Axilla and bilateral therapeutic mammoplasty surgery

Hi FeelingGood2025​ , Thank you so much for sharing your experience after surgery. Recovery experiences vary, and it's completely understandable that you are feeling this way. Hopefully your oncologist is able to shed some light on expected healing times for you, until then be sure to give yourself the rest and relaxation you require at this time! You are allowed to take some time out right now. 

Hi FeelingGood2025​ 

I had a bilateral mastectomy direct to implants and removal of sentinal nodes last year.  I spent 5 days in hospital and a further two weeks off work, so three weeks all up.  I work a desk job, so going back to work was ok - if your work is more active, you may need longer.

Keep doing your rehab exercises, but don't over-do it or you may cause damage.  Also don't lift heavy things or reach up until your surgeon says it is ok.  Rest is good because your body has been through a lot.

I had some minor cording, so was treated by a lymphoedema physio with massage, stretching and laser.  I also took up yoga which makes me feel wonderfully stretched and is also great for mindfulness.

All the best

Hi FeelingGood2025​  ...

I am SO Sorry to see you join the club that no-one every thought they'd be joining 🙁. That 'under arm' discomfort can, sadly, being honest, may last for a few months as the nerves etc reconnect & work again!  It can be a 'burning feeling' or aches & pains ... but totally normal.  Everyone's recovery time is different, depending on the amount of surgery that was required.

Do you have a Breast Care Nurse that you can chat with?

I'd suggest that you join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group and put your question there.
Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

You've found the right spot here tho, for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story.  Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!!  Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said.  Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉

Mine was ILC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs now!

As you progress thru your appointments/surgeries ... let us know how you are going, by continuing to reply to this post ... it is a good way of 'keeping a diary' of everything you're going thru, in the one spot!!  I look back on my original post too (up til I started the hormone suppression) and am amazed at the wonderful support afforded to me, too xx

This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed - that is absolutely 100% NORMAL!  But you don't have to 'do it' on your own!  .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below).  You can also ring our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for a confidential one-on-one chat xx    Try not to get ‘ahead of yourself’ with the ‘what ifs’ ….. as they may never happen - and going down that rabbit hole (specially if using Dr Google) will REALLY muck with your brain  :(  A lot of info on Google doesn’t relate to your diagnosis or is out of date - so put any questions you have, to your medical team (or here!) xx   Take it one day at a time, one hour, if needed ..... but keep trying to do 'stuff you love' too .... so you have good 'down time' as well!  I treated myself to a holiday on Norfolk Island after all my active treatment ..... as a 'Well Done YOU' for going thru all that stuff - as a reward!!!

Charlotte Tottman  is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically!  Her reaction to her own diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect!  She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. 

Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching! 
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/

There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

Take care & all the best for your ongoing treatment xx