Off for surgery

Robyn450​    Welcome to the club that none of us ever expected to join!   :(   SO sorry to see you joining our select little group  …. but Whack up ANY questions that you may have, as we’ve all ‘been there, done that’ and all of us combined, should be able to give you some helpful answers. xx

Have you decided if you are having reconstruction or will you remain flat after your surgery?  If remaining flat, ask for an 'aesthetically pleasing' closure .... You might like to join the Reconstruction Private Group or the Flat Chat (no reconstruction) private group here:
Groups | BCNA Online Network

Everyone remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis:  “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing great sadness, distress and even anger.   This diagnosis really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body!  It can be highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the BCNA Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx.

Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to all your meetings from now on (for physical and mental support - and also a 2nd set of ears!) & also consider recording your appts too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx

Make sure you stay away from “Dr Google’ (difficult tho it is) - as a lot of info there is not only out of date - it probably also isn’t even relative to your own diagnosis.  Going down that rabbit-hole will also muck with your brain.

If you feel a bit stressed or 'down' ..... Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx  She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'!   She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts.
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - my essentials were the ear plugs and eye mask, as hospitals are very bright & noisy places, even at night!  Front opening PJs are essential (as well as the clothes you wear to the hospital & go home in) - as you won't be lifting your arms for a little while after the surgery.  
This info has been gleaned from many  members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best

I'm really sorry Robyn450​ , it's such a challenging period, I'm glad you have this forum for support 🙂.

I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction diep flap in March. Chemo was before that.

Things that helped me...

Take a light robe to hospital. No one told me that, but I'm glad I did otherwise more people than was necessary would have seen my bum...

3 MTR charging cable off Amazon for your phone. 

A cup with an inbuilt straw. Made it easier for me to drink post surgery. 

I took clothes and PJs to hospital but never made it out of the gown or robe. Slippers are helpful though for getting around.

Ear phones for music, laptop or tablet if that is your thing. For me it helped to have my own entertainment.

Notepad and pen... I needed to keep a list for dr questions.

Pillows in the car for going home to protect from seatbelt.

For my surgery I had the belly tissue for reconstruction so bending was a problem as I have an incision from hip to hip. I bought a grabber stick which was so helpful. 

The surgery now is amazing, the drs and nurses are next level so please know you are in such good hands x

Hi

I just had my left breast removed and replaced with direct-to-implant. Now 10days post surgery.
My surgeon had '"drain bags" which a former patient had made-it was a lovely gift and very handy as you will have drains- tubes with bottles hanging from them for 5days. I had 2 for one breast, so assuming you will have 4 given you are having a double.  These were cloth carry bags- about A5 notebook size. 

I was fortunate I had been doing strength training prior to all this (not because of cancer but because I had just hit perimenopause) and that helped me a lot as I was strong in my legs and able to move myself a bit. However, the first 24hrs is uncomfortable-keep on the pain meds. I tried to take a half dose 36hrs afterwards and was a mistake. Within 48hrs though I was off the strong opioids and just on panadol.
Definitely agree with the cup with a straw recommendation above-I wish I had this. 

I had a post surgery bra (unsure if you will need this) which they urged me to put on within 36hrs. Also went for button up shirts. You will want very loose relaxed clothing. 
I was able to shower myself after 48hrs but did need my husband to help for the first 48hrs. However, having one good arm may have helped that a lot. 

Otherwise, it's just rest, rest and more rest. I was discharged after 48hrs but had to stay in the cancer council accommodation for a week as we live in outback South Australia. 
I kept myself amused with puzzles but nothing was better than returning home. I do not do "rest" well, so have struggled just to rest. 

All the best, it's a huge journey mentally and physically.