How Was Your Recovery After a Double Mastectomy?

Hi, Patricia. I've had two mastectomies. Before I had each of them (5 years apart) I heard how much pain I would have. I had no pain at all. I was grateful those people were wrong. The more I thought about it, I decided the people who told me that were relating my surgery to what other cancer patients experienced YEARS before. You'll discover people do that a lot. Cancer treatments change so quickly now. Just remember treatment isn't like it was even two years ago. Keep positive thoughts and don't be afraid of your treatments. Also remember you can't ask your oncologist or nurse a stupid question. If you don't understand - ask!

Thank you Beverly that's what I was thinking. They have certainly come a long way in their treatments. Today's day 6 and I'm feeling pretty darn good.

Rest when you need to, think at least one good thought a day and remember you have support!

I definitely had pain, but it wasn’t severe. I think mastectomies are associated with less pain than one might expect because your nerve endings are cut, so you are largely numb in the area. I had a lot of discomfort from the expansders and drains, and some nerve and incision pain. That’s different than pain from other types of surgeries, though. The emotional aspects were the hardest part for me.

Yes I didn't have the expanders put on I didn't have any reconstruction whatsoever. So I'm thinking that's why there's no pain. I must be completely numb there. The most pain is under my shoulder blades. And yes the emotional roller coaster is a totally different thing. Sometimes I'm okay and then I look down and I see nothing there and I get very emotional. I was very attached to my girls lol.

I had a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure. My surgeon used a long lasting nerve block (2-4 days projected effect) and I had zero pain. Didn’t even need Tylenol. I was pleasantly surprised because I too expected pain.

I had a left mastectomy 2 days ago and I have pain and a feeling of discomfort . No more opioid but Tylenol every 4 hours .should I be in bed?

DuAnn it sounds like you had the same exact thing as me.

Amelia if you were having pain then I would stay in bed a recliner is actually better for you

I had right mastectomy no real pain either today I had port put in and breast drained 120cc of fluid built up drains must have been taken out too soon I’m still numb

I had my first mastectomy in 2011 and the site is still numb. Sometime nerve endings come back and sometimes they don't.

Hi Patricia, I had a double mastectomy on January 10th. My experience was very similar to yours. Not much pain except soreness and my left underarm was slightly numb from having lymph nodes removed. I agree with you the drains were the worst part. I had them removed and felt like a free woman. I was back to work about one week after my surgery. My biggest concern now is deciding on what follow up procedures I want to endure. Best of luck you.

It's wonderful that your recovery is going more smoothly than expected! Many patients do experience varying levels of comfort during their recovery period, and having less pain than anticipated can certainly happen. Each person's healing journey is unique, and it sounds like your body is responding well to the procedure. Others in the community may have similar positive experiences to share, so hopefully you'll hear from fellow patients who can relate to your recovery process.