Had Right breast mastectomy Sept 17
going through recovery. Having hard time sleeping. Right side hurts. Got drain tube taken out Wednesday. Have tissue expander. Going in next Friday to get saline put in. My arm feels like not recovering as quick as I wanted. Having hot flashes. Anyone going through this or has gone through this any advice
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How long ago was your surgery? Did you get lymph nodes taken out from under your arm? I’d had a single mastectomy a few years ago, and remember it took me about 3-4 weeks before I started feeling a little more comfortable. I’d had many lymph nodes removed under my arm, and that area took a couple MONTHS before the soreness went away. The expander felt really odd (like having a deflated rubber ball under my skin), so the whole experience was not comfortable, but it did get better over time.
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Hello Annie
Has surgery Sept 17th. Single mastectomy Right side. I had cancer in lymph nodes but went thru chemo. Dr decided to get lymph nodes tested during surgery. Came back negative. So I have incision by armpit. I go next week to get saline put in expander. I feel very uncomfortable. I do get hot flashes. Thank you for reaching out. I get emotional and sad. I’m very active person and here I can’t seem to do much yet.
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Had my single mastectomy Sept. 23 and had drainage out Wed as well. Are you doing arm exercises? if they did not give you some you can Google. Do you think you are getting lymph edema? There are massage therapists and physio who can work with that.
I am physically recovering ok I guess….still depressed and still cannot look at it. I am not sure I want reconstruction as I have read so many horror stories and I am 74. I always felt very young for my age but now I feel 102. I just don’t think I can endure more surgery. It might be quite a different decision if I were younger. This sure isn’t fun. Hope you are feeling better.0 -
I also had a unilateral left mastectomy on Sept. 17, 2026. I am 76 years old. Thankfully, my long scar has healed well, but the recovery has been difficult, especially the first 2-3 weeks with a very large dressing and a drain. The walker helped a lot, and I used the walker for about 6 weeks b/c I have balance issues. I opted not to have reconstruction b/c of the many horror stories. I have accepted that I have only one breast, but it is a challenge. I have a unilateral prosthesis now. I am full of dread b/c I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome which makes it very hard for me to tolerate meds, food, supplements, etc. The anastratole is starting to show in my achy hips and knees. I also have polyneuropathy, and the anastratole makes this issue almost unbearable. I, too, feel depressed and full of dread. I know it's important to try to be positive, but it's been hard to do so. I see my oncologist in 3 days. He wants me also on Prolia for my osteoporosis. I read that Prolia can worsen neuropathy, lower immune function, and cause weight gain. If I can't tolerate Prolia, I don't know what can be done b/c I cannote tolerate bisphosphonates. I am glad I found this group, and thank you for taking the time to read my tale. Emily
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oh Emmy I hear you. I am now just over 3 weeks postop. I have a couple of follow up appointments next week. I have days where I am not too bad and other days I am so depressed. I have to get fitted for a prosthesis. I went out once going to a family dinner and wore a recovery bra with pocket. I inserted the temporary form. Well it sat up and my remaining breast sagged. I was so stressed so put on lots of layers. Having this much stress getting dressed for a family dinner, I am not sure how I will go anywhere else. I know I should be grateful but I am overcome with grief. I do not know how I will tolerate endocrine therapy either and I too have osteoporosis. It sure sucks.
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Hi @danaya, we're just checking in on your recovery - how are things going a month out?
Sending hugs to all of you recovering from surgery, with lots of healing wishes!
—The Mods
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This month feeling little better. I did get reconstruction same time as mastectomy. Right now I’m going once a week to get saline put in the tissue expander. That causes discomfort n pressure. Over all I’m doing good. I just continue praying. One day at a time.
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Hi @danaya, we're super glad to hear you're feeling a little better! We hope the discomfort eases as you continue recovering. Sending you lots of healing wishes!
The Mods
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