What to Expect After a Mastectomy?

Everyone’s physical recovery will be different . I had right mastectomy Jan 31. I am 69. Pretty active via walking daily and gym. No other health issues. My recovery was uneventful. I was surprised I could get in and out of bed, dress myself and use the bathroom without help. I did put my drain in a camisole that had a pocket to keep it safe and comfortable. I hope you have a similar experience. My surgeon told me my breast was trying to make me sick. I liked that perspective. It helped me say goodbye without a lot of grieving. The hardest part for me was waiting for the pathology. I took a nap every day. I ate food I had put in my freezer before surgery. Good luck to you. I am one month out, on vacation and so glad to just “be”.

I got rid of both of mine. They served no useful purpose as my kids are grown and I’m 65. They were in the way and I don’t miss them a bit. It’s been just under 4 years.

I had a single mastectomy on 2/20. For the first few days, the compression wrap was on and I couldn't see the incision. When I finally unwrapped it, I had a few moments of grief...they had nourished my babies and my late husband loved them! But like toxic people, it needed to be removed from my life before it hurt me more.

I’m almost 77. I had a double mastectomy 2 years ago. Only had cancer in one breast but decided to remove both because of a benign growth in my other breast. Don’t miss them and doing well.

Thank you all. I am 5 days post surgery. My lymph nodes are swollen/ tender from the biopsy but otherwise slowly getting through the pain. I am 45 and my 3 kids are under age 10 so emotionally it has been difficult. 🙏's to you all.

I’m just three weeks post op. When the bandage came off I cried. I am now handling it much better. It’s a mental thing. Just take it one day at a time

I wondered the same thing before mine and frankly still have feelings up and down. I had single mastectomy Jan 2nd. I also had to have the nipple removed due to the margin for one of the masses near the nipple. I have had 1 round of chemo and 7 to go. I still feel sad about losing a breast because they were the favorite part of my body for me. I am hoping for reconstruction after radiation but worry about the chance that won't be a possibility due to radiation damage. One bridge at a time. Right now I am focused on chemo and losing my hair. I hope your mastectomy recovery goes well. It sucks but it is a relatively short time in the grand scheme of things. I felt much better and had better range of motion again about 4 weeks after.

Having surgery can bring up many different feelings, and it's completely natural to wonder about both the physical healing process and the emotional journey ahead. Many people in this community have walked a similar path and found that connecting with others who understand can be incredibly helpful during recovery. Consider reaching out to share how things go or to ask specific questions as they come up - this supportive community is here for you.