Post L) mastectomy.
Just wondering. If you've had a one side mastectomy. How long were you in hospital for? How many drains did you have and how long were they in for?
Forum Discussion
Well you ladies are amazing. I spent 5 days in hospital post op and left with a drain insitu, that I have now had for nearly 2 weeks. I am miserable and uncomfortable and have been in so much pain. This entire experience has be damn awful. If I get cancer in my other breast. I'd rather die.
I have been trying not to stretch or move too much. But my entire left side just feels SO tight and the drain is freaking painful. If it moves it's SO sore. I haven't been able to sleep but flat on my back, under my arm pit is SO sore, yet numb also. Weird.
All in all this has not been a good experience. I'm never going through this again. I seriously would rather take the chance of dying.
Hi TannieT, I had a right sided mastectomy with the breast expander put in under my muscle and two lymph nodes removed about 6 days ago and agree with you - it’s bloody awful! I hear so many people saying their pain was managed with over the counter medication and that it wasn’t too bad yet I feel awful. Please tell me that two months on you are feeling better?
Yes. I was in pain. I went to my GP and got stronger pain relief. Panadol didn't cut it. I did not have any expander put in. But I was badly bruised as because of what Chemo did to my heart I am on Blood Thinners. So bruising was bad and took a LONG TIME to resolve. 6 weeks later and I could still see yellow. Yes, after 2 months I am feeling better. Probably from about 6 weeks onwards it was noticeably better. I do not know how women who have double mastectomies do it. Do you still have drains? I felt a world better once the drain came out. Had that about 10 days. All the best. Time will pass and you'll get there. But it's not a nice experience at all 😔
Thanks TannieT, it’s now day 8 and I am definitely feeling an improvement. Still so sore and aching but am managing to feel a little more human!
Hi Motherly39, just thought I would pop in whilst we wait for TannieT's reply. It can feel extra tough in these early days, and it’s completely normal to feel like your experience with over-the-counter meds doesn’t match what others describe. Everyone’s pain and recovery can be so different, especially with an expander under the muscle and lymph node removal - your body has been through a lot!
Be gentle with yourself, six days is still very early, and keep reaching out for support - our Helpline is here whenever you feel like you need that extra bit of support on 1800 500 258.
