I had a double mastectomy with axillary node clearance on the left and sentinel node on the right side. I had chemo first, 4 X AC followed bt 12 X Paclitaxel and Herceptin for just under a year. Ideally, I should have had radiation as well, but due to pre existing medical conditions, (scleroderma and interstitial lung disease from that), I was not allowed as the risk of further damage was too high. I had complications due to my other medical issues, but I can give my experience on some of the questions you ask. I had a very tight surgical chest binder post op to help prevent bleeding as I have to be on blood thinners which had to be re started the day after surgery, so I never had an issue regarding bras. I had very little pain as such, more discomfort and restricted movement as well as trouble taking deep breaths due to the binder. Regarding nerve damage, I experienced more of a feeling that my chest had been severely sunburnt, and the slightest movement of fabric on the area felt like beach sand on the sunburn being rubbed off with a rough towel. I found (after the binder was finally removed) that wearing a tight t shirt which didn't move over the skin, was the most comfortable for me. I did, and still do have restricted movement of my shoulders, but I already had problems with them before this whole shitfest anyhow. This was all pre covid, in 2016 and 2017 and I found doing exercises at my local aquatic centre in the warm water very helpful. I started letrozole about a month after surgery. Good luck with your treatment, and I hope this reply has been helpful to you.
