I also felt that the Doc’s only tell you so much to get you in the door. I remember being told I could go home from hospital when I got bored with the understanding that I would have drains in if I chose to go home before they were ready to be removed. A few days in hospital and the surgeon tells me that she never sends anyone home with 2 drains in. Well that’s nice to know. Lucky I had talked myself into doing what was right for me, not necessarily what I wanted (going home earlier than recommended). I found radiation was the same deal, “let’s worry about that if it happens”. Yep, I’ll send you for a consult to cover myself.
I had surgery (double mastectomy with r/s node clearance) on 30th November. If you can, get a Physio to see you and show you how to do the stretches correctly. I’ve ended up with some issues on the clearance side. Some continual swelling, lymph fluid build up and mobility issues. Some was cording, some beginnings of lymphedema, and some just over doing it. I’m trying to work through it but I’m not where I thought I would be at 6 weeks post op. Everyone is different though.
Good luck with the next surgery. Jen xx.