One Month After Mastectomy

I had a bilateral mastectomy on June 23. My decision was because I had to have further surgery needed on my 'sick' breast, resulting in needing a prosthesis to make me look 'even". I was very large , size I cup, so decided to live without them, and not have radiation, no lymph modes were affected. I was in hospital for 5 days post surgery. My shoulders weren't sore, from the operation, but from having to cart around my drains and from moving differently, I inflamed an already-sore shoulder. I was very tight across the chest, to be expected, but has got better with each passing week. Are you in touch with a breast care nurse, organised through the McGrath Foundation ...they will visit you in hospital, help with information and keep tabs on you afterwards. I was also given a prosthetic bra, my choice of cup size (!), which Berlei provides free ofmcharge. My breast care nurse organised a visit from the Cancer Council, who brought a goody bag, including soft little cushions to place under the seatbelt in the car to stop it rubbing on my chest. They also have followed up with me during my recovery. I also was visited by the hospital physiotherapist who showed me exercises to do. Please take care of yourself afterwards ... it really is major surgery ... my operation took 4 hours! Good luck, and I hope that your recovery is as good as mine has been!