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Bilateral Mastectomy without Reconstruction Recovery Timeline
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 27, 2023 | Replies (78)Comment receiving replies
I had a Radical Mastectory 65 years ago. The surgeon told me he left extra skin flap incase of excessive swelling. I don't remember any swelling but still have the pouch
in the rear of my armpit. I have complete use of that arm, although there has always been a tightness of the muscle across my chest. Right side simple mastectomy. At the time of surgery, there was just skin across the chest, and just looked like I had never had a breast. Unfortuately, I am a lot heavier today and I have a 1/2 pouch on my chest. Not a breast, just an annoyance. Too old to worry about it. Just glad to be alive. I am 92. I also have two new knees, two new hips, and a shoulder replacement. I had a TAVA (name of Aortic Valve Replacement), two years ago, so I think I have had my quota of surgeries for this century. It would have been lovely if replacement had been available, but unfortunately, it is not possible after a radical (not enough tissue and skin for replacement) and it is much easier to have both breasts gone, than to have just one. With just one breast removed, your bra is always being pulled to the side or up too high. Life is always changing, and you just have to be ready for the next one when it comes.
Gina5009
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@gina5009 thanks for sharing your amazing survival/success story. You are like the bionic woman now with all those replacement parts. So glad you're still with us and enjoying life. My great aunt had uterine cancer in her 30s, had controversial cobalt treatment at the time, and then went on to live a wonderful healthy life to 93. I'm glad they don't do radical mastectomies anymore. Sorry you lost use of your arm for a year. My cousin had a single mastectomy, and like you, had issues with symmetry after that. She told me she advises people either none or both. The lady that fitted me for prostheses said even with reconstruction symmetry is an issue with a single mastectomy.
My double mastectomy was 10 years ago and I lost a lot of range of motion (ROM). I've never been past 85% since, but it's good enough for daily living. Initially, my arms froze a little more each day until about five days after surgery I couldn't move my elbows away from my side. It scared me. It was challenging driving to my appointments or anything else. I've had 2-3 months of PT on three occasions over the years to regain ROM and reduce swelling and tightness (lymphedema). I still have pain issues, but I have a nerve disorder so that is no doubt the reason. Each body reacts so differently. Like you, I'm just happy to still be here. I'm already imagining what your 100th birthday celebration will be like! 🙂