Bilateral mastectomy booked in for Friday
Okay so now Im scared. Dr's said I only need rads to lumpectomy spot but I decided to go for chop in both sides. Stage 2a ER pos and on Toxifin. Im doing this to try and give me better odds and peace ...
Forum Discussion
Your pain in hospital should be managed well. My biggest issue was nausea post op fir a couple of days.
Be prepared your arms are incredibly weak to start with. I had trouble opening doors initially and couldn't lift a water jug. So make sure you get your cups filled up.
Ensure all bed controls and buzzers are below head height as you can't raise your arms above shoulder height; you can't pull yourself up in bed or push yourself up the bed. It really does feel like a turtle on its back.
So flat bed and log rolling..legs over side and that will then help you up.
Drain bags are a godsend for mobility. You will most likely have 4 drains.
I wore cotton based bike pants and big stretchy tops and did away with undies...as basically dealing with weak arms and drains was enough drama.
I wore flat rubber based walk shoes that velcro closed (like cc resort brand) great grippers and if you need someone to help you dress initially they are easy to get on.
Constipation is a real issue due to painkillers...so get onto apperients early..like coloxyl with senna and lots of fluid.
I was told I'd be in one day...so ridiculous. I honestly think they forgot what surgery I was having. I went home day 4. I hurt my back getting out of bed and ended up with terrible spasms. So if you have issues like that...have some sort of back support ready. When I went back for changeover I had it...but didnt need it. The immobility in bed due to nausea and being on my back made it stiff and caused the issue.
Lots of pillows important. Flat ones , fat ones and zonta pillows. Getting sleep is important and getting comfy is challenging. So have these ready for home.
Recovery takes time. Have regular pain relief. Rest and don't be surprised if terribly uncomfortable for at least 6 weeks. I found hugging a flat pillow when in a chair helped. As well as changing bras...swapping between post op and aah bras which have differing supports and pressure. My surgeon expected me to wear a bra 24/7 for at least 3 weeks.
Do your post op exercises religiously to get strength back and in time frames recommended. I also found after fully healed I did walking in water and did my arm exercises in water which gave me strength back quickly. My physio said no weights until after 10 weeks.
Everyone feels nervous and second guesses decisions made. Remember you considered this carefully, you looked at options and consulted appropriately. I miss my breasts, always will. But regret my decision...nope. it was the right one for me. I'm sure you will feel the same.
Kath x
Be prepared your arms are incredibly weak to start with. I had trouble opening doors initially and couldn't lift a water jug. So make sure you get your cups filled up.
Ensure all bed controls and buzzers are below head height as you can't raise your arms above shoulder height; you can't pull yourself up in bed or push yourself up the bed. It really does feel like a turtle on its back.
So flat bed and log rolling..legs over side and that will then help you up.
Drain bags are a godsend for mobility. You will most likely have 4 drains.
I wore cotton based bike pants and big stretchy tops and did away with undies...as basically dealing with weak arms and drains was enough drama.
I wore flat rubber based walk shoes that velcro closed (like cc resort brand) great grippers and if you need someone to help you dress initially they are easy to get on.
Constipation is a real issue due to painkillers...so get onto apperients early..like coloxyl with senna and lots of fluid.
I was told I'd be in one day...so ridiculous. I honestly think they forgot what surgery I was having. I went home day 4. I hurt my back getting out of bed and ended up with terrible spasms. So if you have issues like that...have some sort of back support ready. When I went back for changeover I had it...but didnt need it. The immobility in bed due to nausea and being on my back made it stiff and caused the issue.
Lots of pillows important. Flat ones , fat ones and zonta pillows. Getting sleep is important and getting comfy is challenging. So have these ready for home.
Recovery takes time. Have regular pain relief. Rest and don't be surprised if terribly uncomfortable for at least 6 weeks. I found hugging a flat pillow when in a chair helped. As well as changing bras...swapping between post op and aah bras which have differing supports and pressure. My surgeon expected me to wear a bra 24/7 for at least 3 weeks.
Do your post op exercises religiously to get strength back and in time frames recommended. I also found after fully healed I did walking in water and did my arm exercises in water which gave me strength back quickly. My physio said no weights until after 10 weeks.
Everyone feels nervous and second guesses decisions made. Remember you considered this carefully, you looked at options and consulted appropriately. I miss my breasts, always will. But regret my decision...nope. it was the right one for me. I'm sure you will feel the same.
Kath x