Diagnosed at 37, bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction in 2020. Best decision for me and I still feel whole and feminine. We are so much more than breasts, ladies!

I had a single (right) mastectomy in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic after 2 tumours were found during a routine screening. I was 55. I am now 3 years clear, praise God!! Before my surgery a breast care nurse came around to see me and I was given circular doughnut shaped pillow from the Zonta International Organisation (building a better world for women and girls) which you tuck under your arm and it then protects your side as you heal. It was a godsend and I used it in hospital where I stayed for 3 days after my surgery, going home in the car to protect me from the seatbelt, lying on to sleep on that side and to use as padding in a chair to support my arm away from my wound. Here are my other tips for post surgery. Keep your wound dry when dressings come off and take particular note of what doctors tell you re drains and about washing or getting your wound wet after surgery. Accept each and every bit of help that is offered to you. This includes being helped in and out of the shower or bath, cooking meals, doing laundry, anything you can think of. Don't lift anything too heavy or awkward. Do not drive until your doctor says it's ok. Do all the exercises given to you and as advised to get your range of movement back but don't try to overdo it or rush it. I could not lift my arm at all when I first came home but walked my fingers up the wall a little each day marking it with a pencil and gradually got my range of movement back. I also did all the wrist, arm and shoulder exercises too. I walked small steps up and down the hall every day to aid circulation and then progressed a little further every day to keep things moving, this is vital to prevent blood clots or thrombosis in your legs. Think positive thoughts; that they've found the cancer, that you're getting surgery, that you're going to be well again, that you are strong and gorgeous. When your wound is nicely healing and you don't want it to dry out use a gentle lanolin to lightly moisturize your wound, a little each morning when you're getting dressed will just soothe your skin. But don't do this until the wound is well and truly scabbed over and most of the stitches have dissolved. Use a natural deodorant free of aluminium, particularly if you have had nodes out. Make sure you always tell your doctor you now have a restricted limb if you've had nodes out and don't get blood pressure or blood tests done on this side. Don't garden without gloves on. Get plenty of sleep and rest to aid your recovery. Eat well and good food. Protein, yoghurts, fruits and vegetables, avoid overly processed foods. That being said have a small treat once in a while, you deserve it! Love and light to all survivors everywhere.

I personally at 32, do not feel going flat is an option nor a desire of mine. I’m young, I have MANY years ahead of me. I want to feel sexy, I want to feel feminine and confident in my body and that may sound selfish or naive but it matters to me. Knowing I had to do fertility conservation therapy, finish chemo, (pending for June) give up an entire breast, radiation therapy, expanders, hormone therapy, ovarian suppression injection, and reconstruction surgery. I feel that’s more than earned me a second chance at life and to regain my life and make it better than before!!! Dr. Amy, Just so know, You’re a HUGE INSPIRATION to me because I was diagnosed with Stage3A ER/PR+/HER2-, IDC with lymph node involvement which obviously freaked me out and turned my world upside down but I am now MORE determined than ever to regain my life and to fulfill all my unfinished life goals! PS. I’m in med school! 😊Thank you for your videos!!!!!!!!

At 72 I chose a bilateral mastectomy, there was cancer in my one boob but I said bye to both. After surgery I could lift my arms to almost shoulder level, washing with a Dove Bar and dusting with Maizena kept me fresh and comfortable. I chose no reconstruction and knit my own boobs now. Thank You Dr Amy for your chats and tips, you are spot on.

Hi! Bilateral Mastectomy in September. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I had my drains in for 32 days. I say that because people usually say 2 weeks. I would have rather someone tell me that I could have them in for over a month, so I could mentally prepare for that possibility. I remember the disappointment every time I went to see my Plastic Surgeon and he would tell me they weren’t ready to come out yet. From what I got was that the liquid had to be less than 10ML for 2-3 days.

May 2023 I had a double mastectomy with a deep belly flap where my stomach fat was put in my for my new breast and the recovery was awful because it was my first surgery ever and I did not know what to expect and now I’m getting better slowly. Cancer sucks and it has nothing on my God Who I give all the glory and honor through this walk

I had a regular surgeon and my plastic surgeon at same time of my surgery so mastectomy/ nerve graphing and implant. One surgery!!! And a wounvac for first 2 weeks. I can barely see the incision located where an underwire would be. Drain removal was not too painful. Only the tape removal and the suture for a few seconds. You will be numb when they pull the drain out. Gosh I need to make my own video. This video is pretty good for the most part, but not the end all there is hope ladies. ❤

I had a bilateral mastectomy and diep flap reconstruction. The surgery was long and I was in the hospital for 6 days. I had the most amazing healthcare team. I couldn't have recovered without my wonderful husband. Three or four days of oxycodone and then Tylenol. I am happy with my choice.

My wife asked for flat, but her surgeon convinced her just before the surgery to have a Goldilocks reconstruction which has left her with substantially lowered breasts and worst of all surgeons are denying that they Lowered her breasts even though photos clearly prove otherwise. We are going to sue. She is crying constantly and cannot come to terms with what they did and with the subsequent gaslighting.

my mother has had an old-style silicon one for over 30 years. Never troubled her.

Yup my Dr is amazing and has gone over all of these options. ❤

Just had double mastectomy in Dec , my surgeon didn’t like narcotics so no pain meds other than Motrin , went home same day but I have a high tolerance for pain thank God so I was actually better than I thought I’d be.

The incision wasn't overly bloody, however I don't know how you can say it isn't gross. Sorry to say, but, it's a life altering, shocking, surgery going from your natural breasts to seeing your breasts completely gone, and seeing only skin mounds with incisions. It was horribly shocking. & I'm so glad that I had been warned for what I was going to see before I looked.

You need to discuss the different types of mastectomies. This changes this dramatically. Radical mastectomy, modified Mastectomy , mastectomy . Changes the appearance drastically.

I had a double mastectomy last august,best thing ever,I'm so happy and I feel so much better,no reconstruction stayed flat....love it,went home nxt day,no pain meds only took panadol.i was told I will be shocked when I first looked in the mirror,but I wasn't,I just accepted it because it's what I wanted.

My naturally flat sister planned a breast augmentation when she was around 30. Her friend warned her that the procedure could really be a pain, and afterwards, for years, the implants caused additional problems. She finally had to have them removed, bit by bit. Your doctors can give you much better explanations than I ever could.

No one ever mentions prosthetics! I never even knew that was an option. I was diagnosed May 2nd with breast cancer. I initially was only told about mastectomy with reconstruction which delayed my surgery for 6 weeks cause of the plastic surgeon. So after doing research found out about prosthetics which means no more surgeries for reconstruction or complications from reconstruction. Still waiting on surgery date of May 31st but feel so much better about my choices!

Hi everyone, I’m 35 and 3 weeks post op from bilateral mastectomy. I was really worried about not being able to sleep after surgery. Luckily I found sleep again pillow system that was designed by a survivor. It has a wedge for your back, another for for under your knees, 2 contour pillows for each side of your body to prevent rolling on your side, and a small pillow for your head. It did wonders for my sleep. After off opioids, thc/cbd mints by kiva w/2.5 mg thc and 2.5 mg cbd was the perfect dose for solid, long sleep without a high. I did have constipation from the pain meds, and the tea called smooth move by traditional medicinals plus tummy massage really helped. Search KZfaq for guided tummy massage videos. Also, you’re going to need a strong caretaker for the first 2 weeks after surgery as you will not be able to lower your back down to go to sleep on your own, nor will you be able to sit up from lying down on your own. Using your tummy muscles to help with this in the beginning will be too painful so plan to have someone with you to help you lay down and get up. Be sure to follow your movement restrictions so you don’t develop seroma after your drains are out. This could cause the need for an additional operation. Sending much love to all you survivors! You are STRONG, you are BEAUTIFUL.You got this!

I absolutely needed help sleeping! My Dr prescribed sleep meds which were very helpful! I I had a single mastectomy but found if I cocooned myself between pillows on each side I was much less likely to roll or move in my sleep

I had a double mastectomy in October of 2023. My first impulse was to have implants. But I had done research on AFC Aesthetic Flat Closure too and after scheduling surgery for implants I changed my mind and chose AFC. I do not regret it at all. I wear a bra and prosthetics when I feel like it. After surgery, which I describe as "brutal", I had a lot of pain, but it was an odd pain. I was so uncomfortable. However, Tylenol and occasionally ibuprofen took care of my pain enough I could avoid constipation. That and a THC gummy at night, I slept fairly well. (my doc said it was ok since it's legal where I live) And make sure to buy some ace bandages so you can change them when needed. After 3 weeks I was noticeably improved and by a month I felt 90% better. BTW having my drains taken out was easy. I felt a pinprick of pain only. But it would have helped me so much to have seen this video prior to surgery! My biggest complaint now concerns getting mastectomy bras. Shops do not allow you in the door without an appointment to measure you. You can look for videos about that and buy off the internet. And for you coffee lovers, keep everything you need on the counter. Don't open drawers to get a spoon etc or reach up for a coffee cup. Try instant coffee for the first few days if you're alone. Soon enough your house will return to its normal state.

Thank you for this. Cancer is tough.

Let us not ignore the recent studies showing that for some stages / types of cancer the 5 year survival rate of women who did not opt for a Mastectomy against those who did and that the 5 year survival rate for those who did not get a Mastectomy may actually a little higher.

Thank u so much. My surgeon didn't mention several things that u did.

Great video, I am a previvor with double risk reducing mastectomies aged 29. I asked for flat closure but was denied this and stuffed with hard uncomfortable lumps of silicone under my chest muscles. Luckily for me the allergan scare led to being able to get a no quibble removal of these. My closure is suboptimal due to the implants having been there but I couldn't be happier to be breast and implant free.

W😊W !! Amy tells it like it is. Strange I found this video 3 years after my surgery. Extremely helpful. Please recommend it to anyone in need of knowledge of B C. Number 12 is an excellent point. Massage and moisturize scars is a priority. On my surgeon yearly visits she is amazed how my skin is so smooth, soft and scar is barley visible . The Auqafor applied to the scar daily is worth it. Just do it !!

Thanks for sharing

2:46 it's not a misconception that women may feel self conscious about missing a body part. A few may be ok with "going flat" but surely most women prefer having boobs and prefer having two boobs rather than one.

So important, especially if no breast nurse. I had 2 deal alone & it's worrisome not knowing wats normal

Great video! I would add that I experienced very little pain after surgery.

I use 24 years painkillers but if you watch your dieet you do not have to have constipation.I have 10 days ago a masectomy and the next day I was without my drain in a train for 3 hours to go home and after that 1 hour in the car driving over a bumpy road.I feel good and happy I survive.

I use natural coconut oil/lavender deodorant so I didn’t have any issue with stinky armpits as my armpits were already free of the bacteria that usually cause odor.

Thank u so so so much for sharing excellent and very useful video 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽❤️♥️❤️🥰🥰🥰

I had a dead smell from my incision under my armpit after my 1st lump, due for another surgery and seen plastic surgeon yesterday.

I had a double mastectomy 2 years ago after a breast cancer diagnosis. The drains were the worst for me. I think that I slept the first two days I don't remember, but you are right about the drive home, and after I had reconstruction, I got implants and also used the fat from my belly and flanks. That surgery was the worst. I also got my tattoos this year and i look like I actually have nipples.

I had both breasts removed 6 years ago and decided to stay flat. Nobody talks about the "iron bra" feeling. I still feel that feeling across the front of my chest.

double mastectomy...SO COLD! had to figure out for myself...huge layers of skin/fat used to bunched into a garment that warmed my chest, heart....

I have been confirmed to have a cancer in my right breast and I am trying not to worry because my sister had breast cancer and she died:-( this doctor in this video speaks a lot of sense in a way that is easy to understan even when you have brain fog after diagnosis

I had three and three 3rd Dr did a HORRIBLE JOB! I need a plastic surgeon who knows what they're doing and is an expert in reconstruction ❤

I had a double mastectomy cancer rt side approximately 22 years ago age 51, with tram flap reconstruction. Now my radiated side is almost flat! And repair is very complicated. I was not told this! I’m too old to go through this. I made a fake boob out of a white sock stuffed with fiber fill. Looks better than several I ordered from EBay. 😢

I hardly used any pain killers. I think I may have taken 1oxy at night for the first 2 or 3 nights. I was lucky in that respect.

Im about to get my right breast removed. It was a no brainer, and I'm lucky I have one to give up. My rack is small anyway so im going flat because faster recovery. I have several breast forms ordered up and theyre on the way. The first and most expensive is Amoena Adapt air breast form. You can actually pump air in the form to match the other breast. You insert the form in you bra, pump air, and its not going anywhere! $300 shipped! Next, I think it's American Breast care, Active forms, workout, swim, fast drying. $48 each and I bought 2. I have a lot of swimwear, but if it didnt have at least a second layer of fabric that i could make a pocket from, out it went. Most of the underwires are out the door too, but im hanging on to any which have a liner. I dont know if i can ever wear an underwire again, but i will hang on to those a little while longer. Going flat and having a couple prosthesis to choose from means i can probably wear a string bikini top with large triangles for coverage. Some bandeau tops are flattering and im keeping those. Im a size 4, small chested, long waisted, long legs and a very nice butt! Frankly my tits werent anything to write home about so going topless wasnt an option. But my behind is spectacular, well developed glutes, you know. And, yes kids, I can rock a thong bikini at 67!!! Bragging rights! Im glad im getting help and i will be spending the winter recovering. I hope to be back on the boat or beach next June! I thank everybody uploading info. about products that make something like this bearable! Im just amazed at the vast breast cancer support network. Im strong after a long summer and I told the doctor to throw everything they've got at me while I'm strong. Thanks again, so grateful! Edit! Nope! The string tops are out too! So, im checking out the athletic longer line tops that dont plunge in front. I already have a bikini top, sort of scoop bandeau, with spaghetti straps. And pockets! I think that one will fly.

I am feeling pressure from my health team to get reconstruction. I think I would be ok with just a prosthetic.

I had a mastectomy in 2015 for cancer and then a second mastectomy in 2016. Didn’t do reconstructive surgery. I had no post op pain whatsoever, just numbness. I still have numbness across my chest area. I do get an occasional itch, but f I scratch the itch it’s numb so it’s a weird thing.

After a lumpectomy my surgeon did not put in drains at all. .I developed one nasty infection. Needing more surgery. Then I was left with scar capsule enclosed seroma s. That I still have. Which shows up suspicious on Pet scans. Not to mention I've been left lumpy & bumpy. Then he sliced through my nipple and put in stitches so tight it looks like an anus 😢. I was forced to see this crappy surgeon because my insurance refused to cover the one I:d chosen. To look like anything normal will take even more surgery. What I:ve been left with looks maimed and hideous. Ladies please, please, carefully check out the reputation of your surgeon. Ask to see patient pictures. Then thirdly. Call your insurance and make sure you have their approval with the Dr You chose. Good luck??

Can you use solcon strips if you're allergic to adhesive ?

Very helpful points! Thank you. Can you let me know how much time it takes to return to the gym after double mastectomy?

Is it possible to use medicinal cannabis for pain management instead of regular NSAIDS?

No one ever talks about the fact that seroma can and will sometimes develop and is a complete pain in the arse to have to deal with. No one talks about the fact that breast cancer patients who have gone through this major type of amputation is also able to receive at home transitional healthcare visits from a nurse.

Can i alternate between lotions and oils

Im going to have implants in June, I want them. I will have an immediate reconstruction, which is an option for me, so just 1 surgery.

I had a double mastectomy in 2022 and had implants in , l can’t find a bra that works for me “everyone cause’s pain” , so I don’t wear one just t-shirt . Anything around me is painful. I came across a lady that has the same problem. Any advice please

Cording!! They didn’t tell me about cording and I got one on my left breast! I was alarmed when I first felt it and had to research on my own until I found what it was!

3:48 Have you googled immediate post mastectomy photos? Not neat or in any way looking ok. Some are plainly horrific. In time some look ok for sure but as I am currently researching this as my wife is deciding what to do about surgery I find the whole thing terrifying

I had mastectomy and Lattimus Dorsi reconstruction 4 years ago

I am having my biopsy tomorrow, I’m pretty sure it’s cancer & im already planning on double mastectomy. I also already have 14 year old implants so I’m also planning an explant at the same time and going flat. I’m so worried I won’t be found attractive or find my person after this. I’m 44 and unfortunately haven’t found my person yet and worry a man won’t find me attractive

On 10 nov i will be going through mastectomy

Diep flap surgery is picky. You can never be a smoker, no csections or any kind of surgery. I went flat. It forever the changes the way I sleep. It took me 2 months to sleep on my side.

14:12 do you alternate both the scar cream / oil & the strips?

Drains hurt so much when removed!!!

I didn’t feel anything getting my drains removed last week

I had a mastectomy of my left breast August 13 2019 at the age of 49. I didn’t have any reconstruction surgery the only regret I have is not having double mastectomy.

Don't see surgeon for a year now. Didn't give me options for reconstruction yet.....😑

Is the first "t" silent in mastectomy? I keep hearing it pronounced both ways. Thanks.

I hate my body having a mastectomy my looks disgusting 😢and having over women saying they want to look sexy feminine and have implants some of us cancer patients can not have reconstruction so really don’t need to hear that at all … I feel bad enough !

There are drawbacks to having a mastectomy. I don't like this belly bloat. I have had a bloat before but after my surgery but now my belly looks worse then it did before. I remember doing the draintubes doing that. I am upset that I had Cancer again I made up my mind no more surgeries. I want this stomach to go down again. I had trouble sleeping like I would want this disgusting belly to be gone. Then I can't take pain killers because of my liver. I was glad to get the drains out. I miss my young girlish body with my slim waistline.

My grandma she is 78 just had masecromy last week and her breast and inner arm is swollen. Should she get it draiined by drawing the water out with syringe? And should she be given antiseptic soap or cream after surgery.? Pls help tks

😂 my first thought after her definition of deep flap is yes please take fat out of my abdomen lol

I see a ton of people able to get the double or bilateral mastectomy but everytime i bring it up to my Dr. She sounds like they won't do it. What if that's what i want? How do i get them to do both? Strangely it's a big cause of anxiety for me.

Will the the numbness go away? My arm pits and parts of my back are still numb after two weeks 😭

What about lymph nodes removed? That’s what my doctor was going to do after a mysecomy

I had bilateral mastectomies in 2014 with reconstruction. I was lucky I worked in PACU caring for all reconstructions. I had smooth implants, I am very happy. The most important thing is to develop a good relationship with your breast cancer team, esp plastic surgeon. I went from a G cup to a C cup and I am very happy. The worst part are those dam drains I had 3 of my 4 for 5 weeks. My plastic surgeon finally told me I want you to go home not do anything sit on your sofa for a week and read a book do not use your arms and that finally made it so I was able to get the drains out. I really believe it’s a mental healing and physical healing for me. It wasn’t losing my breast, so horrible I just wanted to cancer gone. I elected to have both off because I have a strong family history and I am very happy but my cousin chose to not have any reconstruction. You have plenty of choices, which is really nice, I always tell people do what you feel is right what is comfortable for you?

Are u a doctor?

The stinky armpits is ALWAYS mentioned

Ohhh your making me constipated

I was diagnosed at 58 stage 3 ...April 3 2021 April 28th Chemo ring bell Sept 1st, 2021 Bilateral breast surgery Oct 11, 2021...removed 27 lymphodes...Pathology report, Im Cancer Freee...started radiation.. February 10th---March 14th, 2022.

There is a “t” after “mas” in mastectomy. You mispronounce it every time. Are you sure you are an MD?

MasTectomy, not mastectomy. BUMP, not BOMP.

You could always get breast forms.

Erm mine was super gory and bloody. So yeah your not correct there sweetie

Why do so many pronounce MASTECTOMY incorrectly ie MASECTOMY, like vasectomy? Very helpful daily videos. Thank you 🤍

No one talks about the side boob!

Im trying to get information how im going to feel after a double mastectomy. This is a not a real emotional video. God help me watching this non emotional person.

The other option is not to have the surgery in the first place. Most old women die with breast cancer NOT because of it.

Who cares about your map and your roads. Tips that u could give would not to give them.

Your eyebrows are two different shapes 🤦🏻‍♀️ that’s all I could focus on