Forum Discussion
Upcoming elective double mastectomy
Hi there,
I have a horrible family history of breast cancer so I have taken the brave step and have decided to have an elective double mastecomy. This is happening next week. If anyone has any tips that they can give me pre and post surgery I would be most grateful. Many thanks
15 Replies
- Thanks ebb and flow, at this stage I have just had the mastectomy with reconstruction to come in a couple of months time.. I am at home resting comfortably and enjoying the pampering , my procedure was a success..thanks to everyone for their very helpful advice
Hi,
Hope I'm not too late in responding. The ladies who posted earlier gave excellent advice. Are you getting implants/expanders at the same time? I'm yet to go through this so I don't have any experience advice but the lovely lady who was getting elective mastectomy/expanders/reconstruction while I was in hospital getting cancer mastectomy had trouble with expander slippage. Her doc wasn't concerned as the tissue had to be stretched no matter where the expander was but she was uncomfortable and in pain with expander moving towards her armpit. Maybe post again with reconstruction header if this is where you are going. My only comment on mastectomy is that it's a breeze compared to chemotherapy but its unlikely that you will go down that path.
Spray dry shampoo was what I really needed in hospital. You can't lift your arms to lather in the shower for a while so this was indespensible to me.
Good luck with everything, you are incredibly brave.
Take care, xxx
Hi,
Hope I'm not too late in responding. The ladies who posted earlier gave excellent advice. Are you getting implants/expanders at the same time? I'm yet to go through this so I don't have any experience advice but the lovely lady who was getting elective mastectomy/expanders/reconstruction while I was in hospital getting cancer mastectomy had trouble with expander slippage. Her doc wasn't concerned as the tissue had to be stretched no matter where the expander was but she was uncomfortable and in pain with expander moving towards her armpit. Maybe post again with reconstruction header if this is where you are going. My only comment on mastectomy is that it's a breeze compared to chemotherapy but its unlikely that you will go down that path.
Spray dry shampoo was what I really needed in hospital. You can't lift your arms to lather in the shower for a while so this was indespensible to me.
Good luck with everything, you are incredibly brave.
Take care, xxx
- Hi Jennifer I had a double mastectomy 10 weeks ago and now in the middle of chemo ....the girls have all given excellent advice and so I won't double up ...one of the BEST things was my dear friend coming in and blow drying my hair after the nurses washed it because I couldn't lift them up high enough to do that, Felt like a million dollar movie star afterwards !! Also my sister massaging my legs ...bliss xxx all the very best to you :) Karen
Thanks alot :)
Thanks alot Julie, great tips, support is what I really need at this point in time as it's starting to become scary now!! :)
Hi there Jennifer.
I am 37, I had a bilateral Mastectomy in March 2013. (not elective)...but still the same procedure Im guessing.
My advice....ummmm, not too many visitors in the first 4 or 5 days as you will be uncomfortable, and needing the rest. Loose fitting clothes that open at the front or are large and loose to get over your head, as your movement will be restricted for some time.
Yes, coloxyl like another lady said, its a lifesaver, because all the medication will constipate you and thats terrible on top of the other surgery pain.
Best wishes.....xxxx
Thanks again Liz :)
Thanks Robyn, great tips :)
Thank you ElizabethRose78, I will take on all of your advice. It's good to know that we are not alone :)
