Forum Discussion

Austin's avatar
Austin
Member
8 years ago

Brca 1 positive

Hi all, I'm new to this site and this is my first post. I don't have breast cancer, however, I am brca1 positive. I am the only girl in four generations of my family to not have had breast or ovarian cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy last year as a preventative and am now planning a double mastectomy. I was wondering if anyone could tell me about recovery etc. I am a single woman, aged 54 fit and in good health. I also have a son 14 still at home who has Autism. I am trying to plan my convalescing which includes having my son minded. I would dearly love some advice as it's all a bit scary. 
BRCA1-BRCA2
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Austin, Kath's given a pretty good schedule I'll also add driving - I had single mastectomy and wasn't allowed to drive for two weeks. I would think with a double it may be longer. Wishing you all the best. Xx Cath
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Without reconstruction or sentinal node biopsy hopefully you will be fully recovered in 3 to 4 weeks. 6 at the most.  The drains are in for around a week (for most people,   but this varies a lot) the scar line is healed in 10 days when stiches come out so a couple of days for holes to close over. You'll have some stretching exercises to do to regain strength but as they won't be cutting muscle or tunnelling to nodes you should get movement back quite quickly. They should give you instructions how long to not push / pull or carry things so not to put strain on the scar but I would think 4 to 6 weeks at the most. I'm sure other ladies here will have more information. These 2 links have some quite good information. A little more than just the explanation of surgery.

    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Mastectomy/Pages/Recovery.aspx

    http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/prophylactic_mast

    And a great link for exercises in case you are not given information.

    https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/exercises-after-breast-surgery

    You should still be linked with a breast care nurse. Please ask about this also.  Best of luck. Kath x