Hi majo, for me the mastectomy was exactly what I wanted (and mentally needed) and at that time my surgeon believed my cancer was very aggressive and assured me I was going to have chemo - so lucky I got the results I did in that it wasn't as aggressive as expected. I was hanging clothes on the line my second week after surgery (only lifting my right arm) and my surgeon gave me permission to drive after two weeks ( just had to pull the handbrake on gently). Also did some gardening and potted up a stack of absolutely gorgeous pansies and primulas. Did over do that one a bit and was a bit tender as a result (still had drains in and its not a good idea to bend too far with them in). Mainly watch the lifting of your arm - but your breast care nurse will give you a list of exercises to help with the mobility of your arm and a schedule to work to. Pain wise I fully expected it to be a lot worse than it was and I had reduced my painkillers to just panadol within three days of surgery but having said that because my drains were still in I was as regular as clockwork about taking my panadol. If you have any questions you need answering at all, please ask. Xx Cath