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A double mastectomy is a major surgery that’s performed to prevent or treat breast cancer. Because the surgeon removes all of the breast tissue from both sides of your chest during the procedure, it involves a lot of preparation and recovery.
For that reason, it can be helpful to know what to expect before, during, and after a double mastectomy. Read on to learn what you should know so you can be well prepared.
Before Your MastectomyPreparing for a double mastectomy involves planning for your recovery as well as the actual procedure. By gathering supplies and arranging help ahead of time, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother recovery.
Because your range of motion may be limited after a bilateral mastectomy, you may not be able to cook. However, it’s still important to have healthy meals on hand. For that reason, many people set up meal delivery services or freeze meals ahead of time for easy preparation after surgery.
“I did a lot of cooking ahead of time and freezing them, so casseroles, soups, Sloppy Joes, etc., all come together quickly,” one MyBCTeam member said. “Burgers, meatballs, and more can be made ahead, frozen, and then cooked after thawing.”
It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to help with childcare and housework if you normally handle those responsibilities. Taking these tasks off your plate can allow you to relax and focus on healing after surgery.
It also helps to prepare your house for your recovery limitations. For example, you won’t be able to lift your arms over your head after surgery. That’s why it can help to move items you use often to lower shelves.
You may also want to create a recovery area in your house where your frequently used items are all conveniently located. For instance, you could set up a tray table next to your bed where your phone, tablet, TV remote, and water bottle are located.
You’ll also need to see your doctor for follow-up appointments after your surgery. In some cases, you won’t be able to drive to these visits. Find someone who can give you a ride to your appointments or set up a ride-share account so you can call a service to drive you.
Certain items can help your recovery go more smoothly. It’s a good idea to buy these ahead of time so you don’t have to search for them while you’re healing. This may include:
“I would recommend slip-on shoes and a shoehorn, button-down shirts made of soft material without seams for sleeping, and a shower pouch for holding drains,” a MyBCTeam member said.
If your surgeon doesn’t recommend showering right after surgery, you might also want to buy dry shampoo and natural body wipes. “The first couple of weeks with my drains still in place, I didn’t shower,” a member said. “I bought and used organic body wipes.”
Ask your breast surgeon if they have a checklist of items they recommend.
During the Mastectomy Your surgical team will walk you through the types of mastectomy and possible reconstruction options well before the procedure. If you’ve decided to go flat and not get breast reconstruction after your double mastectomy, the surgery should take four to six hours.
If your surgeon is performing breast reconstruction after your mastectomy, you may be in surgery for another three to eight hours. Double mastectomy reconstruction may involve using grafts from elsewhere in your body, inserting implants, or using tissue expanders. Your plastic surgeon will advise how long to expect to be in the operating room, depending on the reconstruction method they plan to use.
Everyone’s recovery is different and depends on their diagnosis and the procedure they had. However, there are some common experiences that many people share.
After performing the mastectomy, the surgeon will insert one or two surgical drains on each side where breast tissue was removed. These drains remove fluid that your body produces to fill the space where your breasts used to be.
A nurse will show you how to empty your drains so you can do it by yourself when you go home. Always remember to keep a diary where you write the daily amount of liquid you empty from each drain.
The drains will stay in place for about two or three weeks after surgery, depending on how quickly your body stops producing fluid. Most doctors remove the drains after two or more days when about 20 milliliters of fluid or less (about half an ounce) drains from your wounds.
Depending on the procedure performed, you may be able to leave the hospital the same day. But some people will have a hospital stay lasting a few nights. Your care team can tell you what to expect.
The doctor will tell you how to control your pain after surgery. Make sure to follow their instructions and take your pain medications as directed. They’ll also provide you with instructions on wound care, dressing changes, and any exercises you should perform.
Sometimes, your doctor will refer you to physical therapy to ensure you know how to safely move your arms after surgery. “Do the physical therapy — it really helps,” one MyBCTeam member said. “I did it twice a week for about eight weeks, and my arms are back to normal after a bilateral mastectomy. Before therapy, I couldn’t do a lot, but now I can do everything I could before.”
Your healthcare team will provide you with instructions on which activities to avoid after a double mastectomy. You’ll usually need to avoid:
You should still be able to shower, but it’s important to make sure your drains are secured. Some people place them in a belt or on a lanyard, while others set them on a shelf in the shower.
“The drains are a nuisance!” one MyBCTeam member said. “Make sure that you have them supported. Otherwise, there will be an uncomfortable ‘tug’ sensation to remind you! Once they are out, you are in for one of the best showers ever. It is wonderful to finally feel squeaky clean all over again!”
Double mastectomy recovery timelines differ for everyone. In most cases, your wounds will begin to heal in about four weeks. If you underwent breast reconstruction after your mastectomy, wound healing time may double.
Some people are able to go back to work within a few weeks after their double mastectomy. But that’s not the case for everyone. Ask your breast cancer treatment team for a personalized timeline on when you can expect to work again.
When To Call Your DoctorMake sure you go to all follow-up appointments after your double mastectomy. This can help you avoid complications like lymphedema (swelling in areas where lymph nodes were removed), necrosis (dead tissue), or surgical site infections.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms:
Gather Support Communicate openly with your loved ones as you adjust to the changes in your body. If you need more structured support, ask your oncologist for a referral to a counselor who’s worked with others who have breast cancer.
It’s also helpful to speak with others who have been through a double mastectomy. Support groups can provide you with encouragement and tips to get through your recovery.
“I did not realize how much stress I was carrying until the surgery was over,” one MyBCTeam member said. “Just knowing the worst of all the cancer was now out of my body and incapable of creating more harm was such a stress reliever.”
On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What helped you prepare for your double mastectomy surgery and recover from it? Let others know in the comments below.
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