Bilateral Mastectomy Scars Healing Timeline

Thank you so much for your reply. Do you wear prosthesis and bras? How do you go swimming 🏊‍♀️? Im in such a quandary. Did you have to have chemo or radiation treatment as well? Or immunology treatment? Many thanks for your help

@sart I'm sorry this reply took so long. I am planning on wearing some sort of bra or prosthesis but have not gotten that far in my recovery yet. I am going to do Chemo because of the tumor grade which was aggressive. I will be doing 4 rounds of the TC regimen. I am very thankful that I do not need to do what they call The Red Devil it is much stronger. I will not need radiation according to my oncologist. I don't know anything about Immunology at this point. It has not been mentioned by the oncologist so I'm assuming I don't need it.

@sart
Hello, to start I was 66 when diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I carry the BRCA 2 gene so a double mastectomy was recommended. The surgery itself was tough and so are we!! Even at my age I was heartbroken to lose my breast as as time goes by you learn to accept the fact. I had reconstruction with implants no nipples. My surgeon recommended a company called Pink Perfect who makes realistic nipples and WOW did they bring my confidence back. Just a recommendation to add to your replies

@16bernie thank you. Yes im struggling with the idea of not having breasts too. I get the whole cancer process but reality sets in and I will no longer have breasts. Did you talk to ant counsellors ?

@sart
No, no professional counseling. I rely on the Great Physician, my God to guide me!

I am 6 weeks out from a dbl mastectomy, I felt so much better when the drains came out, when I could wear a cami, when I wasn’t as tearful and protective of my chest, able to shower normally….each step is a victory!!!! I don’t plan on wearing prosthetics, it’s a personal choice…everyone do “you”. Follow your body’s lead…and love on it!!!
I went to get my hair cut and heard myself saying “is everyone noticing”…people are “so into themselves..they aren’t paying attention”. Hugs to you!!!

@teresawhite
I felt the same way. My surgery was more than a year ago. It took me a long time to recover. Every time I got up from lying position, I felt like a heavy weight on my chest pulling it down. I think somebody described it as wearing iron bra. Shower caused my chest burning. I think probably because the skin was stretched too thin. Probably took me 6 months to recover and to feel normal. You’re right, follow your body’s lead. Everyone will recover in the end. Some recover faster. We just need to be patient. And yes, people are too into themselves to pay attention to you. Wish you all the best.

@myoga You words are encouraging!! Some days it’s like you have a glimpse of normalcy and other days…not so much..
I have “overdone it” and then paid for it the next day.
Taking it easy and not being so hard of yourself….hugs to you!!!

@teresawhite I know what your mean about doing too much. I am about 3 weeks out from surgery. Things are getting better and I tend to try to go back to my normal running errands half the day and then trying to pick up some and get dinner. My family especially my daughter has tried to get me to stop. I will do better the next few days. I had some doctor appointments as well as my sons that could not be missed. I have more tired the last couple of days I had my port placed on Monday. I start Chemo on Thursday so need to be rested more.