Newly Diagnosed WA

So sorry to see you joining our select little group vintagerose​   ....  I used a small pillow to support my arm following my lumpectomy & it really helped.   Have you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse yet?  Maybe mention it to her as well - some Cancer Centres give you the cushions.  Having both done at the same time, I am guessing you'll need them xx

Living in a regional town in WA - are you aware of the Patient Assistance Scheme that is available to you? (called PATS in WA) To assist with airfares/fuel and accommodation costs?  Check out this post for info .... 
Patients Assistance Travel Schemes - rebates & rules as at July 2025 | BCNA Online Network

We have a Private Group for those living Regional/Rural/Remote areas .... feel free to join as we share info that relates to us (I am in Regional/Rural NSW)!
Group: Connecting rural, regional & remote areas | BCNA Online Network

We also have a Private group for those having mastectomies - will you be having reconstruction or staying flat?  You can join both if you like and put any questions to them in total privacy.
Groups | BCNA Online Network

BCNA has put together some questions for those of us who live in rural/regional/remote areas to put to their medical team ... you can check them out here:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/articles/questions-to-ask-support-in-remote-or-rural-areas?

This diagnosis/surgery & ongoing treatment can really muck with your brain a bit, so if you feel sad, depressed or just need someone to talk to ... give our Helpline a buzz on 1800 500 258 for a confidential chat. xx

Also, consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - she is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat - and she was really surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, when she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it'!  She has done 2 'seasons' of podcasts & are well worth listening to ... check out the 1st season, from her BC diagnosis onwards and how she coped. 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 - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our 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 for your surgery and ongoing treatment xx

Hi vintagerose​ 

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but welcome to the forum.

I live in Perth and had a bilateral mastectomy, sentinal node biopsy and breast recon at SJOG in Subi in 2024.  I had 5 days in hospital and went home after my drains were removed. 

Sleeping on your back and having two drains does take getting used to, but the nurses were very friendly and helpful with tips/assitance and you can adust the bed to be as comfortable as possible.  

I took the following items to hospital:

• button up pyjamas and shirts (as you have limited arm movement)
• full body pillow (I sleep with this normally anyway!)
• surgical drain holder from Temu (otherwise BC nurse might supply) for showering and walking around hospital
• paper copy of physio exercises to get started with rehab (from surgeon)
• dressing gown (as air-con can be cold)
• ear plugs for sleeping
• slippers or slip on shoes

BCNA has a great list here: 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/articles/your-hospital-stay-for-breast-cancer-surgery

Once I got home after hospital, I slept in a recliner to help me stay slightly upright and on my back.  It also helps to get to a sitting position using minimal effort.

You won't be able to drive until you get the all clear from your surgeon, so I hope you have someone who can help you if needed. 

Definitely look into PATS as Arpie has suggested.  Also, you can contact Cancer Council WA about staying at Crawford or Milroy Lodges while in Perth as they cater for regional patients.

Feel free to ask any more questions and all the best with your surgery xx