Hi Donna

Sorry to hear about your Mum.

I had a mastectomy a fortnight ago (under general anaesthetic) and have not had much pain. I’ve been a bit uncomfortable under my arm where lymph nodes were removed and have been fine just taking paracetamol. Across the wound still feels pretty numb but definitely not sore. I didn’t have a drain put in and have a bit of fluid build up so there’s a ‘hot water bottle schlooshing’ sound that appears if you turn suddenly - this is disconcerting but not sore.

Sheila xx

Hello, there are plenty of ladies here will be able to give you some honest feedback, I had a lumpectomy so not really qualified , a mastectomy under a local sounds pretty scary but obviously do able, they know what they're doing.

may be worth also posting this on " ask the nurses" 

I wish you all the best and hope there is a good way forward for your mum, I think you will find comfort in this forum...xx

Hi there ...

So sad mum's going through this .. but so glad she's got you holding her hand .. 

I had a total masectomy July 2017 .. to answer your second question , I was so surprised how little pain after .. much less then the hysterectomy I'd had years before ... only needed a couple of paracetamol the next day .. I still can't understand how there was so much less pain .. but others have said the same .. though everyone is different .. that was my expierance ... under General anasthetic. .

I got two lumps come up under scar 10 months down the line and had to have my scar reopened and those lumps removed .. this time it was under local anasthetic in theatre ... I asked for music to be played .. and chatted with the nursing staff while it was going on .. and even managed a few laughs too .. so again this is my expierance. . I just kept in my head .. they were taking this unwanted, uninvited guest out of my body .. it really helped .. even being o.k now with a scar where my boob used to be .. its a small price for me to pay to still be here ..

Hope that helps slightly ... big hug to you both .. Chrissie xx

Thank You so much...My mum is getting quite anxious at the moment as surgery draws closer. I wish you a speedy recovery.This has helped so much.

Again 

Well wishes

Donna.x

Can I thank you for getting in touch so quickly.To be able to talk to ladies who are and have experienced this is such a comfort.Thank you.

Wishing you well.

Donna x

Thank you so much.I will be with my mum later and shall talk about your experiences. I wish you well and can only thank you again for your kindness.It means a lot.

Well wishes

Donna x

Hi Worfield,

Sorry about what's going on with your mum, it's horrible when we see parents going through things like this.

My mastectomy was under general and I can happily say I had discomfort but not any actual pain afterwards.  Although local sounds scary the area being operated on will be well and truly anaesthetised so no pain will be felt even though touch will be felt (weird though that sounds).  I imagine they would also give your mum a sedative so she isn't stressed by what is going on.  Presumably they keep the area anaesthetised for a while after surgery also and then your mum would switch on to painkillers.

The best I can compare it to is when I had to have a molar tooth pulled out recently (it cracked in two while I was undergoing chemo).  The area was anaesthetised and I genuinely felt no pain at all, but was obviously aware that the dentist was pulling my tooth out.  Local anaesthetic does work very well.

Just doing a quick search it seems it isn't that uncommon to have mastectomy under local, especially in older patients.

Best wishes to you and your mum.

Hi,

Can I just thank you all for your kind words and reassurance. I can't tell you how valuable this forum is. I will be happy to share my experiences so hopefully I can help others in a similar situation to ourselves.

Again...Thank You.

Wishing you all the best.

Donna x

Hi Donna,

I just wondered how your mum is doing now. How did she cope with her mastectomy and, has she had any follow up treatment?

It will be great to have you join us to share your experiences. This is a fantastic forum, but it is the people who contribute to it who are so amazing and who make it what it is.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx