Bilateral mastectomies recovery

[Suziejane]

I'm having bilateral mastectomies and bilateral implants this week.  What's the recovery like (how much pain, how sore, how limited on movement, how long until I'm ready to go back to work)?  What do you have to do with the drains?  I would welcome any pointers or advice on getting back to normal.

[JudiK]

I had bilateral mastectomies on 6/8/05.  I did very well.  The drain tubes were the most bothersome.  I learned to relieve the weight of them by putting them in pockets of my clothing or pinning them to my clothing. I don't do well with pain meds, so never took one throughout the recovery. I took tylenol if I felt the drain tubes' insertion site was sore. I truly had great surgeons, and my body responds well to surgery.  Get lots of rest, follow their instructions, and you will be back to work soon.  Everyone is different in recovery, so give it time.

[lizziecee]

Hi suzieJane - whilst you are waiting for the nurse to respond to your question you may like to dip into our UK breast cancer care site which has some brilliant, articulate women - there is always someone who has been there and done it.(URL is: www.breastcancercare.uk)  Just wish I had found that forum when I was dx with breast cancer and going through treatment. I am sorry I can't help with your questions, as I had a lumpectomy for a 2 cm tumour, and then another surgery for total axillary node removal.  I found the 2nd surgery much more onerous than the lumpectomy, as this limits the movements of your arm. I am fine now, 3 yrs after.  I had drains after the first surgery for 4 days, was kept in hospital, and unfortunately for the 2nd surgery I was kept in for 6 days as the wound was still draining. I got a seroma in my shoulder/back after the 2nd surgery, but my surgeon did say he had to be brutal to get to all the nodes. Not everyone has these complications.
Good luck. Liz.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear SuzieJane:  Recovery from any surgery can vary widely according to the individual patient, technique of the surgeon, etc.  Your surgeon should be able to give you some idea about the plan for gaining mobility, the length of time before returning to work (also depends upon the type of job you have), and how long you are likely to need drains.  Other women on the forum may be able to share their experiences to give you some idea of what it was like for them.