Could Someone Give me Advice on Post Mastectomy Recovery and Emotional Support?
Hello there,
I am reaching out to this community for some guidance and support as I am currently navigating a challenging time. I recently underwent a mastectomy; and while the physical recovery is progressing, I am struggling with the emotional aspects of the experience.
The surgery itself went smoothly; but now that I am home, I am finding it difficult to cope with the changes to my body. There are days when I feel strong and optimistic; but there are also moments when I feel overwhelmed; anxious; and even a bit lost. I know that these feelings are normal; but it would mean a lot to hear from others who have been through similar experiences.
How did you all cope with the emotional rollercoaster post-surgery? Did you find any particular strategies, support groups, or resources that helped you manage these feelings?
I am curious about your experiences with physical recovery. How long did it take before you started feeling like yourself again; and were there any specific exercises or activities that helped you regain strength and mobility?
I have been trying to stay positive and focus on healing; but I realize that it is okay to ask for help and share these feelings with those who truly understand.
Also, I have gone through this post; https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mastectomy/tips-for-hospital-aws-devops-and-recovery which definitely helped me out a lot.
Thank you in advance for your help and assistance.
Comments
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Hi, I'm sorry you had to go through this.
I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction in 2018, when I was 35 year old.
I didn't really have emotional problem after that, and I'm actually happy with it. So I have no suggestion on that, other than the fact that you will feel definitely better with time, and will get use to it. It is a big cange infact!
I'm glad that you are recovery well, it is very important.
I did have some minor problems, so I will share my experience.
I did exercise for my harms and cheast muscle, off course with a slow start and just after the surgeon gived me the ok.
But I did develope some scar tissue adherence, so I had to go to a phisiotherapist for extra exercise, and she made me do one exercize where I will stretching my arms up, against the wall, as I had to reach something up high. And she did some chest massage to slowly break the scar tissue away from my flash. So I fast recovery after that.
Also I developed sore back from the weigth change. I didn't expect that! But after couple months of back streinghtening exercises I started to feel better.
I hope it was helpful and i hope you will be able to cope with it well!
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Hi @padrickk, and welcome.
We're so sorry you're struggling with these post-mastectomy emotions, but you are NOT alone, as you can already see. You've been through a traumatic experiece, and it can take some time to process what you've been through and are going through. We've all got your back!
In addition to the helpful posts you're sure to receive here, you may want to consider joining our weekly In Treatment Zoom Meetups, where you can get support and share your experience with others who know what you're going through. We hope to see you there, and continue to see you in the forums as well.
Sending gentle hugs!
—The Mods
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I had a single mastectomy 1/31 and no reconstruction. I m still happy with my decision to not do reconstruction.
I struggled with the changes to my body off and on for 3months or so. It gradually got easier as time went on. There were days it didn’t bother me at all, and other days that it bothered me a lot. Getting my prosthesis and bras definitely helped. The woman who helped me with all of that was amazing. So caring and kind and really good at her job & helping me find the right bras and new swimsuit tops and just giving me helpful hints.
I think seeing my scar heal so quickly and looking good has helped me. Getting the right prosthesis that looks good under my clothing has helped, Getting some pretty bras has helped.
Initially it was so hard to look at it adjust to how my body looked, but over time it has become normal to me.
My physical recovery went far better and quicker than I thought it would. I did & still do the stretching exercises they gave me. That has made a huge difference for me in getting rid of the feeling of tightness on that side. I have also been doing some arm exercises with some lighter weights.
Give yourself time to adjust to the “new you” it takes time. If you are getting a prosthesis, go to a prosthetics place that specializes in breast prosthetics. They can explain all of your options and make recommendations and help you find the one or ones you are most comfortable with,
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I also had a hard time emotionally after my double mastectomy. Time definitely helped, both physically and emotionally. Did you get or are you going to get reconstruction? My reconstruction looked much better after a few months went by.
As for mobility, I had to get physical therapy. I think that's the norm.
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I had a single mastectomy three weeks ago. yesterday I went to see a very kind woman who provides post mastectomy garments, prosthetics, etc. She was highly recommended by the staff at my doctor's office. She selected an ABC lightweight triangle shape for me. Now looking at the ABC website I see they have custom ones that are made after measuring the chest. I don't know if this woman had the equipment to do that or if I need that. I'm not able to wear this latex one yet and she isn't billing my insurance until I tell her I'm wearing it. any advice? would you just trust her?
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I don’t understand the not billing insurance until you tell her you are wearing it. Maybe you can still return it and that’s why???
I have a custom made one. Under my clothing it looks exactly the same as my other breast. I could match my skin tone, nipple color, etc I have tried ones you can buy that are t custom made & they look good under my clothing too/ but aren’t a perfect match. The person who helped me showed me a couple types of the custom ones they do & explained the differences/ she also had me try the non-custom ones. When my custom one came in, if I wasn’t happy with it- it could be returned & remade.
i was also able to get a separate one to wear for swimming / that one feels like it has little beads in it & dries very quickly. Insurance paid for both of them.0 -
the reason she gave me the prosthesis to take home without billing the insurance is it's too soon for the doctor to approve it now and her "store" is pretty far from my home. so she wanted me to have it and then when it's time to wear it as far as the doctor is concerned, she will bill my insurance
I've texted her to ask about the custom measured one. there was a video on tic tok where the woman said she got both the non-custom triangle shaped latex and the custom one - both covered by insurance. so the woman who provides the stuff said she would check with my insurance. good to know that if the custom one doesn't fit it can be returned
thanks
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