Forum Discussion
Mastectomy
Hi I was diagnosed with invasive TNBC in April 2026. I carry the BRAC2 gene. In May I had the lumpectomy removed and then I had 11 rounds of chemo. I am due to have a bilateral mastectomy th...
Hi Milva , I'm sorry that you have to go through this, it's such a hard road. I'm maybe a bit late to respond but I'm about 8 weeks out from my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and I feel like recovery has been better than I expected. It has still been really hard but manageable if that makes sense.
Pain- I didn't really have a lot of pain but I keep on top of pain medication and took Panadol etc for at least 3 weeks. My main discomfort was things feeling like they were pulling as I moved around- not pain just a weird sensation.
Drains- drains were really frustrating and i felt they really limited my movements til they all came out. I had 5 in total and I think the last one came out 12 days after surgery.
Tightness and heavy feeling chest- my reconstruction was DTI (direct to implant) and I think this freaked me out the most as they felt so foreign and heavy. I found it really scary having a shower and taking my bra off initially. I definatley wasn't prepared for how the implants would feel. 8 weeks on they still feel foreign but feeling more normal for me.
Showering and movement- I had waterproof dressings so could shower the day after my surgery. You might just need some hooks to hang up your drain bags in the shower to keep them out of the way. I saw the physio day after surgery and had a list of exercises to do pretty much straight away. They were terrifying initially but became easier as i did them more. I went a bit crazy with button up/zip tops but didn't really need them, i just wore comfy tops and got dressed really slowly.
Sleep- I used a long whole body size 'u' shaped pillow, it was nice having support on each side. I'm still using it now as its nice and cozy! I'm starting to test lying a bit on my sides but quite happy still sleeping on my back (despite being a side and tummy sleeper before). My body obviously knows it's not ready for tummy sleeping yet.
I hope your surgery goes well and best wishes for your recovery xxx
Hi Sarah
Thank you so much for your reply. Thank you also for your best wishes for recovery.
Hoping that your recovery is going well.
I had the bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction on the 24 September. I was extremely anxious about the surgery, even after lots of information.
I did shower the day after the surgery it was certainly a shock. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I had the drains removed on the 5th day and then I came out of hospital the next day. The pain has not been too bad, except in the morning when I get up. I think it is from sleeping on my back. Once i am up and moving, it is quite manageable. I am still taking panadol during the day and a stronger pain meds when i get up. I do agree with you, the breasts feel foreign. Everyday, I think I am starting to get a bit more use to them.
I was given exercises to do as well, which are helpful. I saw my plastic surgeon today and she was really happy with the progress. Not too much bruising. Still swelling which is normal.
Just regarding the u shaped pillow, is that the full body pillow. I will have a look for one today.
Many thanks again. Take care.
Milva
Thank you for the Sarah-2026 for the guide above. I am going to be going through the same in a few weeks. Good tips. Will buy a U pillow.
Do you live with a partner? If you do, did they sleep in the same bed as you? My mother wants to visit from interstate to help with the kids but we only have one spare pull sofa bed.
Thanks again. Very helpful.
Best of luck Milva and Sarah-2026 for your recoveries and ongoing health.
Yep AimBar , my husband slept on a mattress on floor in our 2nd living space for the first week or so especially while I had drains in. I still use the u shape pillow and he fits in our king size bed with me and my big pillow. Good luck.
Hi AimBar
Best of luck for your surgery.
Regards Milva
