@melsev .. I agree with @ruralmum2 - see if you can get someone else to look after your furkids for a couple of weeks .... you don't want them jumping up on you (even when walking around) as they may knock you over.
I love your idea of the quiet space in your bedroom. Do you have anyone else in the house who will be able to look after the kids for the first few days (at least) to give you a bit more 'space' as well? You won't be able to pick up your dogs or kids for a good while ... and it is the 'subconscious' things that may well lead to a mistake (ie picking up the dogs or letting the kids climb up onto your lap.) Maybe the kids could help putting up some Xmas decorations with your buddy?
The support pillows will be your best friend! It is weird how the arms 'feel' after the surgery - and can be difficult to get into a comfy position, specially for sleeping! And you will NEED your sleep!
Also, see if your buddies can run the kids to school/sport/park etc, mow the lawn, walk the dogs ... do the shopping, do & hang out the washing, vacuuming ... it is amazing the number of things that need 'doing' that we just take for granted, until you're not able to physically do it yourself!
In the next week, see if you can cook up lots of meals & freeze them for 'easy' meals after you get home xx
I was lucky & went to my brother's place in Sydney after my surgery (I live up the coast) & was looked after by him & his wife - but I wasn't badly affected, as my surgery was a lumpectomy around the nipple, so not 'major' surgery. I stayed with them for a week until I saw the surgeon, then went home.
Just make haste slowly (and definitely DON'T do too much!) until after you see your surgeon (usually the next week - for both pathology results & checking that everything is going OK.)
take care & all the best for next week xx
