Tips for after surgery care

@4Coco - all the best for your surgery ..... lots of little things will make your recovery a lot easier ..... 

Yep - TOTALLY accept any help that is offered!! Before & after (frozen meals, walking the dog, picking up the kids etc)

Yep, be kind to yourself .... it takes a while to get over this train wreck since detection & diagnosis!  

Check out this post for lots of good tips .... 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/20232/hospital-bag-what-to-pack/p1

The little support pillow is VERY important, for driving home too (hug it to prevent jarring of your surgery areas.). Even driving over the gutter into your driveway will give you a shock!

Hospitals are well lit, noisy places .... take an 'airline' eye mask & earplugs!!  You'll need them for night!  Plus all the cords for your phone, iPad etc .... longish ones if you can ... the PowerPoints aren't always 'handy'!!    Front opening pyjamas .... you may not be able to put your arms up over your head for a day or so ..... AND TAKE ANY PAIN MEDS THAT THEY OFFER!!   Do NOT wait for the pain to kick in!!

Take care xx

Hi I had a mastectomy not lumpectomy but my top tips are:
1. take it easy both mentally and physically, you have had surgery and are having to wrap your head around the whole situation.
2. if anyone offers help, accept it.
3. Ask any questions on here , no question is too silly , we have all been there one way or another.
best wishes for your journey.
🌺

Many thanks for your responses  @Afraser  @Cath62  @iserbrown

@4Coco

We are all different in how surgery and recovery affects us

BCNA website is a wealth of information and this link should help you

"Surgery | Breast Cancer Network Australia" https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/

Hi @4Coco,

I had a lumpectomy. The hospital breast nurse gave me a little donut type pillow which was great under the armpit. I also found one of those boomerang pillows helpful too because you can't sleep on that side for awhile. I didn't have much pain but was uncomfortable.  

Shirts were great to wear. Also anything like a boobtube or firm camisoles were good to have a break from the surgical bras that hook up at the front. The hospital gave me a couple of those. You may need a dressing over any scar but depends where they cut you. 

I slept ok the first night because of all the anaesthetic. After that it was a bit off and on because of the swelling and discomfort. After a couple of weeks it was easier and within the month I could sleep on that side.

Take it easy for a few days and then gentle walks help. The breast care nurse gave me little exercises to do to help recovery.  Get a couple books of that appeals. Have a couple of meals ready. If you like music that's nice to listen to in hospital bring that if it helps you sleep or even a podcast or guided meditation. 

Wishing you all the best.

@4Coco

Fingers crossed, you may need very little. I had a mastectomy and had virtually no pain. I didn’t need any painkillers and just avoided lying on the relevant side for a while - more to guard against pulling any stitches rather than discomfort. But I’m sure others will have some useful tips! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.