Awaiting mastectomy and reconstruction

Hi Rachel,

I've just found your post as I am new to the sight, due to being advised that it is highly likely that I will be having a mastectomy .  I am so, so, so scared and the thought of being in surgery for so long and the recovery is absolutely crippling me.  I know I am lucky in a lot of ways, but I think it is ok to still freak out about the unknowns.  Reading your post and knowing that you have been through this so recently is assuring me.  I too have young boys and the thought of not being with them is awful. Now that you are on the other side of surgery, do you have any words of wisdom for someone about to experience what you did.  I am also in Adelaide.

Hi Paula,

Thanks for the reply and good wishes. I am having a TRAM FLAP reconstruction where the skin gets taken from the abdomen - I told my surgeon there's plenty there so take as much as you want...haha...

I'll be taking it easy as I'll be in hospital for 7 days an so im compiling a list of things to taken in.

Cheers

Rachel H

Hi Kazzi!

Great to hear from you. I keep forgetting to check any messages that I have on here...lol.

I'LL be having a tram flap reconstruction where the skin is taken from the abdomen and so I'll be having 3 drains in - 1 in the armpit, 1 in the breast and 1 in the abdomen. Have been told that i wont be moving much in the first 24 hours or so and having a catheter inserted as well. Never had one of those before.

Thanks for your reply and I'll update you soon. I know as the first 24 hours i'll be "zonked" a little, but Im getting my mum to bring in my laptop on the following day and getting the hospital to test it first. I dont know when i'll get back online after the operation but i hope it wont be that long after. I love this site and the facebook site I go on regularly called "adelaide breast cancer friendship group" which kind of keeps me sane and lets me vent! lol.

Cheers from Adelaide.

RH

Hi Melp27,

I live in Hackham West. I will be having the operation at Flinders Private. My surgeons are Dr Michael Eaton and Dr Nicholas Marshall who I am completely comfortable and confident with (which is important).

RH

Thanks Summerhill,

I am currently compiling a list of things to take in such as my laptop, a puzzle book, nintendo ds and some DVDs. My plastic surgeon told me yesterday that i'll be in theatre for most of the afternoon and not coming out until 8pm, but i suppose when you are under GA you dont know the time! LOL.  I'm having a TRAM FLAP reconstruction and having 3 drains in - one in my breast, one in my armpit and the other in my abdomen. Ive been told that i wont be moving much for the first 24 hours or so.

7 days in hospital..not going to be getting much sleep as they keep checking your obs every half hour or so...haha. Thanks for all your tips...greatly appreciated.

RH

Hi Rowdy

I am having a tram flap reconstruction which my plastic surgeon says that i;ll be in theatre for around 6-7 hours! That's including the mastectomy of course.haha.

Thanks

RH

Hi Shell,

Thanks for your reply. I keep forgetting to come back on this site to check on replies and messages...haha. Your comment about your drains brought a smile to my face. I am also having 3 drains in - one in my abdomen, one in my breast and one in my armpit...

I am having a TRAM FLAP reconstruction. My surgeons have been wonderful and I feel completely comfortable with them.

Cheers

RH

Hi Rachael, 

Wow that has come around quickly. Wishing you all the best for Friday. It all does sound scary when the dr goes into details. Just remember lots of us have been there and are here to hold your hand. If I remember from your previous post you are having a tissue transfer surgery. The first few days are the hardest, but also a bit of a blur and there will be lots of pain relief available. Once you are up and moving each day gets better. When you feel up to it or if you need more information request membership to the breast reconstruction page. There is lots of information and support available there from others who have had similar surgery. 

all the best. 

Paula :)

Hi Rachel,

I was wondering how you're going!  All the best for Friday.  Imagine us to be your own cyber cheer squad cheering you on from the side lines. 

As the surgery comes closer, it's normal to feel really nervous.  I don't have any advice for post reconstruction as I had my mastectomy 2 weeks ago and really wasn't in the position for immediate reconstruction as my boob from previous surgeries was so inflamed and I still didn't know what I was facing.  Reconstruction for me will be later.

Take analgesia that's offered which will allow you to move and get active as soon as possible. The underarm region can be more painful and that's usually where one of the drains is from.  The nurses gave me a little carry bag for the drain as I wandered the corridors and went home with the drain too.

All the best,

Karen xx

hi rachel im from adelaide also! good luck for your operation what hospital will you be in? I'm having reconstruction later this month so I cant help you with any tips thus far.