Post unilateral mastectomy - recovery
I’ve read through a lot of the recovery posts, but am wondering how long (roughly) does it take before lifting heavy and doing things like vacuuming are ok after a mastectomy without reconstruction.
I realise our healing is individual but would just like others timelines.
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Hi, it looks like no one responded to your post, which is unfortunate because I have the same question. What was your experience? I’m having a very hard time deciding what surgical choices to make, and so looking for info on experiences.
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Hi. It was a few weeks before I could lift anything. Unfortunately, I got sepsis the weekend I got out of hospital so ended up back in ICU. I didn’t want any further surgery after this so didn’t take reconstruction. Psychologically I’ve found it difficult to deal with but I’m getting there. Nobody talks about this aspect of it all.
It’s difficult to make choices but we have to do what we feel is best, whatever that is. I wish you luck and good healing.
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Hi I had bi-lateral so it may be a bit different. Left breast was required, but I chose to do both due to a number of factors.
I wasn't to lift my arms past elbow height for the first week. As for weight restrictions, I believe 5lbs at first, working up 15lbs later in recovery. Once I saw the surgeon at 8 weeks he cleared me to slowly return to regular activity but to listen to my body and not push myself. I was given directed exercises to do during the first 6 weeks. Do them, they help.
You will probably have to deal with surgical drains for the first while - I had 3. I can't remember how long I had the drains - probably about 2 weeks but felt like forever.
As foggydew said, no one prepares you for the the psychological impact. I think I ugly cried at each stage of the post surgical progression. Be gentle with yourself and know it's okay to grieve the loss how your body looked. I still have days.
Some tips: I bought a wedge shaped pillow which allowed me sleep inclined for the first while because I couldn't use my arms to push myself up with. - Things you use regularly, leave on the counter if you can kettle, cups, snacks so you don't have to reach. - For vacuuming I have an upright and would hold in place and walk myself forward and back rather than extending my arm. Honestly, let others help with the chores, you can slowly take them back as you feel up to it. - I invested in physio sessions with a therapist who specialized in post mastectomy recovery and I am now going for myofascial release treatments which I highly recommend.
I had a few minor complications but all in all the recovery really wasn't that bad for me.
I had no option for immediate reconstruction. It's now been over a year now and I plan to talk to a plastic surgeon but remain largely undecided.
Choose whatever feels right for you.
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