Saving...

What is the recovery like for a double mastectomy and reconstruction? What changes can I expect in my breasts after procedures are completely healed?

Cancel

I was just diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS). I have a strong family history of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. My doctor is recommending a bi-lateral mastectomy.

Cancel

Topics (Tags):

Surgery Recovery Double Mastectomy Mastectomy Breast Surgery Recovery

Topics:

Surgery Recovery X Double Mastectomy X Mastectomy X Breast Surgery Recovery X

Done

Diseases:

Breast Cancer

Diseases:

Breast Cancer

Done

1 Reply

Answer Summary

Cancel

Answers (8)

member2721 (Survivor (1 year)) - 12 / 29 / 2011

Recovery can be different for all of us depending upon which method the mastectomy is performed and what type of reconstruction (if any) you are having. I had tissue expanders put in place at the time of my bi-lateral mastectomy, so I found them to be a bit uncomfortable. It felt as if I was wearing a very tight bra. It was difficult to find a comfortable position the first night, but by night 3 I was sleeping for 7 hours. By the 4th day I was sitting up with no problems- my chest was a bit sore, but not painful. I was off all meds (including Tylenol) a week after the surgery. Within 2 weeks I was sleeping on both sides without a problem. The only thing I had a problem with was getting back to my daily routine. I could go to work, but I couldn’t exercise! I needed to wait 3 months before I could get back on my horse or play tennis. My assumption is that one could get back to a milder form of exercise in a shorter amount of time. Again, you did not mention the type of reconstruction you are going to have, so I will just mention my experience. I have implants since I was not a candidate for any other type of surgery. What I love about my breasts now is that I do not have to wear a bra anymore (except for exercising) and of course they are exactly the same size and perfectly even. Downside is that since they are ‘fuller’ than a regular breast, you have a bit of ‘side boob’, which I don’t really like. I had skin sparing and nipple sparing surgery and the incisions were made right under my breasts, so you can’t even tell that I had surgery.
A friend of mine had a bi-lateral mastectomy a little over a year ago because of family history and being BRCA positive. She did not have cancer; she did it as a prophylactic measure. Interestingly enough, her roommate in the hospital was there for the very same reason.
Making the decision is a difficult one. I had a small cancer in one breast and a tiny one in the other. I chose a bi-lateral mastectomy over 2 lumpectomies for 2 reasons. I did not want to have radiation on both sides of my chest and I did not want to worry about a recurrence. It’s a difficult choice, especially with LCIS.
As I was told upon diagnosis, take a little time, collect all the information you can so you can feel comfortable with the decision you make. I wish you all the best.

Recovery can be different for all of us depending upon which method the mastectomy is performed and what type of reconstruction (if any) you are having.  I had tissue expanders put in place at the time of my bi-lateral mastectomy, so I found them to be a bit uncomfortable.  It felt as if I was wearing a very tight bra.  It was difficult to find a comfortable position the first night, but by night 3 I was sleeping for 7 hours.  By the 4th day I was sitting up with no problems- my chest was a bit sore, but not painful.  I was off all meds (including Tylenol) a week after the surgery.   Within 2 weeks I was sleeping on both sides without a problem.   The only thing I had a problem with was getting back to my daily routine.  I could go to work, but I couldn’t exercise!  I needed to wait 3 months before I could get back on my horse or play tennis.  My assumption is that one could get back to a milder form of exercise in a shorter amount of time.   Again, you did not mention the type of reconstruction you are going to have, so I will just mention my experience.  I have implants since I was not a candidate for any other type of surgery.  What I love about my breasts now is that I do not have to wear a bra anymore (except for exercising) and of course they are exactly the same size and perfectly even.   Downside is that since they are ‘fuller’ than a regular breast, you have a bit of ‘side boob’, which I don’t really like.  I had skin sparing and nipple sparing surgery and the incisions were made right under my breasts, so you can’t even tell that I had surgery.  
A friend of mine had a bi-lateral mastectomy a little over a year ago because of family history and being BRCA positive.  She did not have cancer; she did it as a prophylactic measure.  Interestingly enough, her roommate in the hospital was there for the very same reason.
Making the decision is a difficult one.  I had a small cancer in one breast and a tiny one in the other.  I chose a bi-lateral mastectomy over 2 lumpectomies for 2 reasons. I did not want to have radiation on both sides of my chest and I did not want to worry about a recurrence.  It’s a difficult choice, especially with LCIS.  
As I was told upon diagnosis, take a little time, collect all the information you can so you can feel comfortable with the decision you make.  I wish you all the best.

Cancel

member3968 (Just Diagnosed) - 12 / 29 / 2011

Thank you so much for your response. I haven't decided yet if I am going to do it. I have looked at the various types of reconstruction and, since I have plenty of extra to spare in my tummy and thighs I probably won't opt for the implants. But this would be a difficult surgery and I'm not sure I can go through with it just yet. I had my first MRI and waiting for the results. I'll have a better idea of what to do then. Thank you again for your response and well wishes.

Cancel

1 Reply

A couple of thoughts from other members just to make sure you received them:

From @mustang: Try calling Y-Me.org 1-800-221-2141 and they can help you find someone to talk to who is a certified counselor/survivor who has had to make similar decision..completely anonymous and confidential and they answer their lines 24/7 no matter where you live.

From @DrAttai: I don't know of any sites specifically for LCIS, but just threw out the question on twitter, so we may get some more specific sites for you!

We also had a request from a physician on twitter about your BRCA status, which could be taken into consideration.

Cancel

murray
- 01/03/2012

member5598 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 12 / 30 / 2011

I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders inserted at the time of surgery. They did NOT stay in, they stretched the skin as much as they could (depending on how much of the skin the surgeon can save) and then inserted my implants, the biggest ones they could. I did not know if I was going to be smaller or larger. I came out a size larger which I was happy about. I think the only thing that bothers me the most is the coldness of the breast from the implants. I had to be careful on positions I slept in the beginning. I healed rather well and fast. When I lay flat they kind of sink in a little but I am used to that now. My incisions are straight across the breast, I do not have nipples and did not bother to have them constructed. I am happy with having everything done in one shot. I am going to go and have another plastic surgery done. Since all the swelling is gone I now have a "pocket" in my left side. I am going to have a larger implant inserted and nipples reconstructed now.
I wish you the very best on whatever you decide. The most important thing is stay positive. The attitude is what will see you through all of this. Prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

Hugs
Suzanne

I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders inserted at the time of surgery. They did NOT stay in, they stretched the skin as much as they could (depending on how much of the skin the surgeon can save) and then inserted my implants, the biggest ones they could. I did not know if I was going to be smaller or larger. I came out a size larger which I was happy about. I think the only thing that bothers me the most is the coldness of the breast from the implants. I had to be careful on positions I slept in the beginning. I healed rather well and fast. When I lay flat they kind of sink in a little but I am used to that now. My incisions are straight across the breast, I do not have nipples and did not bother to have them constructed. I am happy with having everything done in one shot. I am going to go and have another plastic surgery done. Since all the swelling is gone I now have a "pocket" in my left side. I am going to have a larger implant inserted and nipples reconstructed now. 
I wish you the very best on whatever you decide. The most important thing is stay positive. The attitude is what will see you through all of this. Prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

Hugs
Suzanne

Cancel

member2249 (Survivor (1 year)) - 12 / 30 / 2011

I opted for a bilateral mastectomy because I had a triple negative breast cancer that turned into 4 tumors in my left breast the sizxe of a golf ball in less than two months. For my own peace of mind, I thought it best to go with bilateral than just one side. Also, with reconstruction, it simplified things as they didn't have to match the breast to my other ones, they could in fact start from scratch.

I went with implants because the recovery time was shorter and also because de protocol I was on didn't allow more than 6 weeks between first round of chemo to surgery and another 6 weeks between surgery and radiotherapy co,bned with second tround of chemo. I had a skin sparing mastectomy, although my nipple of my left side had to be taken out. The surgeon did a wonderful job and at the time of mastectomy inserted the implants without going through the expander phase. I wasn't able to increase my chest size (which I would have liked sinfe I have small breasts) but I was happy with the results. The first week was uncomfortable for me, I could only sleep half seated and on my back. After that I could sleep on my sides as well. My arms had restricted functions for about two weeks.

In my third week, I was perfectly capable of doing almost everything. I even was off painkillers completely. ( I only had Demerol for a week, then Tylenol Extra strength every 6 hours). Week 4, I was able to start running, biking and ellitical training again. By 6 weeks, I was completly functionnal, not real pain or movement restriction.

I just had my nipple recontructed this september. The results are incredible. It looks so much like my other one and coversa the mastectomy scar to the point you almost can't know I had any surgery at all.

I hope this helps and wish you luck!

Mary

I went with implants because the recovery time was shorter and also because de protocol I was on didn't allow more than 6 weeks between first round of chemo to surgery and another 6 weeks between surgery and radiotherapy co,bned with second tround of chemo.  I had a skin sparing mastectomy, although my nipple of my left side had to be taken out. The surgeon did a wonderful job and at the time of mastectomy inserted the implants without going through the expander phase. I wasn't able to increase my chest size (which I would have liked sinfe I have small breasts) but I was happy with the results. The first week was uncomfortable for me, I could only sleep half seated and on my back.  After that I could sleep on my sides as well.  My arms had restricted functions for about two weeks.

In my third week, I was perfectly capable of doing almost everything. I even was off painkillers completely. ( I only had Demerol for a week, then Tylenol Extra strength every 6 hours). Week 4, I was able to start running, biking and ellitical training again. By 6 weeks, I was completly functionnal, not real pain or movement restriction.

I just had my nipple recontructed this september. The results are incredible. It looks so much like my other one and coversa the mastectomy scar to the point you almost can't know I had any surgery at all.

I hope this helps and wish you luck!

Mary

Cancel

DrAttai (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified) ) - 01 / 02 / 2012

I agree with all the answers posted above! The reality is that each patient is different, the recovery time will vary tremendously depending on if reconstruction is performed or not, and if so, what type of reconstruction. General guidelines however are about 4-8 weeks to be back to full activity, again depending on what type of surgery is performed. Most patients are hospitalized for at least 24 hours, but again depending on the type of surgery and other factors (pain, nausea, etc), a 3-5 day hospital stay might be needed. On average drainage tubes are left in place for 7-10 days.

I would stress that many patients underestimate the time that will be needed for recovery - this is considered major surgery, and combined with the emotional stress of a new diagnosis of cancer, the best advice I can give is listen to your body and allow plenty of time for physical as well as emotional healing.

Cancel

1 Reply

member1665 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 01 / 03 / 2012

I also know that none of us would chose cancer. This...all of this.....is a big game of choosing the lesser of two evils. None of them is fully satisfactory. We would all like the real thing back and to never have had to walk this journey. 3 years later I am still trying to find that place of peace.

Breast implants are cold. My husband describes them as hard and shiny...thin skinned, and wondered if everyone else's feels that way. I don't let him touch it. It's off limits. I can't feel it and it bothers me that he might try to seek any level of pleasure through something that causes me so much emotional pain and I that I can't even feel anyway, so what is the point, exactly? To say breast cancer has changed my sex life is a gross understatement.

These emotional issues are ones nobody ever seems to talk about but I think the more we get them "out there" the more we can really help each other.

Cancel

1 Reply

member4057 (Survivor (1 year)) - 01 / 03 / 2012

The recovery is different for every person. For me the process has been a long haul. I had a bilateral mastectomy in June 2010 with immediate reconstruction. I had tissue expanders until Dec 2010 at which time I switched out to implants. Had nipple recon in the spring and only this past Oct finished up with tattooing. I blog about it all at www.nancyspoint.com I also have a strong family history and tested positive for brca2. So for me the process/recovery has taken a year and a half. Still not totally adjusted.

Cancel

member9744 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 01 / 04 / 2012

During a mastectomy, chest muscles are cut and possibly the muscle under your armpit is cut. Your chest muscles are responsible for supporting upper body movements and this muscle under your armpit is responsible for raising and lowering your arm.

After surgery, you may experience tightness in your chest and a tightness when you attempt to lift your arm. For me, this was the toughest part. I assumed that after my bi-lateral mastectomies, I would be uncomfortable for a week, then move on to chemo and radiation and be done. I did not consider that I wouldn't be able to lift a cup of coffee!! If you start stretching as soon as the doctor gives you permission to, you can and will regain range of motion and flexibility. Check out http://movingonfromcancer.com/ for a video of rehabilitative exercises after mastectomy/lumpectomy.

Cancel

1 Reply

Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.

Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.

Flag Content

Please expain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.

Cancel

Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.

Give a 'Thank you' to

Cancel

Add Answer

Question:

Optional: What context or background information is relevant to this request?

Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.

Submit

Thank you for sharing your question.

We will notify other members of your question. Responses will be sent to your email account as well as viewable at the following link:

We are finding other members now to join the chat.

Click here to start the chat.

Cancer questions and answers.

Personalized, helpful, and accurate health answers.

Join Via Facebook

Join Via Twitter

Question Statistics

Latest Activity: 01 / 24 / 2012
Views: 777
Followed By: 8 members