Can't be bothered with a new boob

Hello Summer,

I am glad to hear from you.  There are some lovely bras out there.  I found with having larger boobs and having a bi-lateral masectomy that the berlie bra tended to ride up and that is why I was happy to get the prosetics.  I can still use the berlie bra with them.  I had a  seroma after my surgery but it has settled down now.  I wish you well in your journey.  Lots of love, Ruth

Welcome to the No Reconstruction Group.  Lynelle's title on her blog attracted my attention or I would not have known about the group.

Goodness, you have had a long hard road.  I am so glad you received the Berlie Bra - it is such a fantastic gift at a time when we don't really want to spend time worrying about what to buy.

To have the gene and surgery then make the no reconstruction decision is an enormous undertaking.  Like you, I am in my early 60s so feel I would look silly with perky boobs and white hair !

I am finding out a lot about the available pocket bras and some of them are just so pretty - I am now looking forward to that side of it all and feeling 'sexy' again.

I am still quite swollen etc so I won't get fitted for a proper prosthetic for a while (it is almost 6 weeks since my three surgeries) as I am told my shape may change a bit and it may not fit as well in a few months.  I am not rushing as the Berlie one is doing it's job - and no-one can tell anyway.

Hoping your life is now well back on track and you have good health and much happiness.

Summer

Hi Summerhill38! Jess from BCNA here - just wanted to say hello/welcome to the online network. Thankyou for you for sharing with us in your comment and I’m so glad to hear that you got our My Care Kit with the Berlei Bra! ~ I hope the network gives you a place to connect with others and share your experiences and If you need a hand with anything just give me a shout : -)

Jess xox

Hi Robyn

Thanks for the tip re removal of the drain !

Yes, as per your advice, I walked the 'laps' whilst in hospital.  I began with a slow shaky 'potter 'to the lifts and back then on Wednesday I was up to five fast total laps (as far as the wards go) without stopping.  I got the heart rate up, that is for sure.

I saw one other patient up and about but he was doing a slow crawl.  As you say, unless the nurses encourage it most people sit around and enjoy being 'sick'.  I think the ages and training of the nursing staff these days means they are not as dedicated and common sense is not so common.

We have a glorious day here so that is aiding the recovery.

Do keep in touch and loet me know how you are travelling.

Summer

You sound as though you are doing really well.I didnt find it painful getting the drain out.The nurse said to me ,now take a deep breath... and as I did,she whipped it out! Kind of like ripping off a bandaid on a child.Over before you can blink !!!!!!You are right to be moving around,as it really assists in the recovery.When I was in hospital,I used to walk around the wards every day.I hardly saw any other patients doing this.I was talking to the nurse on duty one day,and she told me that most patients would be helping themselves if they just got up and walked,but a lot of them can't be bothered!!Keep on touch and keep up the good work :)Cheers Robyn

You sound as though you are doing really well.I didnt find it painful getting the drain out.The nurse said to me ,now take a deep breath... and as I did,she whipped it out! Kind of like ripping off a bandaid on a child.Over before you can blink !!!!!!You are right to be moving around,as it really assists in the recovery.When I was in hospital,I used to walk around the wards every day.I hardly saw any other patients doing this.I was talking to the nurse on duty one day,and she told me that most patients would be helping themselves if they just got up and walked,but a lot of them can't be bothered!!Keep on touch and keep up the good work :)Cheers Robyn

The District Nurse has been again today to check, record and replace my bag.  I am sooooo looking forward to having the drain removed on Tuesday (except for the pain I am told comes with the excitement).

The night before leaving hospital I was happy to see only 40 mls but then it went up to 190 and today 100 mls.  The nurse will re-dress it tomorrow as the bandages are quite sticky, therefore uncomfortable.

I guess with having had three surgeries in 4 days I am doing OK.  People are surprised I am up and about but I do think it is better to do things as per normal, within reason and pain boundaries.

I am doing my exercises as well as normal run of the mill things as best I can.  The cough from the third operation is a nuisance and I do get short of breath but I won't let it stop me !

Hope you are also doing OK.

Summer

Welcome home!Its always good to be in familiar surroundings isn't it?I am very sorry about your dog.You didn't need this at the moment.Just rest up,and I am sure that in a few days,you will begin to feel a whole lot better.Please stay in touch and let us know how you are going.Cheers Robyn

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.