Mastectomy Next Week - I'm nervous

I asked the general surgeon that question Barb he wouldn't give me a definite answer. He said most likely 3-4 weeks. He mentioned feeling coming back as pins and needles first.

Rest easy my friends.

Edited by JulieKCA2013 - Jul 19 2013 at 5:30pm

Oh, and Barb....I wanted to add, that I've no problem with putting my arms together over my head or behind my head.  I have full range of movement and had full range in about 6 weeks after surgery.  I was trying to raise my arm above my shoulder after a few days and was showing off to  my surgeon and he had a fit.  My surgeon told me not to do anything....to just use my arm as normally as possible within reason and that it would come back.  He didn't want me to lift arm above my shoulders for first couple of weeks.....so I didn't try to do that any more.    My surgeon said that it is people who are scared to use their arm and try to protect it who have problems and have frozen shoulders to deal with.   My other doctors, would tell me to do the exercises.  So, I did a few exercises but within reason and I used my arm  and tried not to overdo.   

Hi,

Just wanted to share a thought that I heard/read from a physical therapist in relation to Kaye's
Surgeon's " that it is people who are scared to use their arm and try to protect it who have problems
and have frozen shoulders to deal with."
No question that one should use one's arm.
I liked the way Kaye said " did a few exercises but within reason and I used my arm and tried
not to overdo." Sometimes it can be a challenge to know what is within reason and what is overdo.
In which case, one may give consideration to a physical therapy consult....as long as it is with someone
who is skilled in post breast surgery physical therapy.

No question, exercises post surgery is one of those areas where one needs to discuss with and
follow the recommendations of one's providers for one's particular situation. Providers do seem
to have different recommendations.   At the same time I think it is helpful to read different member's experience
........then one can discuss any differing info with one's providers if needed.

First, most people do NOT get frozen shoulders.
(Following is the PT thought)
Some patients do their exercises faithfully.......and do not get a frozen shoulder.
Some patients do their exercises faithfully......and do get a frozen shoulder.
Some patients are told they have a "frozen shoulder".........and do have a frozen shoulder.
Some patients are told they have a "frozen shoulder"........and what they actually have is tightness/
       fibrosis on chest/in axilla from surgery/radiation that prevents full shoulder ROM.
With continued decreased shoulder ROM (range of motion) not responding to general exercises given,
      consider seeing a physical therapist who treats a lot of/specializes in post breast surgery physical
      therapy.
      Even though, one does not have lymphedema, one may look for a physical therapist who is
       knowledgeable about post breast surgery lymphedema therapy ( they tend to proficient in
       post breast surgery physical therapy as well.)

There is a thread on Physical Therapy and Breast Cancer:
http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/physical-therapy-and-breast-cancer_topic11279.html

I am not a physical therapist.......and tried to post only considerations for discussion with
one's physician if there are concerns in this area.    I posted for others who might still be having
decreased ROM several weeks after surgery/radiation.
Kaye and Barb.........it is great that you both have such good range of motion.


With caring and positive thoughts,
Grateful for today.............Judy


-----------------------------------------------

Barb,

You asked about how long the numbness post mastectomy can last.
As usual,   many different experiences........and for many different lengths of times........and
        different "sensations" felt.   
In my unilateral mastectomy/ALND experience, I had significant numbness, no pain. My numbness
     took a little   over 2 years to significantly decrease....it was a very, very gradual decrease.   
     At one year post surgery, the numbness had decreased somewhat.
     At a little over 2 years,   I still have some(mild) numbness upper arm and axilla (no longer have
     chest numbness.) I do not remember having any pins and needles feelings.

Barb, continued positive thoughts for your healing from surgery. Sounds like you are making
a remarkable good recovery.


With caring and good thoughts,
Grateful for today..............Judy

Edited by Grateful for today - Jul 21 2013 at 11:52pm

I wanted to share my good news. Just heard from the doctor. I'm stage 1 not stage 2.. there was only one tumor 2cm not the 3.3 like they thought and all nodes they removed were clear of cancer.



I'm so grateful for all of you. Dont know what I would do with out this site.

Feeling so blessed and grateful. Wishing everyone good news!

I am so happy for you, that is certainly great news. Glad you are feeling better!

Dawncoskren,
Also happy to hear your uplifting surprise downgrading your Stage from your pathology!
I got good news today as well after almost a month of waiting for results- I don't have the mutated BRCA gene...as I've seen written by Steve - one time that it's GOOD to be negative!
Tomorrow we meet the oncologist & next Tues. I have a 2nd opinion down at Jefferson University Hospital in Philly. Moving along!

Jude,

Postop caring and healing thoughts and wishes


Grateful for today...........Judy

Wow, great to read Jude's update from surgery since I'm on the schedule soon myself. I'm worried about how "flat on my back" I'll be...Jude, did you have any kind of immediate reconstruction also?
And best wishes for your path report!!!
Kim

Dawn, Awesome news.  Congratulations!!!  :)

I agree beth. I think the reconstruction hurts a bit more. No worries for the ladies doing it though maybe a little worse but not to badm I would say it took about a week for me to be where judy is so not to bad.
I also had a port put in at the same time. I think that is the most uncomfortable.

So glad to hear all the great news
Dawn