Can't be bothered with a new boob

Hi Robyn

Thank you once again for the great info.  I had not been told about the binder so it is good to be warned !  My surgeon told me that I will have dissolvable stitches, except for where the drain tube is held in place.

I will take your advice and walk, walk, walk and do the exercises - the breast care nurse gave me a brochure with them on.

Great advice re the coffee !!!  I am lucky to have an attentive husband who will assist in the house if I need it.  He cared for his Mum with Alzheimer's so he is quite domesticated !!!

I am told I will be given a 'Zonta' pillow when in hospital as there is a breast care nurse who will visit me.  I have a few older spare pillows at home as well as the sausage ones so can no doubt find a way to be comfy.  My main issue will be keeping warm as we rely on a wood fire.

Thank you for your support.  My nearest Breast Cancer Support Group is in a small town and I don't really feel like the whole town knowing my business.  Silly, isn't it ?  I am not a 'group' person so it is great to have access others like you via to this website.

I will no doubt be on again before the big day (Thursday) as I am beginning to get shaky about it.

Summer

When you wake up in hospital you will have a binder on.It is a tight ,wide band,held with Velcro,that goes right around your back and does up across your chest.I don't know how long other ladies kept theirs on,but my surgeon told me to wear mine continuously until I had my stitches out,which was almost 2 and a half weeks.You just wear your clothes over the top of the binder.So up to that point,you can't wear a bra of any description .In hospital,make sure you have front opening things,because at first it is too hard to lift your clothes over your head.Also,when you get home,put things at bench height,like coffee,tea etc.so you don't have to reach up.Also a plastic chair in the shower,I found was very helpful,because I was a bit unsteady and emotional at first!I still say,make sure you do your exercises that you get given,as it makes a world of difference.By the time I had my stitches out,I felt really good,and I had full range of movement in my arm.Also,at first you have to sleep on your back,as it is quite uncomfortable.I bought one of those boomerang shaped pillows,and lots of other small pillows to put under my arm to keep it comfy and still,when I slept.You might come home with a drain in.I haven't any advice for this,because I was fortunate to have mine taken out 24 hours after my operation.Try to walk as soon as you can ,after the surgery.I used to walk around the hospital wards,and the doctor told me it was the best thing that I could ever have done.Take care.xoxCheers Robyn.

Thanks, Robyn, for your most helpful comments.

So, my good old comfy PJs can be worn ?  I was of the impression that I'd need to wear the prosthesis (and bra).

Like you, I am happy to be bra-less but was told I must always wear a bra and prosthesis.  Guess I need to talk to more people then.

If anyone else has any info that will get me through the op this week then the after issues it would be appreciated.

Thanks heaps

Summer

I have a prosthesis which I don't like at all!Most days I don't wear it,instead I prefer to wear a firm fitting singlet top under my clothes.I have no problem laying in bed on either side,and I have no pain at all.It feels just like before,but minus a breast.The operation wasn't painful,and I only took Panadol.The most important thing I would say is to do the exercises and stretches that you get given,even if it is uncomfortable to begin with.If you don't do them,it is then I believe,that you will have trouble with movement,and consequently,pain.Also,I have never had a sore shoulder in bed.I try to wear loose fitting shirt tops,and it is hardly noticeable that I am minus a breast.However,I couldn't care at all if people do notice.I hope this helps.Let us know how you go.Cheers Robyn.

I have a prosthesis which I don't like at all!Most days I don't wear it,instead I prefer to wear a firm fitting singlet top under my clothes.I have no problem laying in bed on either side,and I have no pain at all.It feels just like before,but minus a breast.The operation wasn't painful,and I only took Panadol.The most important thing I would say is to do the exercises and stretches that you get given,even if it is uncomfortable to begin with.If you don't do them,it is then I believe,that you will have trouble with movement,and consequently,pain.Also,I have never had a sore shoulder in bed.I try to wear loose fitting shirt tops,and it is hardly noticeable that I am minus a breast.However,I couldn't care at all if people do notice.I hope this helps.Let us know how you go.Cheers Robyn.

Hi Robyn

Thank you for your comment.

I am 62 and live in rural Victoria.  Through Breastscreen I was diagnosed with DCIS in 63% of my right breast.  I undergo a mastectomy this coming week.

I was never the body beautiful so have (sort of) decided to go with prosthesis - the thought of further surgery does not appeal and, after all, with white hair I would look silly with 'perky' breasts.

I am trying to learn about breast forms - the good and the bad to help with the decision.  I hear the contact ones are good except if you perspire in hot weather (and it gets HOT here).

I also hear that you have to wear a bra and prosthesis in bed or the other breast aches and the shoulder gets sore.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Summer.

I didn't know there was a no reconstruction group!I am not in the secondary breast cancer category,but I am almost 60, and reconstruction for me is just not on my priority list.I definitely understand though that there are lots of ladies that love their new breast/breasts,and perhaps if I was younger ( if only! ) it would be an option for me also.I think that with age there are also lots of other health related issues that are not connected to BC,but could be impacted by reconstruction,because of the stress that it causes to the body.So it's definitely in the 'not for me' category.It will always be a hot topic though,and I think that's a good thing.Cheers xoxRobyn

I didn't know there was a no reconstruction group!I am not in the secondary breast cancer category,but I am almost 60, and reconstruction for me is just not on my priority list.I definitely understand though that there are lots of ladies that love their new breast/breasts,and perhaps if I was younger ( if only! ) it would be an option for me also.I think that with age there are also lots of other health related issues that are not connected to BC,but could be impacted by reconstruction,because of the stress that it causes to the body.So it's definitely in the 'not for me' category.It will always be a hot topic though,and I think that's a good thing.Cheers xoxRobyn