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Single Mastectomy: What will Recovery Time be like? How long?

Posted by DebCF @sparkyf, Oct 6, 2023

I will be having a single mastectomy in October. I plan on going flat. What will the recovery be like and how long does it take to feel good again?

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prc73 | @prc73 | Jun 18 12:56pm
In reply to @ccc1965 "Nothing about this journey is easy but the "unknown" is the worst in my opinion. I..." + (show)
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Nothing about this journey is easy but the "unknown" is the worst in my opinion. I had a port put in for the treatments. I have not had any problem with the port. I never experienced any pain with the treatments. I was given anti nausea medication. I only had a couple days of being a bit queasy, never threw up. My main side effects were trouble sleeping, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of hair (head/body) and chemo brain. I focused my diet on protein and hydration - found some great protein to mix with water. I currently eat about 1/3 of a meal. I had no negative effects on taste. I did have constipation and diarrhea but that was eased with over the counter prescriptions. My work outs went from rowing and weight lifting to walks and body weight exercises (squats, wall push ups, etc.) Mentally I took the attitude of "Why not me?", "It is was it is", "I have so much to be grateful for" and "This too shall pass". Don't get me wrong I had my pity parties but try to put a time limit on them. I wish you strength, peace and ease as you go through this journey.

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This is such a a beautiful testimony. Funny how I use the same sentence of " Why not me"?. You have given me excellent points and reminders. Especially that it too shall pass. Thank you so much for your responses. That's why I love this group

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karen72 | @karen72 | Sep 20 6:02pm
In reply to @ccc1965 "Hello, I am Corey - new here. Almost done with 20 rounds of chemo - June..." + (show)
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Hello, I am Corey - new here. Almost done with 20 rounds of chemo - June 27th the last day. I will be having a single right mastectomy with most if not all lymph nodes removed from armpit and clavical area. Will be doing expander in right breast for implant reconstruction next winter/spring. After mastectomy I have 5 days of radiation for 6 weeks. My question - I live alone but have a great support system - how long will I need a caretaker? Is it someone just popping in or round the clock? First 10 days are covered with 20 hour a day coverage, meal train set up, neighbors on call. Is that sufficient? Thank you for your opinions! Wishing you all the very best!! Corey

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I too am wondering about after care. I lost my husband 9 months ago, so I am alone. Do I need someone with me all day, or just stopping by? How long in the hospital, I believe I will have a singe mastectomy. A spot showed up on my 5 year scan, I had 26 lymph nodes removed and did radiation and chemo back then. Now it shows as angiosarcoma, seeing Dr in 2 days. Anxiety over the unknown. Thanks for any tips. I'm 72 years young

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ccc1965 | @ccc1965 | Sep 21 8:12am
In reply to @karen72 "I too am wondering about after care. I lost my husband 9 months ago, so I..." + (show)
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I too am wondering about after care. I lost my husband 9 months ago, so I am alone. Do I need someone with me all day, or just stopping by? How long in the hospital, I believe I will have a singe mastectomy. A spot showed up on my 5 year scan, I had 26 lymph nodes removed and did radiation and chemo back then. Now it shows as angiosarcoma, seeing Dr in 2 days. Anxiety over the unknown. Thanks for any tips. I'm 72 years young

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Hi Karen,

I am divorced so also handled alone - with a great support team. I had 4 care takers to cover 2 weeks. I would say 12-24 hour live-in care. If I needed to use the bathroom I pushed a counter chair (with felt on the legs) to assist with balance (engineer son's idea and worked great). I was also very fortunate that my neighbors formed a meal train for 3 weeks (I just put out a cooler so the food could be dropped off). I purchased disposable products (plates, silverware, bowls, etc.) I also put everything at counter level so I wouldn't have to reach for anything. Yes my kitchen was a bit of a mess but everything was within reach. I also loaded up a table by my recovery chair with my drugs, water, snacks, phone, remote etc. I did not buy any special pillows for sleeping just pulled some off my bed to make my chair comfortable for sleeping (lounge chair). I slept in the chair for a little over a week. I was only in the hospital overnight. I hope this helps! Wishing you an easy recovery!!

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dolphina3 | @dolphina3 | Sep 21 11:59am

I had single masectomy 2 lymph nodes removed and no overnite stay.
I propped up pillows on my bed and had my arm raised on pillow with masectomy side.
Wearing button down shirts helps or zippered shirts, some hoodies have inside pockets where u can put your drain.
Started arm shoulder excersizes they showed me after telling me when I could start them. That helps with keeping shoulder mobile and helps with scar tissue . Our clinic offered physical therapy after surgery, when healed and that helped alot.
I imagine for each person healing time might be a little different. No lifting for awhile or driving. Ask your nurses and surgeon for after care instructions, they are important and very helpful.
I didn't have any cooking help but my right arm was okay so managed okay. Made up meals ahead of time that I could heat up and sometimes family would bring over some food.
Hugs to you and healthy recovery.

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