Having double mastectomy and reconstruction

They had to remove my nipples as well - it seems to be a pretty common thing. There is an option to have nipples created for cosmetic purposes down the track. It's not something that has to be done straightaway, and you don't have to decide that now. At this stage I don't think will bother.

When they switch to implants depends on how long it takes to fill your expanders to the desired size. You may find when you wake up there is already some saline in the expanders - I had 200 ml in each which gave me little boobs that I was pretty happy with. After 3 weeks I had 60 ml injected (the skin was numb so painless) into each and again 2 weeks later. The plastic surgeon and I are happy with 320 ml. Others go higher. That's your choice. And after at least 2 months from the last fill - time for inflammation to settle etc - the exchange occurs. That can happen many months later but was advised 2 months minimum.

No one can say how long you will be in for - that depends on how things are going (drains, pain, wounds etc). The key thing is probably finding out their policy on sending home patients with drains. My surgeon kept me in until drains came out. Other places send women home with the drains and teach them how to manage them. But nothing is fixed..I got told various contradictory things and in the end just thought f*** it I'll just take each day at a time and speak up if something sounds like bullshit. And enjoy the fine hospital food.

Once the boobs were gone I felt a lot of relief. The risk of cancer had essentially gone. 

Lyrica was good for pain - is a nerve specific pain drug. Can use other standard pain drugs including narcotics with it. They will look after you! And it will settle. You can do it!! Don't be afraid to speak up - about pain, about the drains, whatever.

Hope that helps :)