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It has only been five days since my mother’s mastectomy operation, and so far she seems to be showing positive signs of recovery (she has decided against reconstruction). However she still has not been able to look at her mastectomy stitches, I don’t want to rush her to view this I understand how scary this may be. When should she start to explore her new body? I want her to be happy in her new skin, but it’s much too sensitive for her to look at right now. Any advice? Should she be alone to view this?
-Christina
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Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!You shouldn't try to rush her into looking at her scars. I know when i had my bilateral mastectomy, it took me a good two weeks before i could even try & look at them. I would say that she probably look at them herself, that way if you have any kind of reaction to them it won't keep her from looking. I also decided against reconstruction just because it seems like to much trouble to go through to get something that might have to be removed again if I have a recurrance. I wish you mom the best of luck in recovering & in treatment (if she's not done with it)
Many people who have had mastectomies for a very long time avoid mirrors.
They put on their mastectomy bras and don't think about it.
Or, they go flat and don't think about it.
I have been reconstructed, and it took a long long time (there were complications.)
I rarely look in the mirror unless it is to check and see if my scars are fading.
Tammy Lou
One of the issues at hand is that it is very personal and private.
She may not want you to see her cry. You are still her child. It may take time for her to get her bearings.I don't think there's any hurry. Many people who have had mastectomies for a very long time avoid mirrors. They put on their mastectomy bras and don't think about it. Or, they go flat and don't think about it. I have been reconstructed, and it took a long long time (there were complications.) I rarely look in the mirror unless it is to check and see if my scars are fading. Tammy Lou One of the issues at hand is that it is very personal and private. She may not want you to see her cry. You are still her child. It may take time for her to get her bearings.
As far as the scars go, let mom take her time. Don't pity her but don't dismiss her if she brings up the subject. I haven't had a mastectomy by I did have a breast reduction before and I also had difficulty looking at the scars. My sister saw them before I did. Eventually I was able to come to grips with the fact that I had been "altered". That's probably the worst of it, being altered.
Remind mom that she is beautiful, soon those scars wont have a hold on her.
I will remember you both in my prayers God Bless
Fe.Oh how wonderful it is to have someone like you to support your mother. You as a supporter have to be strong and I think that by reaching out on this web site you are pulling for strength just to have something for your mom to draw from. You are just what a survivor needs. As far as the scars go, let mom take her time. Don't pity her but don't dismiss her if she brings up the subject. I haven't had a mastectomy by I did have a breast reduction before and I also had difficulty looking at the scars. My sister saw them before I did. Eventually I was able to come to grips with the fact that I had been "altered". That's probably the worst of it, being altered. Remind mom that she is beautiful, soon those scars wont have a hold on her. I will remember you both in my prayers God Bless Fe.
Good Luck....I will keep her in my prayers.
It was very hard for me too at first. I had the visiting nurse with me when I looked for the first time only after three days. It will get better....she has to do it at her own pace. Is someone emptying her drain(s) and checking the incision? Five days is not very long....just be there to give her all the support she needs. It is up to her if she wants to be alone or have someone there with her when she is ready. Please have her visit this site for comfort and support. We are all here to help each other. Good Luck....I will keep her in my prayers.