Hi Mazem83

lm sorry you have found yourself on this forum 

it's all very scary 

I was diagnosed 6 years ago this November

large area of DCIS in right breast this showed up on a rountine mammogram 

lots of biopsy's showed a smaller area of invasive cancer

mastectomy with reconstruction and sental node 

removal 

I had bone infusions every 6 months for three years to strengthen my bones 

no other treatment was required 

38d bust so it wasn't possible to reconstruct as large as the other boob but the result was ok I can wear a low cut too and a bikini 

not too much pain drains were difficult but not in for too long 

buy V pillow this really helped to stay on my back when sleeping also I used a small neck pillow wedged under the new boob and my back this was great 

what they don't tell you is the new boob is like having a brick on your chest it's so heavy 

it does get better but it was tough at first 

don't go and buy expensive new mastectomy bras 

I used the bra tops from Matalan easy to get on by stepping in if you can't get your arms up 

just no wires stretchy and comfy 

progressed to non wire bras and now back to underwired 

normal bras 

I can honestly say I haven't been unwell it's such a lot to take in 

do the exercises I did them twice a day and I don't have any restrictions in my arms 

any questions feel free to ask 

Joanie 

Hi. I've not had the same op as you but I had a reconstruction and lymph nodes removed.  The lymph node removal can greatly affect your ability to use your arm on that side for a few days and you're given a post op booklet with arm exercises to get movement slowly back.  Your breast surgeon or care team should hopefully provide you with bras after surgery and before you go home.  You'll get a pre op check with a nurse so many days before surgery so ask about bras at this and whether they'll provide them.  I was given 2 front fastening support bras to wear continually day and night for 6 weeks, one to wash and one to wear.  I was given these after the surgery by my breast surgeon who came to check me on the ward.  And you're meant to wear tops that zip up or button up the front as you might find that you can't manoeuvre your way into normal tops due to your arm being affected.  A poncho is a good idea for travelling home as you can't get a jacket on in but maybe not needed in this weather.  I wore a loose fitting button up shirt to travel home in and found most of my tops couldn't be worn for the first week until I got movement back.  You're out of hospital quite quickly but you should get some booklets on what to expect from your hospital.  You'll have these weeks before the op itself and get one after too.  And pain relief meds home with you.  And hopefully you'll be given a smallish heart shaped cushion which you wear under your arm on that side for comfort and to protect you from seatbelts.  The indent of the heart shape fits under your arm, a great idea and a lovely gift from the women who make them for breast cancer patients.  It's also lmore comfortable to sleep with.  The pain meds make you sleepier than usual and you'll hopefully find you can get pain free on them lying or sitting still.  Waking up the day after was interesting, not gonna lie and getting to the toilet and back.  But do-able.  Good luck!

Hi Mazem83

Hope you are ok?

i have just had my mastectomy with implant reconstruction and can honestly say I am very surprised at how little pain I feel.

the armpit is tender where the lymph nodes got  took but not unbearable, I had paracetamol and co-codemol night of the surgery then just paracetamol next day, I have took the co-codamol at night time but more of a precaution, I was also giving morphine liquid but I haven't needed or opened that.

The drain is abit grim, I have a small bag to put it in, I won't lie but I will be pleased when this is gone.

I have been out with my dog, around the block walking which was fab and no problem, then just relaxing reading and watching tv.

Good luck with your op 

Hi

glad to hear your op went well and you are feeling good. You sound quite positive with dealing with it post op, I'm really hoping I too can get out walking and hoping the pain is only minimal. I'm trying to stay as positive as possible. 
my op is on the 25th, and although a little anxious, hearing of other peoples experiences is really helping to ease my mind, so thank you so much for getting in touch.

really hope the rest of your recovery goes well and that it is all smooth sailing from this point on for you. 

I buy post op bras in M&S they are nice and soft and not expensive as you don't pay. VAT on them, there's a front fastening one if you prefer, but it's not that easy to fasten, or the sleep bras are comfortable and keep dressings in place. I had to wear a bra day and night to begin with following surgery. I would have a couple of soft bras ready, my hospital didn't provide them. Your pre op nurse should be able to help you. 
Not being able to drive was my biggest problem and you need to avoid lifting, l hope you have someone to help you when you come home. 

Hi

im now 2 weeks post op and feeling really well. Luckily I didn't have to come home with any drains in and my consultant managed to get my lymph nodes through the same incision as my mastectomy/reconstruction so no cut made under my arm. 
 

again now stuck in limbo for my results on 26th September, but I'm trying to keep a positive outlook whilst the days pass by!!

have you got your results back? Hope everything is going well for you x