What medications used for post mastectomy recuperation at home?

I am a 70 yr old woman who has had surprisingly little pain following a recent bilateral mastectomy. On August 19,2026, I had a bilateral mastectomy that included the removal of three lymph nodes on the left side.
Pre-op: the night before surgery I took two 50 mg of Journavx and day-of had a pre-op nerve block.
Post-op: my pain-control regimen has included Journavx(suzetrigine)-50 mg every 12 hours; gabapentin-300 mg and methocarbamol-500 mg, both of these meds three times a day while awake; ibuprofen-600 mg every 6 hours alternating with acetaminophen-500 mg every 4 hours. These last two are as needed.
Journavx is a relatively new (2025) drug that seems to have worked remarkably well blocking pain signals; I have not felt the need to take any opioids! By the way, I also took 500 mg of cephalexin every 12 hours twice a day for 7 days and a mild laxative. Drinking lots of water and eating lots of protein and chocolate:) I also have been sleeping in a LazyBoy recliner.
Best of luck to you and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

Ditto on the Journavx — I took it following a follow up surgery on July 2 and it was great. Not an opioid so no worries about constipation or underlying fear about addiction. Easy to transition to alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen. My unsolicited advice is to take the good drugs a day longer than you think you need them. That’s advice I need — I want to go off them asap.

I hope you’re having a good recovery. Go slow and let your body heal. ❤️

I hope your surgery went well and your pain is under control. Make sure you milk the drains well and wear compression bra all the time. Once the drains are off, you will feel a lot better. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

@iamsandyc429, thinking of you as you recover from surgery. I hope you are doing well and pain is well controlled.

@alabarton, welcome. Your post is helpful and hopeful. Will you have additional treatment after surgery? How is recovery continuing for you? Are you starting to add arm movement yet?

Hi,
So sorry about any pain issues. I hope your recovery is going well and you are comfortable. I imagine the surgery is stressful.

Your openness about discussing pain concerns is so helpful for others who may be worried and concerned about pain.

I feel that the anesthesiologist assigned fur several non mastectomy surgery procedures and the pain team at the hospital were helpful with my pain following a non mastectomy surgery.

Have you thought of requesting a Pain specialist referral and appointment from your surgeon?

There may be possible interactions with your other drug regimens and I feel it is helpful it is very important to discuss the pain medication with your MDs.

RED DOOR ( on line registration and follow up call) offers FREE on line meditation, Reikki, and Support Groups that you may find helpful. Your hospital may offer a meditation and they should offer MSW, RN, Ph.D., and MD counseling (insurance covered) order to discuss and process any Pain issues, fears and concerns.

Best for your recuperation and comfortable recovery.

Susan