Mastectomy soon...Lots of questions!!

I am due to have a single mastectomy in the next few weeks and I have been told that, as I may need radiotherapy afterwards, I am unable to have an implant but could possibly have breast reconstruction using my own skin/tissue.

The questions I have are:-

1. How painful is this surgery?

2. How long is the recovery time from the initial surgery?

3. Did any of you have any complications after your surgery?

4. Has anyone had breast reconstruction using their own tissue? If so, could you please tell me the pros and cons?

5. Do you feel your reconstructed breast looks realistic and how did it affect you emotionally?

6. Any recommendations for good bras that are either comfortable, give the look of shape, or both?

7. Are there any things you think are a must-have post your surgery?

Sorry for all of the questions but I am feeling very anxious and just wanted to get any people's opinions if they have been through the same as I will have.

Thank you so much,

Dannii xxx

  • Hi there

    I had a mastectomy three weeks ago but was not having reconstruction. Hardly any pain. I didn’t have a drain so had a bit of fluid build up which gives a disconcerting ‘hot water bottle schlooshing’ noise but that has now gone.

    I got a lovely heart shaped pillow from ‘Jen’s Friends’ on Facebook - a charity that you just pay for postage.

    Ive been wearing a sports bra since the op, but have bought pretty mastectomy bras from Asda online.

    I bought a couple of men’s brushed cotton shirts in a sale to wear the first couple of weeks. I made the mistake of wearing a non stretchy over the head fleece last week that I then couldn’t remove!

    My only concern had been the anaesthetic and it was absolutely fine.

    Sheila xx

  • So glad ur mum is doing so well...I hope I'm the same! Yes I agree sometimes the anxiety is worse...I will let u know how it goes.

    Thanku

    Dannii x

  • Sheila

    Yes been looking at Asdas post op bras(I work there too so even better lol) some nice ones and a couple front fastening which I thought would be helpful in first few weeks.

    Omg not even thought about tops lol...Thanku for that may have to pop out and buy some blouses as I'm normally a t-shirt person.

    Take care

    Dannii x

     

  • Hello Christie, What a wonderful kind person you are, I am looking at this site, as I have a mastectomy next Thursday. Loved your comment about staying on this site to hold the hand of new people. Got to say I'm trying to put on a brave face, but it's crumbling a bit. So it's good to read all the comments, and realise it's ok to feel this way. Think everyone around me is either in pieces or denial, and I'm trying to bluff it out till the big day, so just want to thank everyone for sharing .

    Sandybee xx

     

  • Hi Sandybee,

    Hope your op went well this summer. You may no longer be on here of course but I felt like posting a reply anyway as I feel like you did leading to the day of surgery. 
     

    I'm having a mastectomy tomorrow and whilst until now, I've remained focused, organising things, making things more accessible round the house, preping as many things as possible so my husband won't have so much to do the first couple of weeks. And being strong and keeping it together for my 6 year old. 

    But the last couple of days have been harder. I feel scared now. I'm scared of surgery, of not making it - sounds dramatic I know... and scared of the future of course. I want to be here for more milestones and laughs with my little poppet. 

    And I'm worried about recovery. But Whilst everyone is different, I've found the above posts reassuring.

    Thank you and take care everyone. 

    xxx 
     


     

     

  • Hi there bluebelle ..

    Hope you don't mind me answering your post but just want to say, I'm in my 6th year now, and my 5 year old granddaughter is now 11 ... and I'm still doing o.k ... 

    Yes it's overwhelming at times but I know lots that have done this journey and all those I've known are still here too .. so hold on in there, it's a rollercoaster emotional ride... but just hold on and know it's o.k to have bad days ... we all do .. let us know how you go ... Chrissie x