[Jackie]

Kevin & Sue,

I too had a mastectomy and sentinel node done with reconstruction. My reconstruction was with an expander and implant later. I also had an implant put in on the other side for semetry. I was in the hospital one night. I had pain initially, but it didn't last. I went home with one drain (some have more drains). I took prescription pain meds for a day or two. I had more pain after the first fill of my expander. Make sure your plastic surgeon goes slowly with the fills. I teach school and I went back to work 5 days after surgery (drain was out by then). It was a low key day of playing in the park---I sat a whole lot and went home early. The implants require a lot less time of recovery. Hope everything goes well for Sue. You are in my prayers.