Nice to meet you all!!! Thought I would take the time today to introduce myself rather than just read everyone's posts. My name is Cath and I have only recently been diagnosed. My mastectomy surgery has been set for the 15th June and I have been scouring posts since last week gaining invaluable information on every aspect I possibly can from what to take to hospital, i.e clothing, creams, through to effects of chemo (Jdakic you are a gem!!!). I have already bought my wig for when I lose my hair and have been making lists (for every possible contingency), exercising to increase my fitness levels and have just had a week off from work (which had been planned for a stay at home holiday since the beginning of the year) which I utilised to make appointments and clean, sit in the sun, read, colour in and basically get my head around things!! Perfect!!! I'm feeling pretty positive and am incredibly lucky to have a wonderfully supportive network which consists of family, friends and work friends. I am looking forward to my journey and becoming BC FREE!!!! I also look forward to reading many more posts and to being able to contribute. What a wonderful network to belong to!!!! Thanks so much :-)

Hi Socoda Welcome I had my Mastectomy in May last year and what a year it's been. A few things I'd suggest from My experience. Get a nice pair of pjs for hospital I used Sorbelene cream to moisturise my arm and chest , just cheap home brand is ok. I had a big pump bottle and a small tube for my handbag. If you can , go to the Look good feel great session as soon as you can it's invaluable Ask questions if you don't understand what people are talking about. And good luck

Hi Cath, Welcome to the best support on the web - there is a wealth of info here. Have you ordered your My Journey kit yet? It is invaluable on all aspects of this roller coaster. As you sound a well-organised person, my advice is to buy a large ring binder and plastic sleeves and keep copies of everything - appointments, medical accounts/receipts, chemo regimes, all pathology reports, etc. As things speed up treatment-wise it really helps to keep things sorted and under control. It isn't easy later as things can pile up. I am an 'oldie' now - which means 4 years post surgery and doing well - so anything you would like to know will try to help with, as will all the wonderful women on this site. Take this time to prepare. Life is about to get very busy! Best wishes and a big hug. xxx Michelle

Hi I suggest a nice pair of pjs and a shawl so you can hide your drain bottle bag and you don’t feel so obvious when visitors come. Wishing you well with surgery . Take care from Christine xx

Hi, Socoda, i suggest that you beg, borrow steal or make yourself a soft cotton bag similar to the one in the photograph. I included DVD to give you a size reference. I was given this by my breastcare nurse here in Melbourne. You use it to hold your drain bag. I left my bag in it all of the time, even under the sheets. When going to the loo or going for a walk around the hospital corridors, all you have to do is sling it over your should, and tuck excess tubing into it. The strap is adjustable, tying on at one end. I HIGHLY recommend taking one of these in with you!

Hi Brissiegal, Appreciate the tips re pj's and sorbolene cream and bra and have noted them on my ever growing list ;-). Will definitely book in for the Look Good session and it's great to hear that it is worthwhile going to it. I hope that you are doing fantastically well for your one year anniversary. Thanks again and nice to meet you.

Well Hello!!!! | BCNA Online Network

28 Replies

socoda
Member
10 years ago
Hi Bev,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! I can see we are going to go step for step with each other as my birthday is also within one week of my surgery and I was saying to my family that I couldn't ask for a better present than to be cancer free for my birthday!!!

I hope your birthday and your celebrations are sensational and that you are recuperating beautifully. Xx Cath
Bevkk
Member
10 years ago
Hi Cath,

it is amazing how quickly they send you home. I had two nights but dr said if I was public it would only be one night.

Definitely ask for Meds to go home with. Panadol just not enough. And don't hesitate to ask for something stronger in hospital as well. I asked for it as soon as I got a niggle of pain. My dr was worried about high heart beat but as soon as I had the pain relieve that went down.

I had all my family here today to celebrate my birthday and getting through the surgery.

Good luck for this week. Bev xx
socoda
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Brenda,

Yes the countdown is certainly on. I hadn't even thought about take home meds so I sure will now ;-). I just can't get over how fast ladies are released from hospital after a mastectomy, mind you in some ways I think it's for the best. Have you had a chance to have a get away now that you've finished your chemo? I hope so. And I hope your doing brilliantly. Thanks for your kind thoughts. Take care Xx Cath
Brenda5
Member
10 years ago
Not long to go now. I had single mastectomy and I was only in overnight and back home the next day. A word of warning, make sure you get some take home meds. For me Panadol just didn't cut it. I had to have a second op 3 weeks later to get all my lymph nodes out and once again just an over night stay but by gee I went home that time with a script for some good pain meds. Good luck with your surgery.
socoda
Member
10 years ago
Hi Bevkk,

Yayyyyyyyyy for having had your surgery and being released already. I can't get over how fast the release from hospital is cause I certainly don't class a mastectomy as being a small operation! Well done on having the drain removed before you left hospital too!! I personally am not scared of the operation as my surgeon has been so informative, so just can't wait to get it over and done with. My workmates had a good luck luncheon for me on Friday and then told me they had organised for me to leave work early as well so I'm very lucky to work with such a fantastic group of people.

How lovely to have your new Pj's to wear at home - makes going home even more special and particularly with this cooler weather too! I hope that you are comfortable, cosy and recovering wonderfully from your surgery. All the best. Xx Cath
Bevkk
Member
10 years ago
Hi Socoda,

you have a great positive attitude. I had my left mastectomy last Wednesday the 8/6/2016. I was allowed home yesterday. I bought some lovely new pairs of button front Pjs but in the end didn't use them in hospital. I found it easier to just wear the unflattering hospital gown. Especially with drains,nurses etc checking wounds. It is nice to be in new pjs now that I'm home though. I am one of the lucky ones and had my drain removed before I left hospital. The breast care nurse was lovely and also gave me a bag for the drain. I will donate it back as I won't use it.

Fear of the unknown was my biggest worry. Now I'm through the operation I realise it wasn't as bad as I feared.

Hope your upcoming operation goes well and you gave a speedy recovery.
socoda
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Kester,

I'm hoping you're doing incredibly well!

And I already have the plans for making a huuuuuugggggeeee batch of chicken & veggie soup. Might have to have a full day of cooking various meals on Monday as I have my mum, my older sister and niece here for my surgery and I'm sure we can have a wonderful day filled with laughter, fun and cooking together so some fantastic meals to look forward to as well!!!

Thanks for the lovely message. Xx Cath
Kester
Member
10 years ago
Hi socoda, don't think I can add much more tothe wonderful adviceyou have been given. The drain bag is invaluable. I slept with mine on. Makes it so much easier not having to worry about them slipping around. I filled my freezer before I had surgery and thar has made things so much easier. Nicer than takeaways too. All the best and stay positive, hugs, Kester
Anonymous
10 years ago
Thanks Honey xx??????
socoda
Member
10 years ago
Tracey B just realised I didn't send a cuddle back - so sending one to you too!!!