What to Expect When You're Expecting... Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery

So, you've had breast cancer surgery. Congratulations! You are now part of an elite group of survivors who have faced their fears head-on and come out the other side stronger and more badass than ever.

But what comes next?

Here's a handy guide to help you navigate the next few weeks and months as your body heals and you adjust to your new normal.

First things first, let's talk about your boobs. Or, more specifically, what's left of them. If you've had a mastectomy, you're probably wondering how in the world you're going to go through life without breasts. First of all, don't worry, you can totally still be sexy (trust me, I know from experience). There are plenty of lingerie options available that will make you feel feminine and beautiful, even if you don't have breasts. And speaking of breasts...if you've had a lumpectomy, chances are good that your breasts will be different than they were before surgery. They may be smaller, or one may be larger than the other. Again, don't worry, this is totally normal! Your breasts will still be beautiful, even if they're not exactly the same as they were before.

Now let's talk about recovery. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your recovery time may vary. If you had a mastectomy, you can expect to be in the hospital for 1-2 days. You'll likely have drains in place to help remove excess fluid from your incisions, and you'll need to take it easy for the first few weeks at home while your incisions heal. If you had a lumpectomy, your recovery time will be shorter; most women go home the same day as their surgery and are back to their regular activities within a week or two.

Of course, no matter what type of surgery you had, there are some things that are universal when it comes to healing from breast cancer surgery. First and foremost is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are plenty of groups out there full of women who have been through exactly what you're going through right now. ( Hint: You are in a community right now ) Lean on them for support; they know exactly what you're going through and can offer helpful advice based on their own experiences.

You'll also want to make sure to take things easy for a while; give yourself time to rest and recover both physically and emotionally. This is a lot to deal with, and it's okay to not be okay for a little while. Give yourself time to grieve the loss of your old body; it's perfectly normal to feel sad or scared or angry about the changes that have been forced upon you. But know that this is only temporary; eventually, you will adjust to your new normal and start living your best life again...breasts or no breasts!

Breast cancer surgery is a big deal; there's no denying that. But it doesn't have to be the end of the world. With a positive attitude and a little bit of preparation, you can get through anything life throws your way!