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

I had a single Mastectomy in June. With the right medication, I felt good after a week.

Thank you.

I didn't have much pain from my double mastectomy, but my arms did freeze up so I needed physical therapy to regain my range of motion. Be sure to follow any instructions about post-op exercises to keep arms loose. Not everyone has an issue with that. I had an anesthesia pump in my chest for the first 3 days so I'm not sure if I would have had pain those three days. You might want to ask if that is part of the plan for you. Best of luck.

What is a anesthesia pump and why did you have that?

@clynnford
My breast surgeon put the anesthesia pump (aka pain pump or infusion pump) in as a surprise. They sometimes do that post-op for different surgeries to keep the area numbed up for about 3 days so you don't feel pain and don't need pain meds. It has been 10 years, but the way I remember it, it was a lot like the drain with an extra item hanging from me and a tube going in that was easily removed in 3 days. Now I want that with any surgery and will always ask if I can have it. My pump had bupivacaine in it. I read they can also use lidocaine in it. I don't know if I would have had pain without it, but I was happy I didn't have pain in my chest. 🙂

I had a double mastectomy in January. No reconstruction so recovery was very straightforward. They gave me a nerve block just prior to surgery and that lasted about 3 days. I only took Tylenol and advil at home after surgery for a few days. I was back to running after about 6 weeks. I hope your surgery goes well for you!

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/990783
There is a 2022 study that indicates the use of lidocaine for pain during surgery inhibits the growth of cancer cells. My surgeon in 2022 did not mention it so getting more info seems reasonable. My single mastectomy healed well but now the scar is kinda funny looking. Hope you do well.

@sparkyf, I think you might also appreciate these related discussions:
- What Are Your Best Tips for Before and After a Mastectomy?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-your-best-tips-for-before-and-after-a-mastectomy/

- Bilateral Mastectomy without Reconstruction Recovery Timeline
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bilateral-mastectomy-without-reconstruction-recovery-timeline/
- What to expect before during and after mastectomy
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect-before-during-and-after-mastectomy/

- Exercise and Physical Activity after Breast Cancer Surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exercise-and-physical-activity-after-breast-cancer-surgery/

Has your surgeon talked to you about exercise and movement post mastectomy?

I had surgery on Tuesday. I've been taking Tylenol for pain. Saturday I have tenderness and the stingers are gone when I move.

I had a single mastectomy with removal of 3 lymph nodes on September 26. After 2 and a half weeks, the pain was mostly gone. I only took Tylenol alternating with ibuprofen. I took Tramadol only the first two nights.
They had me do stretching exercises two days after surgery and that hurt, especially under my arm where the nodes ere removed. Once my drain was removed a week later, I had new stretching exercises twice a day. I also started back on my power walks for 30 minutes every day and am now back to my regular 45-minute walks. I sometimes forget I even had surgery and it’s been almost 4 weeks.
I had imagined I would have a lot more pain, but I don’t.
I pray you have a similar experience.