Double Mastectomy without reconstruction

trustgod101

Hi, I was diagnosed in July 2025 with TNBC. Stage 2a. I have gone through my 12 cycles of taxol/ carbo/ keytruda. My AC/ keytruda was stopped it landed me in hospital during Thanksgiving. I am scheduled to have a double mastectomy without reconstruction on 12/30/2025, I am a little nervous and trying not to be depressed. Any feedback anybody is appreciated.

moderators

Hi @trustgod101 , and welcome to BCO. We are really glad you found us, though we hate you have to be here for this.

Wishing you the very best tomorrow with your surgery. It is completely normal to feel nervous and low right now, especially after everything you have already been through. You might find it helpful to take a look at our Prepping for Surgery? Start Here discussion, which is full of helpful links and practical tips. You may also want to visit our Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy category, where members talk openly about choosing to go flat and what helped them physically and emotionally.

Please feel free to share more whenever you’re ready. We will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you strength.

Best,

The Mods

maggiehopley

I just saw this and I don't think you'll see my reply til after your surgery. I was also stage 2a and also did neoadjuvant chemo, but I was triple positive so it was a different regimen. I had a double mastectomy with flat closure, and it was not too bad. My surgeon did a nerve block that lasted three days after surgery, so I never needed the painkillers he prescribed, just Tylenol and ibuprofen. I went home the same day, very shortly after I came out of recovery. I would like to have stayed a few hours longer. I had four drains and wore them on a lanyard because that is how the hospital did it and I didn't see a reason to change. I slept on the couch until the drains came out because it was more comfortable to sleep propped up. I wore button up tops for ease of getting dressed and stripping the drains.

I had no problems recovering my range of motion and could put my arms over my head in about a week. The only thing I couldn't do is stretch up to reach something on a high shelf (I'm short) as that would result in a painful back spasm. It's still a bit of an issue to this day so I make sure I use a stool now.

I was able to shower by myself and I was actually a little bit grateful to be bald so I didn't have to ask my husband to wash my hair.

I had originally planned to wear prosthetics, but I never did. My chest was too sensitive at first, and then I decided it was too much trouble. I wear cotton camisoles under my shirts and have found tops that make it very hard to tell I am flat. People just don't pay as much attention to it as you think they do.

I hope your surgery goes well and that you are pleased with the outcome. Let me know if I can answer any more questions you have.

trustgod101

Thank you so much for your feedback is was really helpful.

moderators

@trustgod101 How did your surgery go and how are you feeling?

Thinking of you!

—The Mods

luvbluebirds

I had a left mastectomy 2007 and right mastectomy 2016--no reconstruction. When it is time to select breast forms, I started wearing Amoena with pockets and have used aqua breast forms for many years. They are designed for swimsuits. I use them all the time because they are soft and feel natural.