Hi, I have just been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I have decided to have a double mastectomy. I live in a regional town in WA so I will be flying to Perth for the surgery. Any advice for preparation for surgery. Will I need propping pillows to sleep post surgery. I am staying in Perth post op for 14 days to allow for the nurse care of drains. Has anyone else done this in Perth?
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
