Mastectomy in 2 weeks!! Help

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newjersey25
newjersey25 Member Posts: 27
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am going to have a double mastectomy in two weeks and I don't know what to expect. How long is the healing process? How long is the hospital stay? What does it look like in the end? I have so many questions! Is it very painful? Anyone with answers please write back.

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  • banker
    banker Member Posts: 317 Member
    #2
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    Hi, I had a single mastectomy in 1998. My Doc kept me in the hospital 4 days, at least the tubes were out by then. I came through it fine. Very little pain , got to keep the arms moving, they will give you a booklet on how too. The incision looked very neat, straight across, all flat. All healed well. Had reconstruction 1 yr later. Wish I had it done the same time as the mastectomy. Are you having reconstruction done?
    At first I did not want to look at myself but when I did it was not bad at all. My husband was very supportive. Now I look back, all went well,I had no complications and I am doing fine. You will too. If you want to talk you can reach me at
    charmin@froggernet.com
    Take care, think positive, god bless
    love Emmi
  • lyslize
    lyslize Member Posts: 1
    #3
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    I had bilateral mastectomy 9/18/01. I was in the hospital 3 days. I had only 1 drain to take care of - this was the worst part of the post-operative care. I had very good range of motion afterward - I could raise both arms with no problem. Not everyone can. The pain was surprisingly very slight. I did feel, and still do, like I had about a 5 inch rubber band tight around my entire chest area to the middle of my underarm area. Also, the side where the cancer was and where they also removed 24 lymph nodes is still completely numb - from my elbow towards my armpit and over to the middle of my chest. The other side is slightly numb but only where the incision was. Please contact the Reach to Recovery program in your area - they are extremely helpful!
  • sdevilbiss
    sdevilbiss Member Posts: 41 Member
    #4
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    Hi NJ, Wishing you the very best recovery during your double mastectomy. I had modified radical in 1989. I had a drain tube for several days. I was only in hospital for 3 days. That was my choice. Doc wanted me to stay 4 days but I don't like hospitals. I did very well. Not much pain after the surgery, but do now suffer from post mastectomy pain syndome. I have a constant tight feeling, burning, and numbness under my arm and around my chest. As one support group member explained it best, like having a baseball under her arm at all times. Not all survivors experience this and I hope and pray you don't. I don't take any pain meds. I am so used to it that I don't notice it except at night. I have full range of motion in my arm.. It was painful after the surgery doing the exercises, but I do not have trouble with lymphadema or movement. I had 13 lymph nodes removed. No involvement. Take care. Prayers and positive thoughts coming your way. Sandee
  • susieque1
    susieque1 Member Posts: 2
    #5
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    lyslize said:

    I had bilateral mastectomy 9/18/01. I was in the hospital 3 days. I had only 1 drain to take care of - this was the worst part of the post-operative care. I had very good range of motion afterward - I could raise both arms with no problem. Not everyone can. The pain was surprisingly very slight. I did feel, and still do, like I had about a 5 inch rubber band tight around my entire chest area to the middle of my underarm area. Also, the side where the cancer was and where they also removed 24 lymph nodes is still completely numb - from my elbow towards my armpit and over to the middle of my chest. The other side is slightly numb but only where the incision was. Please contact the Reach to Recovery program in your area - they are extremely helpful!

    Thank God, I finally found someone with the same tightness that I have. How and what can we do for it. I have great arm and shoulder movement but the tightness is keeping me from having reconstructive surgery...I had 17 nodes removed,only 4 showed signs of spread...Would love to talk with you...
  • mamou
    mamou Member Posts: 15
    #6
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    Last month I had a mastectomy and a hysterectomy,I stayed in the hospital 3 days and was back at work in 5 weeks. I never really experienced pain from the mastectomy, just numbness.
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #7
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    mamou said:

    Last month I had a mastectomy and a hysterectomy,I stayed in the hospital 3 days and was back at work in 5 weeks. I never really experienced pain from the mastectomy, just numbness.

    Hi NJ, I haven't had a mastectomy so I wouldn't know what to expect. I would suggest physical therapy, which not all doctors prescribe, in that case you have to request it.
    Keeping you in my prayers.
    ((((HUGS)))) to you from me! Luv, hummb
  • judd
    judd Member Posts: 3
    #8
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    By now you have probably had your surgery. I do hope and pray all went well and you never see cancer again. Don't rush into reconstruction until you have all your pathology and tumor studies back. That is what will determine your treatment protocol. chemo and radiation can affect breast healing so be sure to get a good plactic surgeon consult. I chose not to reconstruct and had a bilateral mastectomy. I do well with really good gel protheses and pretty, lacy underwires. Nordstrum stores will add a pocket to any normal bra (for free). Most important to your survival to is live like you are going to live, believe you are going to survive. Hang in there!

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