Post surgery

Effects can vary widely. I had a mastectomy and 17 lymph nodes removed, no pain, went home without drains and went back to work after a week off. In spite of all fluid having ceased well before the drains came out, my clever body kept producing fluid and I had a lingering problem with recurrent fluid, but that seems to be a pretty individual thing and usually short term. I had great mobility, but exercise is important especially with the risk of lymphoedema that can go with losing a lot of lymph nodes. This is something to keep an eye on, the sooner detected, the easier to manage. Individual responses to losing a breast are also variable, from person to person and over time. There can be good days and bad days, but too many bad days may mean some focussed professional help might be worth getting. I managed well through surgery and chemo, felt punched in the stomach when I got three long term side effects and got my self focussed on the new normal really well with a bit of counselling. Asking for help is a hugely important part of coming to terms with all this, whether it's with the medical team, on this site or with a counsellor. Best wishes.