after surgery

Hi @TonyaM
I got some  best and less bras too!
I was previously an E cup went to a c cup after the reconstruction - it was a great relief not to have to wear an underwire bra any more !

Hi @Cath1,
I’ve recently had my second mastectomy (prophylactic) My first mastectomy was in 2010 as it was a cancer recurrence . This happened despite a lumpectomy,full node and radiation in 2003! Anyway,I’m as flat as a tack now and getting used to it. My surgeon told me to go easy until my drain came out(1week post op). I recovered really well and by about week 4,I had full arm movements. The first surgery in 2003 took a lot longer to recover due to the full aux node removal- it’s a cruel cut.I would take button up pjs and small soft moon cushions to hospital.I wore a loose button up shirt,trackie pants and slip on shoes home.It’s hard to bend over and tie laces.At this stage I’m wearing $12 Best n Less bras with soft cups which I’ve filled with abit of stuffing.It feels comfortable and I like abit of contour- not used to flat yet. Best wishes with your surgery and ask questions here anytime.Big hug xx

All the best with your surgery @Cath1 xx.   If you add your 'town/region' to your profile, we may have members nearby who you can catch up with for a coffee & a chat (before and/or after your surgery) now that Covid rules have relaxed ... 

Jump onto this thread - there is a wealth of info on it about the forum, including what to take to hospital with you & 'tick box lists' to gauge your own mental and physical state after surgery, to take along to your appointments.  Do you have someone to go with you to the appts?  An extra set of ears, as well as physical support xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

take care 

@Cath1  I had double mastectomy with one lymph node from each side removed in May (no breast reconstruction), movement of both arms was a bit limited but wasn't as bad as I expected right after surgery, but yes, button up shirts are definitely a good idea. I bought a few before my surgery.
It is important to see a physiotherapist specialised in breast cancer, who can help you with the right kind of exercise. I haven't done this and have been self-managing but am regretting it now. Even though I have mostly regained the full range of movement by now, I still experience some tightening of the chest area every now and then, and think I still have some cording issues and some swelling of the armpits, especially at night time. So, I have booked in to see one next week and hope to get a better understanding of my condition and what can be done. And so, will strongly recommend you to see a physiotherapist specialised in breast cancer to support you. 
All the best  <3

Hi Thank you for the information.
I have breast cancer - triple negative level3 as well as the BRCA1 gene
I am not having reconstruction
I have no hair due to the chemo - so should be right with not combing my hair! One good thing from chemo.

I'm sorry to hear that you need this done.
You don't say if it is due to having Breast Cancer, or perhaps for prophylactic reasons.
The biggest difference could be if you are having axillary clearance of lymph glands. This may cause you to have more drains/drainage, lymphodema, and cording. Some of these things may alter your mobility/range of movement.
I originally (in 2020) had a single mastectomy with axillary clearance. I had 2 wound drains.
I found PJ's good. Mine buttoned up, but T shirt top would be ok. The drains come out between the top and bottom.
I consider myself lucky. I had good range of movement, from very early.
I was worried re how to brush my hair, style and blow dry. But these things were easier than I had expected. My surgeon did not want me to get the dressings  wet. I became good at sponge washing my top and showering my bottom.
Make sure you do your exercises. Quite early I saw a Physiotherapist specialising in Lymphodema and Laser therapy.
I wanted to have my arm monitored for lymphodema. They did Laser, which is supposed to aid cording, healing and the seroma I had.
The drains are annoying while you have them, taking them with you to the toilet and anywhere else you go. Take a bag with you to put them in when walking around. Some hospitals provide them. A pillowcase will do. Or a dressing gown with large pockets.
This May I had a Latissimus Dorsi breast reconstruction, and a Prophylactic mastectomy ( with reduction ) to the other side
And bilateral tissue expanders. With this I had 6 wound drains. Pj's and a bag again. 
Do you plan to stay flat? If you are having for prophylactic reasons, has immediate reconstruction been discussed.
I'm sure you will be ok. Ask plenty of questions. Write them down as you think of them.

I had only one breast removed (and several lymph nodes) but I had excellent mobility from the start. Two breasts is more likely to cause an impact on your mobility for a while, as will reconstruction if you are having that immediately. If you can, it’s good to plan for some anticipated difficulty as the results vary immensely depending on breast size, extent of surgery, your own healing rate and accommodation of discomfort. Some people have difficulty in raising their arms above shoulder height, and will
be encouraged not to do so for some time to avoid undue strain. If you have a better outcome, wonderful. As they say, plan for the worst and hope for the best. Either way, it’s finite and best of all, surgery’s done! Best wishes. 

@Cath1

And if you are considering reconstruction 

https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/home.html

There are lots of forum members who have chosen to stay flat.  There's no right or wrong it's a personal decision for your own comfort and well-being 

Take care
Best wishes