Hi orchard girl, Read you are having a mastectomy Dec. 8th. I had both breasts removed in 2018; I was 73 yrs. Old. The drains were sort of hard to do by myself; I managed though. I then had chemotherapy 1x each week; after blood work came back cancer Dr. Switched me to Keytruda; a 30 min. Drip every 3 weeks. So far I am doing OK. I pray often; that gives me peace. I will pray for you as well that all goes good for your mastectomy. If any concerns or questions, please reply. At times when I read other's posts I do not understand the many "abbreviations" writing about someone's cancer treatments, what type breast cancer, etc. Prayers for you. bemar23

I understand your concern. I am 76, had a mastectomy in Nov. '21. I am waiting for reconstruction. One week following surgery, I had several weeks of the spacer being filled and then followed by radiation and more chemo.
The recovery from surgery was fine. The drain was initially tricky, but I was able to manage by myself. I understand that there are laniards that can support the drain while showering. I wasn't aware of that when I had my drain so I taped the drain to my waist.
I also had no difficulty eating, no dietary restrictions. So I ate healthily including extra protein and plenty of fresh veggies and fruit. I also slepted when I was tired and exercised when I could. I walked up to 4 miles a day before surgery and got back to that distance within 3 weeks. Good luck with your surgery and recovery. I really hate that people dismiss us because of our age.

I am 80 and had that done decades ago and survived just fine.

@orchardgirl, I had a left mastectomy in late 2020 at age 65, and I healed quite well. 😊

Unfortunately, due to the two surgeries on the same breast for a lumpectomy in 2004, there wasn’t enough skin left for reconstruction.

I had TRAM flap reconstruction on my right breast in 1996 after a mastectomy, and I didn’t feel like having it again (I couldn’t anyhow) so I’ve opted for a silicone prosthetic.

Now for the elephant in this conversation: My husband died over three years ago. At the time of my left mastectomy, I couldn’t imagine having another relationship, since my husband truly was the love of my life. Now, however, there are times I wish I still had that left breast, or some semblance of it.

Alas, it’s not to be. There are times I wish that I at least had the option of reconstruction , but I don’t.

I’m 72 and had unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction 9 months ago ( same day surgery). The healing went extremely well; used one narcotic med the night of surgery then onto acetaminophen then ibuprofen when needed… did not need any a few days post surgery. Advice: The drains can be challenging to deal with but don’t hurt. I purchased a drain belt ( used in shower and and a mastectomy pillow for car and sleeping) on Amazon and these really helped for positioning. There are YouTube videos on emptying drains which can help. Eat well, walk and rest. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when available. For a while, Any literal bump in the road when in a vehicle will hurt… make sure you cushion your chest.

Best 🌸