What is recovery like after a double mastectomy with expanders?

The whole experience wasn’t as bad as I thought. It’s been a week and I’m doing fine. Can’t wait to get rid of the drips. They are the biggest challenge so far. I only had serious pain first day. I told them I wanted to stay one nite and they let me. After day two I started taking ibuprofen. Good luck.

Thank you Jackie, I will have to see what the post op pain is like. I know the plastic surgeon will be injecting something in the pectoral muscles for pain the first day. Good luck and a speedy recovery for you

I would not recommend implants.

I got a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction from my own abdominal fat. The first couple of weeks were rough to say the least, but my friend that also had a double mastectomy got implants and her recovery was absolutely horrible. Based on watching her suffer and the disappointing results afterwards, I would not recommend implants.

Robin what was her experience exactly from the implants.

You got this! I’m 2 weeks post bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders. Surgeon injected some type of long acting numbing medicine into the areas that helped. The pain is with the JP drains, and well managed with tylenol and motrin and gabapentin for a week. Will have DIEP reconstruction in 4-6 months. So far, the surgeons, visiting nurses and OT, and my adult kids have said they can’t even tell I had surgery because I’m up and walking around the house, just can’t lift my arms above my head. The best thing that helped was the Mastectomy pillow (Amazon) that you wear, I got the one with shoulder straps. It provided support when trying to stand up. And sleeping in a recliner because I’m a compulsive stomach sleeper.

It’s a personal choice. Whatever you decide it’s a journey! Being triple positive in left breast and had 3 tiny spots test positive for her2, it was recommended mastectomy. I chose double even with genetic showing no cancer genes. With an abdominal diep flap. I was able to have reconstructive surgery at the same time because lymph nodes were clear. I was very endowed. Size H. Now a small D with no nipples but very happy. It was a 9 hour surgery. I had 3 teams of surgeons. I surgeon and 2 plastics. Spent 2 days in intensive care one day on surgical floor and went home with 6 drains. Mastectomy pillow, and housecoat were great! Also a Mastectomy bra with drain holder rings and open front Velcro and straps were a life saver. I was up and sitting first day. Walking by day two. Day 4 at home was only on Tylenol. Had drains only 2 weeks. This was done in May. After surgery I woke up deaf in right ear. They say I am one for the books. We are investigating it, but looking like I will have to have an implant done there to hear. It’s a journey for sure! Get yourself friends and family on a schedule to come help the first two weeks. My daughter set up an online meal train for a month so I didn’t have to worry about meals. I had dinners delivered 3 times a week from family and friends. My son set up a cleaning service to clean my house once a month during recovery. All the love and support for me is humbling, but oh so grateful and needed emotionally. I am on many prayer lists, and I also pray for many others. I am in the beginning of this journey, it twists and turns and changes. I am on armidex, and have osteopenia. It helps to know others are on this scary shitty journey, but it’s the love and support that will pull you through. I have an abdominal repair in December, because my diep flap was so extremely extensive my ab wall needs repair. But I have no pain. Keep us posted and whatever you decide will be fine! Keep mental healthy and know you are not alone! Hugs

I had mastectomy on right and expander put in. They are quite uncomfortable and I can’t wait to have it out. Only Two more weeks. Been 5 months

Recovery experiences after this type of surgery can vary quite a bit from person to person, so connecting with others who have been through similar procedures can provide valuable insights and support. Many community members have shared their recovery journeys and tips for managing the healing process, so hopefully others will chime in with their experiences to help you prepare.