The process of recovering from mastectomy is different for everyone. One reason it’s so variable is that not all mastectomies are the same.
Double mastectomy is when both breasts are surgically removed, but there are several types of surgery:
- Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy. The breast tissue is removed, but the majority of the skin, and sometimes the nipple and areola are preserved.
- Simple (total) mastectomy. The breast, areola, nipple, and most of the overlying skin are removed. Sentinel lymph nodes may also be removed.
- Modified radical mastectomy. The breast, areola, nipple, and most of the overlying skin are removed. So is the lining over chest muscles and sometimes part of the muscle itself. Axillary lymph nodes under the arm are also removed.
- Radical mastectomy. Removal of the entire breast, areola, nipple, skin, chest muscles, and underarm lymph nodes. Doctors rarely perform this type today.
The surgery usually involves a short hospital stay and a follow-up in a week or two. You can also opt for immediate reconstructive surgery, delayed reconstruction, or no reconstruction at all.
These factors affect how long you may stay in the hospital, anywhere from one night to a whole week if you have a complex reconstruction. The various factors also impact when you can resume normal activities, which can be four to six weeks or more.
There’s also an emotional component to mastectomy that may affect your recovery and change over time.
Your doctor will explain the medical specifics. Here are some other things to consider in advance:
The drive home
Your surgeon will advise you not to drive, but they might not think to mention that the seatbelt’s shoulder harness can hurt your sore chest. Bring a small, soft pillow to place between your chest and the strap.
What you’ll wear
Inventory your wardrobe and go shopping, if necessary. When you leave the hospital, you’ll still have drainage tubes in your chest. They’ll remain in place for at least a week or two, maybe longer. Your chest and arms will be sore and stiff.
Buy loose-fitting tops that are easy to put on and take off. Choose soft, natural fabrics. Specialty stores carry camisoles and tops with pockets for the drainage bulbs. Or you can clip the bulb to your clothing. A large zip-up hoodie is a good option.
If you’re not having reconstruction and plan to wear prosthetics, hold off on buying mastectomy bras for now. Your size will change as your swelling goes down.
When you’re ready, your doctor will write a prescription for prosthetics and mastectomy bras, which may be covered by insurance.
What you’ll eat
You may not feel up to cooking, so do what you can in advance. Stock your kitchen and, if time permits, prepare a few meals for the freezer.
How you’ll nest
What helps you feel good? A thick novel, aromatherapy, your grandmother’s afghan? Make sure it’s within easy reach of your favorite comfy chair or sofa.
How you’ll enlist help
Your friends mean well when they say, “Let me know if I can do anything.” But don’t leave it to chance — get your calendar out and get commitments now. Consider babysitting, transportation, and meals.
Do you want to be left alone or do you thrive on friends dropping by? Will there be holidays or special events during your recovery? Now’s the time to lay it all out and let people know what you need.
What you’ll do if you need more help
Make a list of organizations you can contact if needed. Consider babysitting, housecleaning services, and transportation. The American Cancer Society provides a wealth of information on support programs and services in your area. A local support group may also be a good resource for information from others who have had similar experiences.
How you’ll manage your emotions
With or without reconstruction, having a double mastectomy can be an emotional experience. Know up front that whatever feelings you have are valid. You’re allowed to have positive and negative emotions and every type in between.
Don’t beat yourself up over any of them. They’re normal. Things won’t change overnight, so give yourself time to sort through it all.
After surgery, you’ll spend a few hours in the recovery room to monitor your vital signs. You’ll have a dressing and several drains coming out of your chest. You’ll have pain medication and your chest will be numb for a few hours.
You’ll be transferred to a hospital room for the night. As feeling returns, you might feel pain and strange sensations to your chest and underarms.
You’ll receive instructions on:
- managing the drains
- noticing signs of infection, such as blood or fluid collection or lymphedema
- showering
- removing bandages
- taking medications
- stretching exercises for arms and shoulders
- returning for a follow-up appointment
In your postsurgical haze, it might be difficult to keep track of discharge instructions. You’ll probably get written instructions, too, but it’s a good idea to have someone else there to listen.
The real process of recovery begins when you get home. It may go more smoothly if you keep these things in mind:
Nutritious food and exercise help recovery
Eat well, do the stretching exercises recommended by your doctor, and go for short walk if you can. It’s good for body and spirit.
The tubes are temporary
You’ll have to empty the drainage tubes and keep track of the amount of fluid you empty from them. If your arms are stiff, you might need assistance with this and you’ll probably need to sponge bathe for a while.
It may be tedious or uncomfortable, but keep reminding yourself that it’s temporary.
Your body will heal
You might be told to remove the surgical bandages at home instead of having your doctor do it. You might want to have someone on hand for support. Remember, you’ve just had surgery and the healing process has only just begun.
It’s OK to call your doctor
You’re expected to call if recovery isn’t going as anticipated. That’s how you’ll get the help you need.
Recovery isn’t a direct route
Some days will seem like two steps forward and one step back. It’s all part of the process.
If you’re not having reconstruction, you may be anxious to get your prosthetics, but it takes a few weeks before you’ll be able to get a good fitting.
Some potential physical side effects are:
- Fatigue. You’ll be tired for a couple of days and it might be hard to get comfortable in bed. Try arranging pillows around your torso or sleeping in a recliner. Get some rest during the day, too.
- Phantom feelings. Phantom breast pain isn’t uncommon. You may experience sensations in your chest and underarms, like itchiness, tingling, or pressure. Your chest may be numb or overly sensitive to touch. This is normal.
- Trouble with your arms. Mastectomy and lymph node removal affect your shoulders and arms. Stretching exercises and time should take care of pain and stiffness.
- Lymphedema. Lymph node removal increases the risk of arm swelling or infection. Try to avoid trauma or injury to your arms. Call your doctor right away if your arms are swelling.
Whatever your reasons for double mastectomy, you’re bound to go through emotional changes. It’s hard to predict how you’ll feel immediately following mastectomy or in the months ahead.
Some common emotions involve:
- sadness, sense of loss and mourning
- body image issues
- anxiety over intimacy
- fear of cancer and treatment
You’re entitled to your feelings. You hear a lot about positive attitude, but that doesn’t mean you have to put on a happy face when you’re not feeling it. It’s fine to acknowledge that you may be having a hard time.
During recovery, you may find it helpful to keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Acknowledge your emotions so you can work through them. Share your thoughts with someone you trust.
- If you need some alone time, say it and take it.
- When you’re longing for company, tell your friends.
- Get back to your favorite hobbies, books, or movies. Whatever made you feel good before surgery should make you feel good after.
- Check out support groups.
- Tell your doctor if you have intense feelings of depression that won’t go away.
Recovering from double mastectomy is unique to each person, so resist the urge to hold yourself up to someone else’s standards.
Nobody knows your life better than you do. Offer yourself the same compassion you would a dear friend.