I am just a week post op Mastectomy and hope I can offer some reassurance. Every person is different of course. I woke up in post op with some pain but they quickly got that under control. After that I didn't feel I had any problems with extreme pain. I was advised to take regular pain relief and was quickly on to Panadol for most pain control. Arm exercises were recommended quickly which I have done religiously. There is some incidence of fluid pooling after the drain is removed. This variesfrom person to person. It may need draining a week or two after surgery. At this stage I would say I feel quite well and am recovering well. Ask lots of questions and look for reassurance From your medical and nursing staff. All the best of luck. For me, it wasn't as bad as I had expected.
I'm day 13 today and was in and out on the same day, home 3 hrs after theatre. Was terrified of surgery as never had a GA but I was fine.
Recovery brilliant, dead sleepy first couple of days but drink loads. Had drain removed after 72 hours with no issues. Just had a good wash down first few days, then showering (I've got glue and tape with dissolvable atitches) from then on pat dry over the scar.
Pain is fine, sent home with cocodamol as I can't take ibuprofen. Mostly discomfort and like someone is pressing your chest first 7 days. Day 6 onwards armpit has burned although scar not under there and outside is numb. Surgeon said she had a good rummage and its nerve damage. It is settling now, don't use deodorant! Been on paracetamol from yesterday.
Do your exercises. My mobility is good, can't lift anything but can get my arm above my head (not straight yet). Just pace yourself with them. Been talking short walks from day after surgery, now up to about 2 miles a day. Very light housework like wiping over and ironing not hoovering. Loads of Netflix, books and crochet though!
Up your fibre so to avoid loo problems, once I went been fine since. Get a v shaped pillow as it's like heaven to sleep on and have behind you on the sofa (leaning back is uncomfortable) and take a cushion in the car for when you come home between you and seatbelt as you feel everything.
Had the front fastening bras from Asda were great but then doing me in yesterday so switched back to sports crop vests which is comfy. Had some swelling so previous soft bras don't fit but I had problems with bras before surgery due to size and location of lump so just be comfy. Also got fluid under bust one side of abdomen so leggings better are easy and shirts although spent week 1 in PJs.
Sending hugs and best of luck but sure you'll be fine
