I had a mastectomy and axillary node clearance (17 in all). Like so many things with breast cancer, individuals react differently to much the same procedures or treatments, so it can still be hard to tell and possibly unwise to assume one person's experience will be like your own. I had four days in hospital, home without drains, and went shopping the day after. I went back to work after a week off. No pain, only a bit of tenderness, excellent arm mobility. I did get a seroma (fluid building on the scar site). I am confident that it was not caused by the drain removal as surgery fluid had well and truly stopped. A seroma can be a thorough nuisance but even my large one wasn't painful. Some people have drains for much longer, some have difficulty with arm/shoulder mobility and some experience pain/discomfort with the scar area. But for most, a mastectomy is fairly straightforward and not particularly painful - I found everyone in hospital attentive about pain to the nth degree (especially as I didn't have any!). More than happy to provide pain relief if required. There is a group on this website about breast reconstruction too (I can't advise about that, I chose not to) and I am sure you may find that helpful too. Best wishes. 

Hi @Trikki2, I had node clearance and single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using an implant back in June 2016. The most painful thing was under the arm where the node clearance took place and that hurt for about 2-3 weeks. I had pressure but that was because of the reconstruction. I was in hospital for 6 days and left with two drains. First drain came out 4 days after leaving hospital, 2nd drain came out 8 weeks after surgery and the site where the drain exited was also quite sore but stopped hurting once I had strapped it to my side and stopped any swinging movement. Overall I was very surprised by the lack of pain. I took strong pain killers for 3 days and then was only on panadol for the rest of the time. Immediate reconstruction takes longer to heal and involves a longer stay in hospital so don't stress over the time frames I've mentioned.  If you do go ahead with your mastectomy your breast care nurse will give you exercises for your arms to ensure that you keep as much movement as possible and you need to do these religiously. I have a very slight cording (fibre build up that can feel like cord that can also feel tight) but because I have done my exercises it is flexible and can't be snapped - doesn't bother me except occasionally feels slightly sore when the weather gets cold. I was initially told that my tumour was too large for lumpectomy, also had another lesion quite near the tumour that was abnormal. That lesion turned out to be benign but didn't know at the time and the cells were already abnormal so was glad that I'd had the mastectomy. Would do it again. I hope you get all of the information you need to make your decision and if I can be of help in any way please let me know and I'll do the best I can to answer any questions that you have. Xx

Hi @socoda
Thanks so much for your indepth reply.  Its really helpful to me. I have decided to get a prosthesis instead of a reconstruction. 
Thanks so much 
Trikki2 
 

Thanks @Afraser
Oh im very aware about everyones journey being different. Its nice though to have a litte incling of what is going to happen. Thanks for sharing with me.
Xxx Trikki2 

Hi Trikki2

I had a single mastectomy with auxiliary clearance this morning. I have almost no pain in relation to the mastectomy or aux clearance at all. There is a self administered morphine pump that I can use. I have used it twice so far. I do have stinging where the cannula is in the other arm though and that is annoying as I cannot use that arm. I just marched on the spot for half an hour WTF I was not expecting to that!
For me, the physical healing is easier and is for a shortish time. The mental healing is challenging and I cannot see myself ever accepting this fully. So I think it is really important to consider this during any decision.
What I mean by this is not having the mastectomy could cause a lot of stress and worry about it returning which might have a negative impact on your mental health but then having one has its own emotional impact.
I didn't have a choice about mastectomy and have no idea what I would do in your situation.
Sorry if it sounds as if I am making light of the physical recovery but our mental health is also really important and also that this is a long post.
Pen and paper, two colums, pros and cons and if you have a trusted friend or family member (if you are telling people about this) involve them and list everything you can think of in the appropriate column. Don't know, might help.
Chat with a breast care nurse?
Good luck :)

Hi @LIttleBlueWren,
That was great thanks. Yes suffering from anxiety already and going through this has already affected my mental health.  I have pretty much made up my mind to go ahead with the mastectomy, it will be safer for me. I do not tolerate pain and i think that is what scares me. But its a necessity. Im so glad you are doing well xxxx
Trikki2 
 

I've had a prosthesis for 6 years - find it easy and simple. Good luck! 

Hi, I had bilateral mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction 6 months ago. I also had 8 nodes removed on one side. I’m still quite stiff on that side and have to make sure I do my stretches every day. I’m also numb under arm pit and a narrow strip down to my elbow. I’ve also noticed I don’t sweat on that side!!! The numbness doesn’t really bother me too much I just have to be extra careful when shaving as I can’t feel a thing. 
I sparayed deodorant under that arm the other day (out of habit) and thought my deodorant wasn’t working so kept spraying and because I couldn’t feel it I ended up quite wet. I found this a bit funny. Lol!
Its a big thing to go through that not only affects you physically but also mentally and emotionally. There are some amazing breast care nurses out there who are a wonderful to talk to and help you where needed. I also found that the ladies on here a fantastic and really are a great help as they have been there. 
Wishing you all the best. 😊

Thanks for the reply @Legs75.  Lol that would be me.with the deodorant. 
Xxx Trikki2