Double mastectomy what to expect no reconstruction

Original comment by @Faith123 moved from activity section to this discussion thread:

thanks again 

@Faith123 I would say we are all pretty good at putting on the brave front when we need to, but it is perfectly ok not to be ok as you go along too, we are after all only human. I am pretty sure I have put the full force of all of this on my husband at times as well, but I really do believe that they understand :) 
Just keep on doing the physio exercises they give you after surgery and if you need to seek extra physio visits after surgery as well. This is what I did and I have found it to be really worth it. My physio also has been measuring fluid to watch for any signs of lymphedema which is good as well. She has certainly helped me to get the range of movement to be better than it was and also has helped me to mange cording. 
Hope it all goes ok for you, I am sure you will get back to tennis :)

Hi @Faith123 :)

I'm a happy partial flatty as well after a single mastectomy with no reconstruction in April this year. I am currently 6 rounds into 33 rounds of radiotherapy which seems a lot due to lymph node involvement.  I am really happy with my decision not to have reconstruction and I must admit the surgery was a lot easier to navigate than I imagined it would be when I first found out I would be losing my breast. I'm making plans to have my other breast removed down the track as well. 

Pain has been almost non existent but the sensation has been strange, virtually numb but @Ausmum2 I think it was mentioned feeling like a tight elastic band across the chest and I think that is a pretty good description of how it feels sometimes. I did have to have a lot of physio after surgery to get my range of motion back in my left arm but I was expecting that. 

The soft bra given in the hospital I think it was an Amonea brand I have bought myself another three and am living in them so comfortable and supportive for the other breast too. 

I agree completely with the other advice that has been given as well, you will go better than you think you might and just be kind to yourself give yourself all the time you need. :)

Wishing you all the very best xx

I think making fun of any bad time in our lives does help us women get through ....

In the BC saga us making fun of ourselves certainly helps others to understand and accept the situation, they are often guided by our reactions.

Only way to be! Might as well have fun! 

@Afraser never boring and Vermillion sounds delicious! 

@Ausmum2

Mine was chalk white frizz, I looked like a lamb - well, my head did! I didn’t care that much, at least it was mine. But as the frizz relaxed, the hair turned grey, then light brown. For a year or so, I had light brown hair and no grey, in spite of having quite a lot of grey before bc. It’s caught up with me again and as I can’t stand grey/white roots and don’t want to be at the hairdresser every week for touch ups, I’m accepting the grey with a vivid slash of vermilion! Can’t say my hair has been boring. 

Awesome @Afraser I’ve “almost” given up on any colour returning. I was a “fair hair” with occassional “more silver” streak and its come back white white white (as in “people pay a lot of money for that pearlescent tone) colour.