How Was Your Recovery After a Double Mastectomy?

The first week after was a blur. I stayed on pain meds, and know that it was very humbling. It took me about 5 days to be able to use the bathroom in my own. My cancer was on my right side, along with node removal and it took a while to get range of motion back. I am seeing a Physical Therapist that helped with range of motion, I had cording, and am still dealing with the side effects in that. Find a Physical Therapist that specializes in Oncology and Lymphedema. Lots of recovery time. Stay patient and take things slow. My drains were in for 4 weeks, and I spent most of my time in a recliner. I slept in the recliner. Get some books to read, shows to watch, and maybe a couple of puzzles to keep yourself busy. I returned to work 4.5 after surgery. You got this!

Stay ahead of the pain. I elected to have mine done as an outpatient procedure. Nurse came to my home the next day to assess. 30 lymph nodes were removed under left arm. Have a pillow for under seat belt for ride home. See PT after drains are removed. Do the exercises to help with range of motion. I had my spouse to help with drain management and showering. It would have been very hard without that help. That was 4 years ago. I was 61 when the whole fiasco started. I bounced back pretty well and you will, too. Hang in there.

I had very little pain. Only used tylenol. I only had 2 nodes removed. Went home same day. Drains were the most annoying part.

I agree with Mary. I had three surgeries in 13 days. 1) bilateral mastectomy 2) reexcision of positive margin at day 12 - clear margins obtained 3) hematoma the day after operation #2. Back to the OR to opened left side back up, irrigated and repaired the bleeder. All in all, I did well. I suggest an antiemetic if you get queezy from anesthesia (I did). Very little pain. Drains were a nuisance. I was back to work in 6 weeks.

I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy on 4/1.I think my surgeon said it’s being done as an outpatient procedure. I live alone. Is it really going to be difficult with the drains?

I think it’s doable but having someone help with meals, drain care,etc was helpful. Any co-workers, neighbors, church friends that could help?

@karen you will want someone with you for at least a day or 2. It will be the simple things you will need help with. Food, restroom, comfort.

Make sure you see an oncology physical therapist, as soon as possible after surgery. I do not understand why a preoperative with PT is not done. Make sure you get some low carb/ low surgar protein drinks. It's so important to have enough protein to heal well. Lots of pillows, get a back pillow from Walmart. A really soft neck pillow, 5 below has really soft ones. Over the counter meds,Tylenol, ibuprofen, benadryl, topical arnicare gel can help with bruising, don't use on your incisions though, stool softners- docusate sodium. Topical lidocaine can help but don't use on incisions.

The drains would have been very hard for me to manage without help. That doesn’t mean they’ll be such a challenge for you, Karen. I was 61 and had a big chunk of my chest wall removed, 30 lymph nodes and both breasts. Stay ahead of the pain and have lots of pillows.

Wondering what made folks opt for double mastectomy? Surgeon recommending mastectomy for breast with cancer which is overwhelming as it is, but also discussing prophylactic mastectomy of other breast.

I had double mastectomy on Feb 7th first week I had no pain! Second and third weeks have been a little challenging! I did have expanders put in for future implants! I was given the option to just have a lumpectomy but because my cancer was not caught on a mammogram I decided to do both! Didn’t want to sweat it out every six months! Pathology came back and it’s a good thing I had both off! Surgeon said something showed up that would have likely been cancer down the road! I also had 2 lymph nodes removed and now have to go back for a full dissection!! There are good days and bad days!!! Good luck to all!!!🙏

Recovery experiences can vary quite a bit from person to person, but many community members find it helpful to hear about others' journeys and practical tips for healing. Wishing you a smooth procedure and hoping you'll find the support and insights you're looking for from others who have walked this path.