Upcoming surgery
I’m going for a single mastectomy of my right breast, with an over the muscle expander, on Friday and was wondering if anyone has any recovery tips? I’ll be in hospital for 7 days. Also, did anyo...
Forum Discussion
Hi Skbr
I had a left mastectomy with tissue expander inserted in October and yes I was completely freaked out before the surgery , even though I knew I had great surgeons ( breast cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon).
There was a LOT of crying.
when I woke up after the surgery and was in so much pain I actually said “ oh that’s a nice change to feel physical pain rather than emotional pain”.
I later regretted that.
The first couple of days in hospital where extremely difficult as I suffered nausea from the pain medication and it took a few days for them to sort
that out. I was in hospital for 6 nights and stayed on endone for another couple of weeks.
it was a good 6 weeks before I could take no painkillers at all , but others had a much better time.6 months on ( I had radiotherapy but not chemo) I am feeling really good and counting down to my DIEP flap surgery.
My tips:
1.Take the painkillers, don’t be a martyr
2.Take it one step at a time, it will get better.
3.It’s ok to be emotional and have a good cry when you need to.
4.Don’t try and do too much.
5.Follow the Doctors’ orders
6.Take an IPad and books to read
7.Have a little cushion for under your arm and this can be used in the car or taxi ride home
8.If people offer to help , take it.
9.I found the stories and resources on this site very helpful.
Best of luck😊
I had a left mastectomy with tissue expander inserted in October and yes I was completely freaked out before the surgery , even though I knew I had great surgeons ( breast cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon).
There was a LOT of crying.
when I woke up after the surgery and was in so much pain I actually said “ oh that’s a nice change to feel physical pain rather than emotional pain”.
I later regretted that.
The first couple of days in hospital where extremely difficult as I suffered nausea from the pain medication and it took a few days for them to sort
that out. I was in hospital for 6 nights and stayed on endone for another couple of weeks.
it was a good 6 weeks before I could take no painkillers at all , but others had a much better time.6 months on ( I had radiotherapy but not chemo) I am feeling really good and counting down to my DIEP flap surgery.
My tips:
1.Take the painkillers, don’t be a martyr
2.Take it one step at a time, it will get better.
3.It’s ok to be emotional and have a good cry when you need to.
4.Don’t try and do too much.
5.Follow the Doctors’ orders
6.Take an IPad and books to read
7.Have a little cushion for under your arm and this can be used in the car or taxi ride home
8.If people offer to help , take it.
9.I found the stories and resources on this site very helpful.
Best of luck😊