@smith777- my pain level was tolerable and significantly reduced after the first couple days. I don't think i took the pain meds prescribed. But moving and sleeping comfortably lasted longer and I made myself a mastectomy pillow- and life saver for sleeping and riding in the car. I was dx at 68 and chose to go flat. When shaping is needed I wear my protheses, during the hot summer I wear my 'knitted knockers'. After treatment was over I didn't want any surgeries- so no reconstruction. For me best decision, I only wish I had been more clear with my surgeon on what my definition of flat was. But then maybe he went as flat as he could given my body shape at the time.