AFTER MASTECTOMY

[neatfreakmom]

I had a bilateral mastectomy on 3/11.  I am so nervous about the pathology report.  How long does it generally take to get this?  Also, I still feel so weak and I cry all of the time.  Is this normal?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear neatfreakmom, The results of when pathology findings are available vary depending on the facility, testing being done, if it needs to be sent for special stains etc.  Your best way of finding out when to expect to here would be by checking with your surgeons office to see when you might expect to hear.  The length of time to get the results does not indicate anything about the findings.  You have been through a big surgery very recently, it is not unusual to have some fluctuation in how you are feeling.  The further you are from surgery you should start having more good days than bad days.

[surgeon]

The timing of the report varies a lot among various locations and for various reasons. One thing for sure is that how long it takes has nothing to do with whether it's good news or not. Having the weekend in the way doesn't help, either. It ought to be there in a couple of days.

Bilateral mastectomy is a significant strain on the body, including the brain. To feel weak at this stage is perfectly normal, and it's likely to take several weeks, up to 3 months or so, to feel back to full strength. Such things affect the mind as well; post operative depression is a known phenomenon, and can occur in anyone with any sort of surgery. Don't fight the weakness; get plenty of rest, and expect to need way more sleep than normal. And if the tearfulness is persisting, you should let your doctors know about it. Sometimes medication for a short-term is a useful thing.

[GailMcGill]

Hello "neat" I am wondering if you have heard anything yet?
It seems like the waiting is almost as bad as whatever the thing is that we are waiting for..know what I mean??
I have IBC (inflamatory breast cancer)..my LAST chemo is scheduled for the 29th and a post op( for mastectomy)on the 30th. I have been getting treatments every 3 weeks and it took along time to diagnose and get started so I DO understand the waiting game..It feels helpless as I know you want something to happen quickly and get it all over with..
I am in need of honest discussion of what this surgery is like. I have attenden seminars but the women seemed contontient in talking about their chikdren and other things. I really want to know how much re-cooperation time is involved. I have a 11 year old that depends on ME to take her to School , pick her up. Husband not willing to take time off...I will talk to my surgeon also but would like to hear of your experience and from women firsthand..
Thanks
Gail

[neatfreakmom]

My surgery was two weeks and two days ago, and there are still a lot of things I can't do.  However, I had reconstruction started at the same time.  From what I understand, that has created the most pain, and has extended my length of recuperation.  I drove 10 days after surgery, but I am really still not supposed to drive.  But, there were only so many days that my husband could take off work.  He works at a company that is laying off daily, and we certainly didn't need for him to risk looking slack.  I came home from the hospital 23 hours after surgery, and I took very few pain pills.  I got most of my relief from extra-strenth tylenol.  The experience was definitely not a picnic, but after what you have already been through, I am sure you will do just fine.  If I can be of any other service, e-mail me at ***@****.  Good luck and my prayers are with you!