After the Mastectomy

I had a bi-lateral 2/21/12.  I had no ill effects from the surgery, as I do remember eating at least a hamburger afterwards.  Yes, there was soreness, but that was manageable.  I think I had Percoset or something. 

My pathology reports were such that I ended up doing chemo (eight times, every other week; adriamycin/cytoxin the first half and taxol the second).  My hair began to "flee" the week I had my second infusion.  I chose to get a buzz cut because (1) I did not like  how I was shedding; and (2) I thought it would just be easier to lose bristles than clumps of hair.  My anti-puke meds worked, and I only dealt with maybe 2-3 days of queasiness the weeks I had chemo, just during the A/C segment.  I had a few challenges, but manageable, when I was on the taxol; I did get some relief with allergy meds (like Clariton). 

My numbers were good, and so I stayed on schedule the entire time I was doing chemo.  I did not have to get my final neulasta shot.  About 10 days after I finished chemo, my husband and I went on a four-day vacation.  I did well.

About three weeks after I finished chemo, I did radiation therapy.  I had a little problem with burns, but it was manageable and did not get me off schedule.  I did heal quickly from that.

To make a long story short, I did a part-time work schedule when school started last year (because I will still doing rads); by mid-October, I was back to work full time. 

By the end of September, I decided I had enough hair back that I gave up wearing hats/hair pieces when I was out of the house.  Because I wear my hair somewhat short, it did not take things long for it to be back to normal length.  The texture is softer and straighter, which is all right with me.

I will say, though, that not everyone has the same reaction to chemo and to rads.  We can share our experiences and know that it does help give people like you an idea of what to expect.  I think I was very fortunate in a lot of ways with how chemo and rads went for me.  In comparing my experience with that of others, some of whom I know, I think that my experience did not match any of theirs; HOWEVER, what they shared with me helped me know what I could maybe expect, which was helpful.

Hope this helps.

e

CypressCynthia said:

I don't know if you have had

I don't know if you have had other surgeries?  This is not one of the more painful ones, but most need pain meds for a few days.  Don't let your pain get out of control because pain meds work better on mild to moderate pain and you will be taking more with less effect if you wait too long.

If you need something for nausea, be sure and ask your nurse.  If there is nothing ordered, they can call oncall doc and get you something quickly.

Pain meds make you constipated, so if you know what works for you, have it on hand (prunes, stool softener, etc).

You will probably have two drains for a week or two.  Everyone wants them out because they are awkward, but remember that whatever they are draining will accumulate in your chest if pulled too soon.  Don't be in a rush.

Having said that, after one drain was removed, I did have a reaccumulation and had to have my chest tapped.  It sounds scary and they use a big syringe with a needle, but, if that happens, don't worry because it doesn't hurt.  Apparently, swelling keeps you from feeling it.

I would plan on being out of work (if you work) for  about 2-3 weeks.  Everyone heals differently so this is hard to predict.

3 out of 4 of my sisters have had breast cancer and the unaffected sister just had a bilateral preventive mastectomy on June 18th.  She had the last of her drains removed today.  She thought she would be back to work, but I have a feeling she will probably go back next week as she still has pain if she sits too long.

Hope some of this helps!  Good luck and hope it goes well and you have a speedy recovery.

P.S. My sister has a stronger stomach than me and so she had her daughter get her a milkshake after surgery.  That really set her back and she ended up having to get a couple of nausea meds before she stopped vomiting.  I do NOT recommend a hamburger.  Start with ice chips, progress to clear fluids and then to food as tolerated. 

IE_Hope said:

Thank you everyone

Thank you everyone for your input,  they really do help.  I went today for my the pre-op, sign papers all that good stuff.  Was hoping I would be in and out the same day, guess that was a joke.  They said I would be there about 3 days, hope they give me some good stuff for pain lol

It did hit me hard today. Guess I have been trying to keep it out of my mind but today made me realize this is real.   

Again thanks for your info you shared with me.

hugs,

de

Hey there,

I had a left breast mastectomy.  The surgery went well - though I did have an expander put in - so that took additional time for the doctors. I was in the hospital only for one night.  I was thinking I could do this procedure on a Thursday and be back to work the following Monday - I was wrong.  I also had to have a 2nd surgery two weeks later because they didn't get 'clear margins'. So, they had to 'pump' up my expander as far as the doctor could to stretch my skin for more tissue & skin removal - that is what hurt. The original mastectomy itself was not too painful.  However, you will have to deal with a drainage tube for a week or more.  I do wish you luck with your procedure...

Andi

Sending hugs and prayers, hoping it all goes well today!! 

Wondering how your surgery went...hope all went well.

Kobias said:

Thinking of you too and

Thinking of you too and hoping your surgery went well for you.

Kathy

Post an update on how you are when you can.

Lynne

Doe1504 said:

Mastectomy

De, wondering how your mastectomy went yesterday. Hope all is well and you feel better than you thought. Update as soon as you can. Prayers for you.

De, hoping you're doing well.  Praying for you!

I was 38 when I had my mastectomy.  No matter what age, it was a loss for me.  To handle it, I had my mother, sister, and then husband surrounding me when I looked at my new body.  I couldn't have done that alone.  They talked me through it and I am forever grateful.  The first weeks will be tough, but as time moves on, it will really become your new normal with good days and bad. 

Prayers your way. 

Hi De, I hope you are recovering well. i had my double mastectomy in January. I am almost done with the reconstructions, which are a peice of cake after the double mx. I like my new breasts, they are really nice looking and feel very real. The expanders, what you might typically have in the meantime immediately post surgery, are kind of hard and a little uncomfortable, but don't despair, the mor permanent implants are much softer and more real feeling. I'm struggling now (6 months later) with some anxiety, etc. that I think I blocked out during the whole process and now it is finally bubbling up for me. Just hoping to keep working at it and get some support from my peers here on the network. Any one else have a lot of anxiety post surgeries, once things started settling donw?

Keep feeling better every day De!

Thank you!

Jen DW