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

You certainly are one very brave lady. It's a huge step you are taking, but a very wise one. Mine was a lumpectomy so I'll leave the advice to those who have the mastecomy experience, but I just wanted to wish you luck. You are doing the right thing for yourself and for those who love you and want to keep you near.

Hi Jennifer. I had just a single mastectomy 6th December 13, so nearly 2 months post. I had a Portacath put in for chemo which temporarily 3-4 days restricted movement of my arm on the other side. my tips would be - front opening shirts. I didn't own any and hit the op shops (as did my mum, aunt, sister) - front opening bras, soft cotton ones and ask your surgeon how soon you can wear them post. I had them on the day after. - get Breast nurse to order you the BCNA kit with free bra and soft inserts - take your panadol regularly - monitor and let nurses know asap any changes to your bowel movements - lipstick, good hair and good posture for first time you see yourself in the mirror. You are an Amazon!!!! Wear those scars with pride. - Do your physio exercises and try to see a physio a few times post surgery. Oh the bliss of being able to lift arms above your head!! - move your essentials in kitchen/laundry/bathroom to below shoulder height. - ask your physio/surgeon whether/when you can put weight through your shoulders. I got very very good at bum shuffling around in bed and using my Abs to get myself out of a chair. - make friends with your drains. Alternatively make them the scapegoats for any rage. Funnily enough I didn't mind them when I was in hospital, but once I got home I felt they were invading my life. - Get used to drying and dressing yourself taking twice as long. I found this the most frustrating part of any day until.I.realised I wasn't in a hurry for anything, so I used it as opportunity to.practice mindfulness.

Welcome to the group. My mastectomy was a single skin saving one with immediate reconstruction with expander for later implant. What the girls have said is spot on. It takes time to recover from the anaesthetic and surgery so be kind to yourself and do nothing except laze around nd take gentle walks when you are up to it. Pandol didn't cut the pain for me so I used Tramadol for the first 6 days. I can't take codeine, endone etc. it is important to keep the pain relief up and you may find it all makes you constipated. Coloxyl or similar last thing at night will be your friend also! Let's know how you go. You have plenty of support on this ride. Julie

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement pinkdancer45. I know it's the right thing for my family and I as I want to be around to see my girls grow up unlike my mother, but it still is a little scary!! :)

Upcoming elective double mastectomy

15 Replies

Jenniferk
Member
12 years ago
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
Ebb_and_Flow
Member
12 years ago
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
Ebb_and_Flow
Member
12 years ago
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
Yoga_nut
Member
12 years ago
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
Jenniferk
Member
12 years ago
Thanks alot :)
Jenniferk
Member
12 years ago
Thanks alot Julie, great tips, support is what I really need at this point in time as it's starting to become scary now!! :)
tan_g
Member
12 years ago
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
Jenniferk
Member
12 years ago
Thanks again Liz :)
Jenniferk
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Robyn, great tips :)
Jenniferk
Member
12 years ago
Thank you ElizabethRose78, I will take on all of your advice. It's good to know that we are not alone :)