bilateral masectomy

buffy55
buffy55 Member Posts: 8
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a lumpectomy, radiation Oct 2002--Feb2002 with no nodes involved now cancer in the other breast so considering bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction---would appreciate any feed back How long in the hospital what to expect when I get home--I know drains for 10 days

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    Hi buffy, I had a 2cm stage II grade II invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast and a 7mm benign mass in the right. The recommendation was 2 lumpectomies followed by 4 cycles of AC then radiation to the left side. I chose a bilateral with no radiation. I had no pain to the incision sites. I had 3 drains, 2 on the left because of the axilary node dissection and just one on the right. They were the most uncomfortable and were in for a week. Staple removal didn't even pinch. I was supposed to be in the hospital just overnight but my surgeon decided to keep me an extra day because of the amount of lymph fluid I was putting out. Aside from the limited mobility of my left arm at first, I was amazed at how easy the surgery was. I did my range of motion exercises immediately as instructed by my medical team and regained full use in a short amount of time. My surgery was February 6, 2003, started chemo March 6th and finished May 8th. I chose not to have reconstruction because I didn't want to do anything to lengthen my recovery, time spent in the OR or overall hospital stay. Since it's always an option, I'm completely comfortable with my decision. My cancer was ER+ so I chose to take Arimidex for the next 5 years. I tolerate it well and take Fosamax weekly to add bone density. Good luck with your surgery.
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148
    #3
    I am 46 and could have stayed two nights but after my first night I was ready to crawl into my own bed. I quit using the morphine pump about 12M the first night because I was dreaming wierd stuff and just didn't feel the pain was so bad anymore. I don't like the really "messed up" feeling. So, next A. M. here's a nurse parade. First get out of bed and go to the chair to eat (pick at) my breakfast. Next, a social worker to check my wellbeing and all. Next, a physical therapist to get me over to the wall to practice some movements/exercises I needed to do. Then, my doctor and I asked to go and he said- OK! I was out of there by 4 PM As I said insurance said 2 nites but I was not as comfortable as in my own bed. Yes, drains- recording, emptying, cleaning with alcohol aroud the drain entry site. That was a challenge but from what I hear of the old drains we got it soooo easy. I had 3, two in my cancerous breast and one in the other. I was able to move to the recliner during the 3rd day and soon was released to take a shower. (with my Mom and 2 sisters from Alabama assisting me) It felt good and I finally was getting clean. Honestly, it isn't that bad to go thru. I did the exercises suggested and only needed something to help me sleep and for pain if I did too much moving from place to place during the day. I did have the muscle jerks due to the cutting of so much internally but the meds controlled those sudden movements. Maybe I am crazy but it wasn't that bad. The chemo- now that's a different story and I was luck enough to not need radiation because that's very tough. My surgeon scheduled me a 7-10 days post op visit. After that it was just me with my plastic surgeon because I did choose reconstruction for both with saline implants at the same time as the first surgery. I didn't start chemo til about 4 weeks post surgery because my onco wanted to make sure I was healed enough. If you are going to have chemo see if your surgeon can put in a port (if you are going to have one) at the same time as this upcoming surgery. Mine was seperate and it was a twilight sleep not totally under like the surgery but if you can save a trip- do it! Not sure what else but you'll have numbness in parts of your back, shoulders and underarms but slowely it comes back. I am 1 year and 2 months post surgery and i am still getting feeling back in my arm pit and close to the surgical sites. Well, that's it for now but email me thru here if you have anymore questions. After chemo and turning 46 I am somewhat brain recall challenged at times- Good Luck and God's Blessings- C
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #4
    I, too, was completely amazed at how easily I navigated following bilateral mastectomy, and also went home the next day. I really didn't have anything to add, but just wanted to let you know that the anticipation is the worst part, and the post-op will be clear sailing. Of course, then there is also the supreme delight of having it over with. Five days after surgery, I attended class.

    One thing I wish I had known about was a camisole that has pockets in the bottom for the drains to sit in. Also, I did not want to wear elastic in the whole area and even now find that camisoles with pockets for the breast forms work best for me. Come back with more questions.
    Love,
    Denise
  • buffy55
    buffy55 Member Posts: 8
    #5
    DeeNY711 said:

    I, too, was completely amazed at how easily I navigated following bilateral mastectomy, and also went home the next day. I really didn't have anything to add, but just wanted to let you know that the anticipation is the worst part, and the post-op will be clear sailing. Of course, then there is also the supreme delight of having it over with. Five days after surgery, I attended class.

    One thing I wish I had known about was a camisole that has pockets in the bottom for the drains to sit in. Also, I did not want to wear elastic in the whole area and even now find that camisoles with pockets for the breast forms work best for me. Come back with more questions.
    Love,
    Denise

    Thanks girls for all the info you are all angels
    DeeNY711 I am very interested in the camisole--where could I find one? I agree this waiting is soo terrible--it took me weeks to finally decide on bilateral but I don't want to go thru this 3 times and I definitely don't want 7 or more hours
    of surgery so no reconstruction for now maybe never. If you wear a camisole after a few days is it irritating?
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #6
    buffy55 said:

    Thanks girls for all the info you are all angels
    DeeNY711 I am very interested in the camisole--where could I find one? I agree this waiting is soo terrible--it took me weeks to finally decide on bilateral but I don't want to go thru this 3 times and I definitely don't want 7 or more hours
    of surgery so no reconstruction for now maybe never. If you wear a camisole after a few days is it irritating?

    Hi Buffy! There is a good website for camisoles called Softees. They have drain pockets too for post op wear. The e-mail address is: www.wvi.com/~ladies1. I hope this helps. Also TLC Catalog from the ACS has clothing too. Good luck. HUGS!! Cathy
  • buffy55
    buffy55 Member Posts: 8
    #7
    DeeNY711 said:

    I, too, was completely amazed at how easily I navigated following bilateral mastectomy, and also went home the next day. I really didn't have anything to add, but just wanted to let you know that the anticipation is the worst part, and the post-op will be clear sailing. Of course, then there is also the supreme delight of having it over with. Five days after surgery, I attended class.

    One thing I wish I had known about was a camisole that has pockets in the bottom for the drains to sit in. Also, I did not want to wear elastic in the whole area and even now find that camisoles with pockets for the breast forms work best for me. Come back with more questions.
    Love,
    Denise

    Hi Denise, Thanks soo very much about the sofftee I already ordered one and probably get a few others---they look sooo comfortable. This waiting for 2 more weeks is really getting to me especially when other women voice their opinion when you don't even ask---I try to ignorne them NO ONE can know what it would be like unless they are in this same place as I am---thanks again Love Marge Hope you are doing well everyday
  • buffy55
    buffy55 Member Posts: 8
    #8
    I wanted to know after you had bilateral mast was it hard the 1st time you saw yourself in the mirror? Was it difficult to get use to with both breasts gone?

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