About to have double mastectomy no reconstruction - any tips?

So sorry to see you here @SF73, joining the club no-one wants to join!  :(   Well done on finishing the chemo - I hope you didn't have bad side effects xx

Feel free to join the "Flat Chat'' group - which deals with all things 'no reconstruction' ... with pics & tips.   An 'aesthetic flat closure' can actually look really cool.  I caught up with a buddy on the weekend who had the double, flat - and she showed me hers & I showed her mine (lumpectomy) and I wish I'd asked if I could take a pic, as hers was SO tidy.  She requested of her surgeon for 'no tags or dags' (ie unsightly bits) and he delivered. 

Jump onto this thread & it covers a lot of areas on the forum - including what to take to hospital - those front 'do up' PJ tops will be great!!  We show off our furkids, art & craft, our gardens - and even get some laughs with the jokes!!  There are 'tick sheets' that you can fill in, to self asses yourself as you go thru your recovery xx. Take a copy along for your team to check out as well.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

I only had a lumpectomy - but my top tip is to NOT let the pain break thru after the surgery & when at home.   Keep the painkillers up to it, at the dose suggested. xx. Oooh - and take  earplugs AND an eye mask to the hospital with you, as they are noisy bright places & you'll NEED your sleep!!  Do the exercises that you are advised (don't OVER do them, or it may set you back ....) and accept ANY help that is offered to you from family & friends - be it mowing the lawn, meals or taking the kids on 'breaks' - so you have the best recovery.

Have you been assigned a Breast Care nurse yet?   Ask them about a Zonta Cushion .... when you go home, your arms may be more comfy at night if they are supported in bed.

Ask away, ANY questions - remember - there are NO silly questions.

take care & all the best xx

Hi @SF73

Good luck with your surgery. I only had a single mastectomy (no reconstruction) but had an axillary clearance (17 lymph nodes). I experienced very little pain with the mastectomy, my hospital was very keen on pain medication which is really good if you need it. Ultimately they were fine about my not doing so! You will have fluid drains for a while and may even be discharged with them so finding a useful way of carrying them around (small bags slung from the shoulder, for example) saves a lot of frustration or tripping over tubes. I only had them for a few days so deep dressing gown pockets worked well.

If you are fussy about tea or coffee, take supplies! Most hospital issue is horrible. I had exercises to do to improve arm mobility - there’s a fair bit of digging around for lymph nodes and your underarm may not feel as if it belongs to you at all for a while. I don’t know if a double mastectomy needs any additional care but I found the exercises easy, and had excellent mobility in my affected arm in a few days. If you can walk around somewhere or even sit outside, it’s good for you. Otherwise books, puzzles, music, whatever you prefer to fill in time, especially in the evenings (hospitals like very early evening meals!). 

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.