[Audrey]

Hi Kevin and Sue,
Five years ago, I had a simple mastectomy with reconstruction and a breast reduction on the other side at the same time. This was my first surgery and I was surprised at how out of it and awful I felt after waking up. Once the effects of the anesthesia wore off, I felt much better. I didn't want to use the mastectomy arm, though, but the nurses made me start using it as soon as possible. I think after about 3 days I was feeling pretty good. The worst part was the drains, since I had them on both sides and my husband was so grossed out by emptying them and not particularly supportive. Regarding the expanders and filling with saline, I've heard people say this was uncomfortable, but I did not have a problem, just take it slow and don't have too much filled up at once. Best of luck to both of you. Kevin, if I may be so bold, be sure to tell Sue that you still think she's beautiful and the mastectomy doesn't matter or change the way you feel about her. I never heard these words from my husband and that was really the most painful part of the whole thing.