The drain is removed once the drainage has decreased. The surgery is tolerated well by most patients. There is not a great deal of pain involved. For some patients the emotional aspect of the diagnosis is much more difficult than the physical aspect of the surgery. In the days following surgery, it is important for you to realize your life can continue to be as rich and full as it was before your surgery.
Some patients feel their lives have actually improved after their diagnosis of cancer.
Although each woman recovers from a mastectomy or axillary dissection at her own rate, within two weeks after surgery you will be able to resume your normal activities. You may experience numbness or hypersensitivity under and down the arm associated with the mastectomy or axillary dissection site. With time it will slowly decrease, but it may take a long time for total feeling to return. Exercising immediately after a mastectomy or axillary dissection will help you ease the tension in your arm and shoulder and will hasten your recovery. It will also prevent the freezing of your shoulder, which can be very painful.