Reconstruction

Hi Tessy  I did my diep flap and reconstruction skin sparing mastectomy beginning of December at Austin Hospital after intensive treatment neoadjuvant chemotherapy.  It's nerve wrecking on that way but the nurses and medical team were so reassuring pre and post surgery.  If you are feeling very anxious, tell the nurses how you are feeling.  You might get something to calm you down.   The first two days is hard but it's doable and will gain your strength as the passes.  Back problems are very common but once you tried to stand up and start to walk...it lessens considerably. You will have painkillers and don't hesitate if ever you feel the need.  The extra benefit with Diep flap is you come out with a flat tummy.  Mine had lots of stretch marks from pregnancy.  After the operation my tummy was flat but it will be swollen for a while.  The doctor did a muscle repair on top that.  Speak to your plastic surgeon to see if that is possible and if the cut is going to be at the bikini line.  
As for breast,  I was very sore when I came home and it gets a little bit better each day.  Mine was quite firm and hard and its still almost the same but doctors say it take around 8 to 12 weeks to soften.  You might get lots of swelling and bruises. For this Arnica cream is very effective.  The drains will be with you as ling as you have fluids coming out.  The drains were the most annoying thing ever and you feel so much better and free once they get off out of you.  I have  lots of pics when I was recovering.  Please let me know if you want more info.  
Wish all the best and hope pray everything goes well.