Newly Diagnosed WA

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