to change the dates etc so hopefully I should know more once results are back from surgery. I got some post op bras from Asda the seem comfy enough hopefully they will do the job, good luck for Monday xx
be kind to yourself, sending 
