Forum Discussion

Molly001's avatar
Molly001
Member
9 years ago

Surgery recovery worries

Hi all,
I met with my surgeon yesterday. Good news that my CT & bone scan were all clear, apart from a few tiny (2mm) spots in the lungs, which he said is prob nothing, and I shouldn't be worried about (although, of course, in the back of my mind, I am). They will check these spots again in Sept. I hope they're gone. My main worries now are for my surgery recovery (1st Feb) as my kids are so little. For those who've had a full masectomy with all lymph nodes removed, what is the recovery like? What should I expect in general? How long am I likely to need help with my kids?
mastectomy

4 Replies

  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Molly, I had single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using implant but only 4 nodes removed and the biggest problem I had was not being able to do exercises etc because of my drains. Because of the immediate reconstruction I had one drain that decided it liked its new residence and hung around for 8 weeks. I still did a lot of things including hanging clothes on the line but just didn't raise my arm quite as high. When is your surgery scheduled for? Have you had a breast care nurse or McGrath Nurse assigned to you yet? When you do they will be able to provide you with brochures on exercises that you need to do to keep your arm mobile and with a full range of movement. I don't know what area you live in but I organised to do my grocery shopping online and it was delivered into my kitchen which meant I didn't have to lift grocery bags full of shopping - which was a great benefit and the delivery people were always lovely and to have it delivered cost between $4 - $10 depending on the time frame I elected. Also if you buy a U pillow from Kmart to help you get out of bed - they are invaluable and also help because you will be sleeping on your back for a couple of weeks and they provide excellent support. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions we are here to help. Xx Cath
  • KarenneW's avatar
    KarenneW
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Molly, I was 58 at diagnosis and don't have children, but do have furry ones.  I had a bilateral mastectomy with axillar clearance in 2014 followed by Radiotherapy. I found that my recovery wasn't too bad - I didn't drive for about 5 days as I had drains in and then when the drains came out I was allowed to drive.  My right arm was a bit stiff and had no feeling in it under the arm.  I found it was hard to reach up for things, however I attended the Lymphedema & Laser Clinic here in Adelaide and they did some Laser treatment and also gave me some exercises to do - like "Wall Walks" - this is standing next to wall and walking your fingers up the wall and down and then facing the wall same procedure.  You need to do this as often as you can and make sure you stretch your arm a bit.  Not sure how you'll go looking after children, might not be able to lift them quite as easily.  You will recover and go on as you are a strong woman who will survive.


  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    I had very little problem, including reaching and I had a large breast therefore quite a large scar area (plus axillary clearance) - it does vary a bit though. Lifting children might be a problem. But I tend to agree that the more you use your arm, as long as you are not in real pain, the better.
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    The hard part for several weeks is reaching up. I was worried about it but after the op my physio said I certainly couldn't hurt anything with reaching so get into it.