I am having a mastectomy and reconstruction on my left breast and at the same time, a reduction on my right breast. I would be really grateful if anyone could give me any advice on how to recover from this.
love to you all.
Hi Miffy ,welcome to the forum .I can’t advise as didn’t have a mastectomy but I’m sure some ladies will be along soon to advise ,just wanted to say good luck for your op .Jill.
Hi Miffy, I had a left sided mastectomy in November but have a delayed reconstruction (I have to wait a year). You may find the “Going through treatment” thread more useful to get information from others. I found the surgery quite easy (the anxiety build up before less so). You will need a front fastening pyjamas, a sports bra, baby wipes to wash with and lip balm for dry lips afterwards. Also, a small cushion to put under the seat belt for the journey home. You actually recover quicker than expected and I found it less painful than expected. I also had full lymph node clearance. I was signed off work for a month and definitely needed a that time to get my strength back and to get my head around what I’d been through. The first week you need to do as little as possible. The physiotherapy exercises are really important even if you feel you don’t need them at first, you do. Hope this helps. Xx
Hi Miffy
I had a mastectomy on my left breast on December 14th with a sentinal node biopsy and reconstuction at the same time (implant was above the muscle so its a slightly shorter recovery time). I am coming up to 4 weeks after my surgery tomorrow and just starting to fell a bit more normal (very little pain just the odd electric shock kind of pain now and again).I was in the operating theatre at 10.30 and home by 8pm (I really did not want to stay in the hospital)
The first five days were a bit painful but the painkillers definitely helped so try to keep on top of your pain (I think part of that was pshycological as the drains made me feel as though I was just out of surgery if you know what I mean).
Good luck with your surgery!!