Forum Discussion
Pre mastectomy tips please
I’m a couple of weeks away from having a mastectomy on my left breast. Does anyone have any tips to prepare me that they wish someone had told them before surgery? E.g things to have ready at home for...
For most, a mastectomy is pretty straightforward, especially if no lymph nodes are involved. You will have drains which can be a thorough nuisance, easy to trip over so the solution is bags to put them in and to sling over your shoulder or, as I did, use deep dressing gown pockets.
You’ll be given an exercise list. It’s really worthwhile doing these, religiously. I did and had normal mobility in my arm in a matter of days. The difficulty in getting full mobility depends in part on the precise nature of your surgery but the exercises really do help.
I didn’t have reconstruction but others can advise. Oh and I really didn’t have any pain. My hospital was deeply wedded to pain relief, but it simply wasn’t necessary, I ended up
squirrelling away painkillers until the staff accepted that I was genuinely fine. I’m no stoic!! But I appreciated the concern.
Front opening pyjamas are helpful. Take your own tea or coffee if you are discriminating. My hospital served excellent meals but dinner was at 5 pm!! Books, phone, music - there’s time to fill.
I got a soft pad to wear in my (normal) bra before I left hospital. It was important to
me to leave looking much as I had on arrival! I didn’t need any change of bra because my surgical wound didn’t have any impact from my bra but a soft bra may be recommended.
My drains were removed before I left hospital but sometimes they are not and you will need to know the procedure for later removal.
Best wishes.
You’ll be given an exercise list. It’s really worthwhile doing these, religiously. I did and had normal mobility in my arm in a matter of days. The difficulty in getting full mobility depends in part on the precise nature of your surgery but the exercises really do help.
I didn’t have reconstruction but others can advise. Oh and I really didn’t have any pain. My hospital was deeply wedded to pain relief, but it simply wasn’t necessary, I ended up
squirrelling away painkillers until the staff accepted that I was genuinely fine. I’m no stoic!! But I appreciated the concern.
Front opening pyjamas are helpful. Take your own tea or coffee if you are discriminating. My hospital served excellent meals but dinner was at 5 pm!! Books, phone, music - there’s time to fill.
I got a soft pad to wear in my (normal) bra before I left hospital. It was important to
me to leave looking much as I had on arrival! I didn’t need any change of bra because my surgical wound didn’t have any impact from my bra but a soft bra may be recommended.
My drains were removed before I left hospital but sometimes they are not and you will need to know the procedure for later removal.
Best wishes.