Hi all. I had a single mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction and im 3 weeks post op. Saw my surgeon today who was happy with my healing so far so wont see me again for 6 months. Im not totally clear on what I should or shouldn’t do in the next few weeks. I think she said another 2-3 weeks until I raise my arm so my elbow is above shoulder height, 5 weeks til I can drive. I think she said continue sleeping on my back until Im 3 months post op. Im wondering if that all sounds similar to others? Is the 12 week mark when I can start exercising/weight training again? When can I do stuff like vacuuming? It would be great if there was a week by week guide telling me what I can do as each week passes.
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@thecrane So much to take in when you go for a follow up appointment. I would suggest you call you breast cancer nurse today asking her to go through your treatment plan with you. Maybe make a chart before hand and write it all down so your know each day and week what’s expected of you.
Take one day at a time at the moment with so much going on, feel sure it will all get sorted out.
I do wish you a speedy recovery, with health and happiness ahead.
Hugs Tili 
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Hi.
I’m 7 weeks post surgery - single mastectomy with implant reconstruction and have no idea on what I can do.
Still sleeping on my back, though I am a side sleeper - which means that I currently don’t sleep well.
Post surgery bra 24/7
No idea when I can return to the gym for classes and weight training
And I have ongoing pressure on my rib cage where the implant is and a lot of had edges around it?? Just feels odd. This is the second time that this has happened. Last time when I raised my concern about it, I had to wait ten days for an ultrasound appointment. There were pockets of fluid/blood collections behind the implant hence the pain and discomfort. The doctor had to use pressure and aspirated the fluid/blood.
Worried it’s happened again? Finding it very difficult with the implant as it feels heavy and foreign plus there’s no symmetry with size of the reconstructed breast on my left and my real breast on the right . Feel “abnormal “ and affecting my confidence. Can anyone offer me any advice if you have been through a similar situation please?Tried contacting the Breast Care Team with my concerns twice via email and still no response. Saw my GP today to ask if they could help me and I hope that I will manage to get through to the Breast Care Team or consultant so I can be properly assessed and supported with clear guidance… fingers crossed
Hiya. I had identical surgery in February.
I didnt hsve the pain issue youve experienced. I would suggest ringing the breast care nurses rsther than emailing. They’ve aleays replied to me the same day.
I slept on my back up to 12 weeks and stopped wearing a bra at night up that point. Im a side sleeper too so it was a huge relief to reach that deadline.
I stsrted doimg dumbell workouts again at that point but stsrted lighter thsn I did before surgery. I stopped agsin during radiotherapy and it only took a few weeks to get back to pre surgery weights lower body. Shoulder press on the surgery side is still not quite there.
In terms of appearance it does take a while for the implant side to fluff and drop. Im 62 so my natural breast was never going to hsve the same upper pole fullness but youd nrver know even in a low cut too unless you really lookrd for the difference
Recovery does feel long while youre in it, especially the sleeping element. Youre through the worst though and getting out and being able to drive agsin st 8 weeks makes a huge difference.
Hope you get the pain issue sorted quickly