how long does it take mastetomy recovery

[valarinagirl]

New to this I am 3rd breast cancer had lump right 1993 19 nodes removed only in one..had chem &  rad. In 2000 left breast lump only 3 nodes removed not in nodes so just rad again.  . now 7 years later again right breast will get mast. not sure double haven't been to post op visit.. what is the lenght of time? pain recovery? choices expander then inplant .or  this flap thing what is that? i do not have much of a stomach .. how do they feel breast done the roadhow long before I look like a girl again?  then what about taking  the last 8 or 10 nodes left from 93 removal ? yikes double probably chemo hopefully not again ..can't be rad,.. over rad already 35 first breast 25 second. What a pain and hey it happens to me every  7 years in june weird huh?

[relax100]

My girlfriend had a double masectomy and reconstructive surgery and is now in chemo.  It took a few weeks for the drains to come out and once they did, she felt much better.   She is in physical therapy and particularly needs to exercise on her left side where she had the cancer.

A 100% recovery may or may not take place but basically she is fine a few months later.

Best of luck

[peekawho]

It just varies so much.

I bounced back really quickly from my first one, and was on a horse on my 7th post op day, back to work on the 10th day.

The second one was harder, even though it was not as extensive of a surgery (simple mastectomy for that one as opposed to a modified radical w/20 lymph nodes removed the first time).

I had tissue expanders inserted both times during the original surgery, and then a few months later had the exchange when I was fully expanded.

I did very well.  That was in 1992-1993.  

The first few days are tough, but get up and move as much as you can tolerate.  Have a lot of button up shirts as opposed to T-shirts to wear.  It was easier to wash my hair at the sink than to raise my arms in the shower to do it.  I also got a lot of relief from ice packs and a tight ace bandage across my chest (if recommended by your doctor, of course).  

Have a lot of easy meals in the freezer, too.

I look relatively normal.  My total reconstruction..lets see..say, 2-3 months to get fully expanded after the mastectomy, then had minor surgery to take out the tissue expander and put the implant in, let that heal for 2-3 months, then did nipple reconstruction..that had to heal for a month or two, then did nipple tatooing.

I'm considering having another reconstruction to have silicon implants put in, or possibly a tram.  I'm vain at this point, and want some bigger hooters.  Mine are small!  

[addsky]

Are you having reconstruction as well?  I was up moving in hosp that day, moving is the easy part, sleeping is tough.  Get extra pillows to pad your side, I found it very difficult to sleep on my back because it caused more pain across the chest. If you are having total mastectomy then most doctors will not do the flap reconstruction so you will probably have expanders and then implants placed.  I had the mast. in Dec 06 and have had expanders in since then, I will have the implants placed in Sept 07, Mine was delayed do to radiation treatments, but most implants get placed within 6 mths from what I understand.
The pain is bearable but be very careful about what you lift or do with your arms.  Basic movements with your arms really pull the chest muscles and that is were most of your discomfort will come from.
Good luck.

[addsky]

Had bilateral mastectomy Dec 06 was out of hosp in 2 days and slowly moving but out with Mom within 4 days.  Don't over do!  I was back at work within 4 wks.  If expanders are being placed, get front zipper sports bra's now.  They help tremendously with support.  Good luck and wishing you the best.

[Hope72]

I'm scheduled for a mastectomy on July 12 and just got back from a pre-op.
I asked the same question and was told with no complications I'd be able to travel in 3 weeks to a month, which means you should be pretty well recovered.
Hope this helps.