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Flattops has moved to:
GeoCities will be closing, so this move is necessary and it's important to update your bookmark(s) and link(s). All the same
content is on the new site.
(Listed in somewhat chronological order.)
Many (most?) people (family, friends, and doctors) will assume you're having reconstruction done as soon as they learn you're having mastectom(y/ies). Family and friends rarely know that reconstruction is a major decision and procedure, and therefore may not be understanding when (if) they hear your decision.
Your surgeon needs to be told and reminded that you're not having reconstruction.
Your hospital stay may be quite short; there is controversy surrounding this (at least in the U.S.). You can read more about it on the snopes.com website at http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/mastectomy.asp.
Surprisingly, the hospital fee is generally the highest surgery cost.
Your arms will have less range of motion and your muscles may be tender or sore. Ask your doctor, the nurses, etc. for rehabilitation exercises. Sadly, it is getting more difficult to get these, and everyone states "liability" as the reason.
Having your drains removed feels a bit like having a wiggly worm pulled from your side. It only takes a few seconds, so (for most ladies) any discomfort is short-lived.
People in the prosthesis business may make claims about their products that are not necessarily accurate.
According to a study, those who opt for mastectomies without recontructive surgery statistically report less negative impact on (er) "being romantic" than those who opt for reconstruction. (Please read the linked abstract for a more detailed account.)
Surgery will likely result in numbness (including on the chest, under the arms, and portions of the back), "tingles," and phantom limb/phantom limb pain. Most women report getting used to these odd sensations; they are the result of cut nerves and nerves healing improperly. Unfortunately, these sensations are generally lifelong.
Swelling may last for one or more years! It will likely take two or more years before your chest settles into a permanent appearance and scars begin to fade.
Your body weight will redistribute itself. While it's nothing to be worried about, don't be surprised if you notice a little more girth around a different area of your body.
Life goes on!
Contributed by: Annette BC, Carol, Melissa, and Vicki. Please help by adding on!
Nothing on this website should be construed as medical advice. Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions.
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