r/MastectomyManagement

Hey all,

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will have a double mastectomy in a couple of weeks.

While I know the surgeon or doctor needs to clear me before doing certain things, I'd like to hear from people who have been through this. My plan is to have an aesthetic flat closure, but I'm unsure about nipple grafting or going without.

How soon was it before you could:

- Wash your hair?

- Do desk/computer work?

- Lift 10-15lbs?

- Drive?

- Exercise? What type?

- Keep your hands elevated at shoulder height for a period of time?

Do you experience numbness across the chest wall? What does that feel like?

Thank you for any feedback. It's greatly appreciated!

Getting BRCA tested today…32F. Regardless of results, I already had intraductal papillomas removed. I get yearly mammograms. Been all clear so far!

Every time I have a pain in my breast, I spiral. I am so scared of breast cancer. I watched my grandmother go through treatment and go on to live ten more years. It wasn’t traumatizing to see her go through treatment. It was caught early, it seemed to be really annoying to go through all that treatment more than anything.

My breasts are fibrocycstic and every time I drink caffeine they cause so much pain. So I had to stop/ I want to drink coffee again like I did before puberty ended for me. Sorry for the complaints.

I don’t want to go through this anxiety forever. I don’t want yearly mammos and possible biopsy anxiety.
I would just rather get fake breasts. I don’t need them. They’re so annoying and I hate them.

I live in the US, but willing to go overseas if needed.

Ok, so I had a double mastectomy in 2020, reconstruction with tissue expanders, implants placed in March 2021

At the time my BMI was 16-17 so implants were the only option.

Now, 6 years later I'm healthier and my BMI is now 25

Met with the plastic surgeon yesterday to see about fat grafting and what other options I have now that I've got some meat on my bones.

He's talking about removing the implants and doing a DIEP flap reconstruction.

Have any of y'all done this? Had implants and then took them out?

It sounds like a massive surgery, and that's saying alot after having 2 c sections, a mastectomy, and a hysterectomy....it almost seems like all of them combined.

The thought of having MY OWN ACTUAL LIVING TISSUE on my chest again is kind of overwhelming!!

Is it worth it?

My sister is having a double mastectomy + reconstruction, and I am doing food prep for her. I bought some airtight tupperware, but it's extremely difficult for me to open and so the wrong option for her. Do y'all know of any glass food prep containers that would be easier for her to open?

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Hi, I have a job that I can work from home, but it's pretty demanding. How much time should I reasonably take off work? I'd ideally like to do double mastectomy and reconstruction, but don't need to do direct to implant, does that change how much time i would be off

I have a meeting with a plastic surgeon on Wednesday. Im due for a "skin sparing" mastectomy after chemo (Feb/Mar), so the nipple will also be removed on my right breast. At age 60, I'm not sure if I want DMX with implants, SMX with implant and reduction on the other side, or whether to consider the Goldilocks reconstruction. I don't know yet if I need radiation. Is there anyone here who's had the Goldilocks procedure and how do you feel about it now? What questions should I ask on Wednesday?

Hi! I had my double Mastectomy with e panders last Friday (October 2) and came home the next day. Everything is normal I think with pain, drains etc. But Ive had a small amount of blood, and this time blood and a spot of yellow stuff seeping out of my lower right incision and I to the guaze or bra (mostly about the level of the bra band). Its not near the drain site.

I did call the surgeons office today but could only leave a message and it says they will call back tomorrow. Im not SUPER worried but I am a little worried, as I dont want any infection.

Has anyone had this happen?