Questions and advice from those who have done this

[Greysean]

Next week I go in for Bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction using the back muscles. There are some questions about recovery that I would love to hear from women who have been through this.

- How much pain and for how long? My Dr. said it will be painful to lie on my back, can't lie on my front and sides are not good either. So what worked for you all?
- The drains - they sound terribly uncomfortable to me, but my sister who will be "helping" me is terrified by this idea. I think they said I would have either 4 or 6 drains. Can I empty and measure them myself? How does one sleep with them?
- I know they said you can't shower with the drains but I assume you can take sponge baths and hopefully somehow was your hair as if it was as long as two weeks..... Anyway what advice do you all have?
- Intellectually I am comfortable and look forward for the cancer to be gone. Emotionally I haven't gone there. So worried once I wake up and start recovering will I just lose it not having figured out how to emotionally deal with it all before surgery?
-Any advice on what helped to be more comfortable at the hospital or at home?
-They will put in the permanent implants and have measured me as I like the size I am which is small but then I started thinking how they won't grow with me if I gain weight and thought perhaps I should ask about something a bit bigger so I wouldn't be out of proportion later - advice? Thank you all very much just trying to get prepared.

[bobelaine]

I had a bilateral on January 13th.  I had only three drains.  My husband emptied them at home, but it was just as easy to do it myself.  

I slept in one of those surgical caps at night and my hair kept very well for a few days.  After a week, I was able to bend over the sink and moving my arms from the elbows down only, was able to wash my hair.  I cancelled my appointment at the salon.

I did not opt for reconstruction, so I can't answer your questions on how to sleep.

If you experience an emotional breakdown, just take a deep breath and slowly let it out.  Now....doesn't that feel good.  Good luck dear and I will be praying for you.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Sorry no one replied to your post yesterday, but most of the questions you asked would best be answered by the surgeon who will be doing your mastectomies, or   the plastic surgeon who will be doing your reconstructions.

Best wishes...