Breast Cancer Now Forum

You can buy dressing gowns with pockets in them to hold the drains and I really recommend getting one. They have them in Asda for £12. I also recommend bringing headphones and an I-pad or similar so you can drown out the madness of a hospital ward. And wet wipes!  ... View more

hello, yes - it was particularly painful for the first two days after the operation. When they said they were taking the catheter out and I’d have to walk to the loo I wondered how I’d manage. The pain predominantly was across the abdomen, where the drains come out and around the new breast. But painkillers really helped and it was bearable. But by day 3 things were so much better! The quicker you’re up and about, the better. Pack prune juice as the painkillers cause constipation!  I’m so much better now - 2 weeks on I’m not needing any painkillers at all. I won’t pretend it’s an easy thing to go through - it’s really tough but definitely worth it! best of luck xx ... View more

Hello, I had my Diep flap mastectomy and immediate reconstruction 2 weeks ago today and, while it was quite an ordeal, am happy with the way it went. The surgery is undoubtedly harder to recover from than implant reconstruction - I was in hospital for six days and for the first two I felt like I had been hit by a truck. But the recovery is really remarkable. I feel better every day, am able to walk up to a mile a day now and managing very basic tasks. One of the hardest things to get to grips with weirdly has been getting used to my belly button being in a different place (it’s higher and a little off centre now!) but I’m told that can be corrected if I can bear another surgery.  The shape of the new breast (while still pretty swollen) is a good match and I’m confident enough already to wear tops that show my shape. I wish you well with the decision and am happy to answer any questions about the procedure.  It’s early days for me but no regrets so far. Xxx ... View more