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Jazzie's avatar
Jazzie
Member
13 years ago

Just diagnosed

Hi everyone I'm 34 and was diagnosed on 7 January 2013 with Invasive Carcinoma grade 3 (still confused with all the lingo!!) I'm going to be having a mastectomy with tissue expanders then followed with chemo. My dr hasn't given details of what until I'm through surgery. This seems like a very silly question - but I'm unsure of what to expect after surgery. If any one could help with advice of what to take to hospital in regards to clothing etc would be wonderful. Thanks
young-women

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  • mummyrach's avatar
    mummyrach
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Jazzie, sorry you've had such a crappy start to the year. I was diagnosed last October with exactly the same, I also had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders and currently having chemo. The ladies have given you some great advice, one other thing is to make sure you do your arm exercises that the nurse gives you it makes a big difference. All the best with your operation. Rach
  • poppy7's avatar
    poppy7
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Jazzie, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I had a mastectomy on the 17th December and Im still quite tender under my arm. I found the bcna bra too uncomfortable to wear because of all the swelling, but if you have time, go to best and less and pick up their padded 'ahh bra' with the removable padding. You can then insert the soft form you receive into it. It is quite comfy and you can step into it. Have lots of button down shirts or really loose t shirts that you can pull your good arm out of and then slip off over your head. Dont forget chargers for all your electronics. Take all the pain killers they give you and keep it up when you get home. Expect good and bad days. Hope this helps a bit. Regards Vee

  • Jazzie's avatar
    Jazzie
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks so much for this. My mum had breast cancer as well but didn't have a full mastectomy so urged me to try and find some support groups who could help. Such a simple answer but means a lot, thank you x
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    Hi Jazzie,

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but you have found a great support group in the Young Pink Sisters.  And yes you will get to know all the lingo and terms.

    I had a Mastectomy and Diep flap reconstruction and was in hospital for 10 days- so a little different to what you are having- but here is my list of what to take to hospital

    I-Pod-I couldnt keep my eyes open at times post surgery, and couldnt concentrate on the TV or reading- so putting in the earphones, shutting my eyes and listening to my favourite music was great.

    Soap- take a nice soap or body wash- maybe you can suggest a friend buy some as a gift.

    Hair shampoo, conditioner

    Lip balm

    I wore the hospital gowns at night- my room was warm so I was sweaty at times- and would change after my shower in the morning into loose lightweight tracky daks. 

    I also bought some long-length shirts that button down the front a couple of sizes too big- again short sleeves as the hospital was warm.  Large t-shirts would be ok too.

    I wasnt allowed to lift my arm (side of mastectomy/sentinal node removal) so needed tops that would go through arm and over head easily (hence botton-thru are easier).  I also had drip and drains to work around. 

    Wear your pretty bras into hospital but make sure you take an old pair- minus underwires.  

    If there is a Bresat Care nurse at the hospital- contact her as she should be able to give you some suggestions re bras etc.

     

    All the best

    Carolyn