Bilateral mastectomy 2/2/16 with placement of expanders at the same time. No significant c/o pain for me. More sore and tight than anything. The drains were uncomfortable, but I required no pain meds. Expanders uncomfortable as well. Difficulty sleeping at night. Propped up on bed wedge with pillows. All worth it, however!!!!!!! Blessed and thankful to be alive!!!!!!

I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction. Honestly, it was much easier that I expected - they gave me pain meds in the hospital, I was back home in 24hrs and needed nothing after that. I did my exercises as prescribed and pretty much had my arm mobility back in a couple of weeks - although I only had three nodes removed, so that probably helped. Drains were a nuisance, uncomfortable but not painful, and were out after about a week. Good luck with everything:)

A good friend said her mastectomy was a breeze. I found that hard to believe but my sister had one in August and said she agreed. No reconstruction for either of them. I chose lumpectomy so I can't offer you my experience. However, I figure if I need one down the road, I am going to hope that it's easy for me, too.

Recliner is awesome. If not, invest in a wedge pillow.
Drains: dig up your old fanny pack and pip 'em in there for safe keeping.
Positive thoughts coming your way!
((Hugs))

You will be fine,I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction,It was ok healing with the help of an RN,i just didn't like the drain tubes,An the pain hardly none in my chest area an, I had expanders put in to start the skin streathing after my surgery,If you have a recliner that is going to be your new bed for about a week or two