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arnlybub's avatar
arnlybub
Member
7 years ago

10 days to go til surgery

Hi there everyone.  Can anyone give me any tips on what I need to do/buy/stock up on before my surgery?  I know I have 10 days to go but will have a pretty hectic schedule until then so tomorrow is really the only chance I have to shop.  It's 5 years since my 88 year old mother had her lumpectomy for breast cancer and I've forgotten all the things we did for her before and after her operation.

I had my brother fit a hand held shower head thingy to my shower and I've stocked up on the heavier things I can think of eg washing powder, milk, cat litter.... but there's bound to be stuff that's slipped my mind (easy to do at the moment).

I've seen a lot of talk on here about laxatives - any recommendations?  I have IBS and have only ever needed medication to block me up not let it out  :o :o  Sorry, TMI?

What about pain killers?  I can usually only take paracetamol and have a bad reaction to anything with codeine or ibuprofin, my GP tried me on Tramadol but that gave me the same reaction as all the others which shits me no end.

I had my pre-admission clinic this week and was poked, prodded, lectured, measured etc and then met with the McGrath Nurse for an hour which was fantastic.

Also, any good comebacks for a work colleague who comes to me every Monday morning since my diagnosis with a 'sad' face and tells me about yet another friend, cousin or neighbour or someone that she used to know who now has breast cancer.   A comeback which will stop me wanting to smack her upside the head would be most helpful  >:)   

Thanks heaps

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  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    7 years ago
    For constipation you can’t go past Movicol - available at pharmacies and supermarkets.Is used in nursing homes for bedridden patients.I find very effective and gentle with no tearing/ haemorrhoids and have had lifetime of problems.
  • jennyss's avatar
    jennyss
    Member
    7 years ago
    I remember I had a big housework session and washed sheets and towels. Stocked up the cupboards and freezer. Have you got your driver organised to take you home? Depending on your surgery you may have a drain and may need to change bandage pads. Can you contact your breast care nurse anytime for advice on post surgery needs and tips? Best wishes from jennyss
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    7 years ago
    Make sure that everyone knows your reaction to the standard painkiller because tramadol and endone seem to be the go to.  Also, if you have nausea problems with anaesthetic make sure the anaesthetist knows.
    I took loose soft short sleeve pyjamas that buttoned through the front.  I didn't find that I was much at focussing on books so a couple of movies to watch on my laptop (with headphones).  For me, constipation was a HUGE issue post-surgery and the coloxyl didn't really do much so make sure you get on top of it before you leave hospital.  If you've got a fridge in your room, something nice to drink for when you're sick of lemon cordial, or nice teabags if you've got access to a kettle.  And make sure you pack some face wipes - my face felt perpetually greasy in hospital and there's only so many times you can wash it.
    Make sure that the breast care nurse goes through your exercises thoroughly before you leave.
    Trickiest thing to do at home is getting things on and off the clothesline.
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    You don't really need too much for a WLE.  The shower head is a good idea. I found it difficult to wash my hair the first couple of times. I had a sentinel node biopsy at the same time which definitely contributed to the discomfort.

    Get some advice from your doctors about the painkiller situation, maybe panadol osteo could be good as it's a bit stronger. I didn't need ultra strong meds so you could be OK with that.

    The most useful thing for me was an ice pack. Get a couple at the hospital. You need one in the freezer and one down your bra. If they offer you more than one at the hospital, accept it!

    Do you have the (so not attractive!) Berlei post-surgery bra? You get it for free, mine was given to me by my breastcare nurse before surgery. You'll need to wear that for comfort afterwards.

    I was given a leaflet at the hospital with exercises to do after surgery, and I was given a Zonta cushion (a small cushion that you can hang on your shoulder that you can tuck under your arm to keep your arm off your side) by a volunteer after surgery. They were both useful.

    Get some food pre-cooked and in the freezer so you can take it easy for a week or two.

    That's all I can think of at the moment. If something else occurs I'll let you know! All the very best with your surgery, K xox

    PS Hey did you ever get an answer to your chemo question?
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 years ago
    All the best for your surgery, @arnlybub

    Be prepared for possible Emotion as you leave your loved ones behind as you are admitted ....  I was FINE up til then!  Then I blubbed, big time! Earplugs and an eye mask helped me they the overnight stay. It is almost impossible to sleep in a hospital otherwise.

    Take whatever painkillers as you can and keep the level up for about a week (more if needed) so the pain doesn’t kick in and  make it difficult to sleep.

    I found that a small pillow under the affected arm at night helped relieve discomfort, specially once you can sleep on the ‘other side’.  It basically keeps the almost arm level with the body which prevents more pain/discomfort. 

    Your ability to reach or pick up heavy things will be limited for a while .... so precooking meals & freezing them would be a bonus.  A buddy actually arranged for a week of ‘Light & Easy’ meals delivered so she didn’t have to do ANY cooking as she lives on her own!!  Clever lady!

    i never had an issue with needing laxatives ... I think that is only if you are out on endone for any length of time.

    I am sure there will be more tips coming your way ....

    all the best xx