Node clearance and mastectomy

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