[Jackie07]

Tami,

There's really not much difference except that when you wake up you'll see a thin tape under the dressing covering the scar on your chest. I had a 'drain' bottle under each arm because I 'd chosen to have double mastectomy.

One inexperienced staff had attempted to put the blood pressure cuff on my 'bad' arm where many lymph nodes had been taken (2+9 = 11) It was late at night and I just yelled at her. Several hours later I mentioned it to another staff who seemed to know what she's doing when taking my blood pressure. She explained to me that from the dressing across my chest she could tell that I'd had double mastectomy.

I remember feeling like a 6-legged spider when I was discharged from the hospital - 2 (arms) + 2(legs) + 2(long tubes with a drain bottle on each side of my underarm

We were given clear written instruction on how to care for the drain tube. The bottle had to be emptied and the volume recorded (?) I think after several days (one week? two week?) after the fluid in the bottle reduced to a certain point, the bottle was removed during a return visit with the surgeon.

Because I had experienced lymphedema (swollen breast - quite painful) after my lympectomy, the recovery of mastectomy seemed to be more pleasant... (though much longer.)

Let's see - my 2nd Sister came from overseas to take care of me and ended up having a big fight with hubby. Hubby ended up staying most of the time at my In-law's place (Mother-in-law had had a 'scare' in the nursing home at the exact time when I was having surgery - so everyone's stressed out.)

I think the main thing is to make sure you have good nutrition during recovery and follow the instruction given by the discharge nurse. Keep yourself in good mood and stay active. Protect your arm from heat and injury...

Hard to believe it's been three years. My most recent memory about surgery is my hysterectomy in January...

Take care now and 'take it easy'. I'm sending good vibes...