Post surgery
Marycipk
Member Posts: 16 ✭
I’m 66 and a paraplegic. Just been diagnosed and having a mastectomy in 2 days time. I’ve decided to go for bilateral if she agrees and there’s enough time in the theatre but I want to know how much can you use your arms after surgery? I’ve got good support and want to get it over and done with. Love to hear from anyone how much you are allowed to move your arms
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I have read that members with mastectomies have had less pain and discomfort than they had imagined it to be, so hope that is true for you too xx. As with any surgery - take it easy afterwards & all should be good xx
take care and all the best xx
mastectomies, I only had one. But as @arpie says, there was remarkably little pain or discomfort. Arm mobility depends to a large extent on the removal of lymph nodes - digging about the axilla can upset nerves, cause discomfort and, often, temporary loss of sensation. But even then, it varies. I had 17 lymph nodes removed and had normal arm movement within 48 hours. Couldn’t tell cold from hot in my armpit for months though! Exercises will be recommended and are really worth doing. However the issues are different if you are having immediate reconstruction. I had none so others are better placed to advise in that case. Very best wishes for your surgery.
My first bc surgery was 19 yrs ago and I had a lumpectomy and full node clearance (17 nodes). That’s the difficult bit to recover from- the underarm cut. I could barely lift my arm and needed a lot of physio. It’ll be different if you only have one or two nodes taken. So 12 yrs ago I had a mastectomy(same breast) and my arm movements were fine.You’ll probably have a numbness and tight sensation across your chest but you’ll recover in about 2 to 3 weeks with pain only for 3 days or so. Don’t be alarmed if you develop a seroma which is a colllection of fluid near the op site. I had one that needed syringing off for a few weeks. I actually think you are doing the right thing having a double. I’m sick of the lopsided thing and am thinking of removing my remaining breast.Best wishes and hugs.xx
Before surgery, make sure you have as much as possible at a height where you don't need to lift your arms or stretch too far. Things like your coffee/tea making supplies, cooking, clothes etc. If you have a clothes airer this is better than stretching for a clothes line - but you probably have most of this in place all the time anyway. Just think about minimizing the need to have a pull on the stitches. There is little pain really and the hospital will provide medications - don't be a martyr, take them when needs be.
Sort out easy to wear clothing and pillows for comfort. Take any assistance offered to you !
You will be provided with gentle stretching exercises to minimize issues so make sure you keep up with them.
Take care, all the best and we will hear from you when you are home again. 💖
If you want to get fitted for prosthesis x2 then wait till 4-6wks when your chest has ‘settled down’.This is covered by Medicare.
All the best for your pathology results - the waiting really sucks!
Have they assigned a Breast Care Nurse to you yet - you can put ANY question past them including chatting about dark thoughts, if they become a problem? xx Do you have a buddy to attend your appointments with you, as a 2nd set of ears (and support?)
take care
Pathology is helpful for determining treatment so it will be good to get those results. Remember treatment is so good now. Sounds like you have a good surgeon and oncologist. Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Take it easy and be kind to yourself.